New Jersey is a treasure trove of cultural richness, and at the heart of our vibrant arts scene lies an enduring jewel: live music. From rock concerts by the shore to intimate jazz clubs, the Garden State pulsates with rhythm and melody. Among its most cherished institutions, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra stands as a beacon of classical excellence, and we at Explore New Jersey are thrilled to announce that they’re set to embark on their remarkable 106th season!
This is no small feat. The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra holds the distinction of being New Jersey’s oldest community orchestra and one of the longest continuously running in the entire United States, a testament to its deep roots and unwavering commitment to bringing world-class classical music to our local communities.
For a deeper dive into New Jersey’s rich musical heritage and vibrant live performances, be sure to visit our dedicated Explore New Jersey Music section!
Under the masterful baton of its acclaimed Music Director, Maestro Charles Prince, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra is preparing a season filled with timeless classics that promise to captivate and inspire. This upcoming season marks Maestro Prince’s 17th year at the helm, a true milestone that speaks volumes about his artistic vision and profound connection with the orchestra and its audiences. His leadership has been instrumental in solidifying the PSO’s reputation for delivering performances of exceptional quality.
A Glimpse into the 106th Season’s Masterpieces:
The 106th season promises a journey through some of classical music’s most beloved works, offering something for every classical music enthusiast:
- Season Opening Celebration: “Happy Birthday Maurice Ravel” (October 11, 2025): The season kicks off with a grand celebration honoring the 150th anniversary of Maurice Ravel’s birth. Audiences will be treated to a selection of his seminal works, including the elegant orchestral version of his Pavane for a Dead Princess, the instantly recognizable Bolero, and Ravel’s famous orchestration of Modest Mussorgsky’s captivating suite for piano, Pictures at an Exhibition.
- “A Vienna New Year’s Celebration” (November 22, 2025): Get into the festive spirit with a delightful “smorgasbord” of pieces by the incomparable Johann Strauss II. This concert will feature joyous overtures like Gypsy Baron and Die Fledermaus, the iconic Blue Danube and Tales from the Vienna Woods waltzes, and the lively Pizzicato and Thunder and Lightning polkas. It’s an evening designed to evoke the charm and elegance of a Viennese New Year.
- Annual Free Family Concert: “Swinging Valentines” (January 31, 2026): A wonderful opportunity for families to introduce young ones to the magic of live orchestral music. This concert will embrace the infectious rhythms of jazz, featuring notable works by legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, William Grant Still, and more. It’s a “Swinging” celebration designed to entertain and educate audiences of all ages.
- “Your Favorite Melodies” (March 14, 2026): This program is aptly named, featuring two enduringly popular masterpieces. The evening will showcase the lush and romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 by Sergei Rachmaninov, with returning piano soloist Itay Goren. Concluding this unforgettable concert will be Antonín Dvořák’s ever-popular Symphony No. 9 in E minor (“From the New World”), a journey through majestic themes and stirring melodies.
- Season Finale: “Tchaikovsky Festival” (April 18, 2026): The season culminates with a magnificent tribute to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The program will feature his technically dazzling and emotionally profound Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35, with the PSO’s own concertmaster, Evelyn Estava, as the featured soloist. This epic concerto will be paired with the intensely emotional Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 (“Pathétique”), a roller-coaster of human experience expressed through music.
The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1919 by a small group of passionate amateur musicians, has grown into a revered 70-piece ensemble that performs everything from Mozart to Duke Ellington. While many of its talented musicians are dedicated community members rather than full-time professionals, their collective passion and skill create performances of truly professional caliber. The orchestra’s mission extends beyond just concerts; it actively fosters music scholarships for students and provides educational programs, ensuring that the love of music continues to thrive in future generations.
The enduring success of the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra is a testament to the power of community, dedication, and the universal appeal of beautiful music. As one of the oldest continually running community orchestras in the nation, it serves as a vibrant reminder of New Jersey’s rich artistic legacy.
We invite you to join the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra for their 106th season and experience the power and familiarity of these iconic works live. Tickets are now on sale, and it’s an opportunity not to be missed to immerse yourself in the magic of classical music right here in the Garden State!
