About the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra

Chamber Music opportunities for students include: The Anne Lieberson Ensemble, a string quartet coached by Symphony violist Martin Andersen, named in honor of a devoted music lover, violinist and teacher; The Academy Wind Quintet, newly-formed in 2022—23 under the direction of Symphony principal bassoonist Robert Wagner; and The Curtland E. Fields Ensemble, featuring students in the Training Ensemble and String Ensemble playing side-by-side with Peer Mentors and Symphony coaches.

The 2022—23 Anne Lieberson Ensemble includes Allison Lee and Timothy Shi (violins), Vihaan Agarwal (viola) and Annamaria Witek (cello).

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Peer Mentors provide encouragement and support to students in the Training Ensemble. Volunteers from Academy Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra assist coaches and conductors in classes and rehearsals. Mentors are an integral part of the learning environment, and they receive community service credit for their volunteer hours. ***

The Henry Lewis Concerto Competition was named in honor of the 2015 induction of former New Jersey Symphony Music Director Henry Lewis into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. Lewis broke racial barriers in the music world as the first African-American music director of a major American orchestra when he was appointed by the Symphony (1968-76). During his tenure, Lewis brought the Symphony into a new era of highprofile musical activity and community engagement. The Youth Orchestra continues Lewis’ legacy by providing members of Academy Orchestra with opportunities to perform as featured soloists. The 2023 winner, clarinetist Timothy Lien, will perform in this summer’s New Jersey Symphony Parks Concerts.

Board of Trustees

Ann D. Borowiec, Co-Chair

Robert C. Garrett, Co-Chair

Craig Silliman, Vice Chair

Christopher Petermann, Vice Chair/Treasurer

Carmen A. Corrales, Secretary

Dr. Victor Parsonnet, Chairman Emeritus

Norman D. Slonaker, Immediate Past Co-Chair

Gabriel van Aalst, President & CEO

Joseph Accardo

Martin Andersen*

Audrey Bartner

Robert Beylickjian

Heather R. Boshak

Linda M. Bowden