Our Mission
We endeavor to accomplish our mission in the following ways:
The Central Jersey Symphony is a community orchestra of 60 players, made up of amateur and professional musicians from all walks of life. The CJSO musicians are a fair representation of the community. CJSO HistoryFounded in 1970 as the Somerset County College Orchestra by Fred Stillwell and Donald Bowers, its members come from seven counties in Central New Jersey. Daniel Schuman served as the first music director. Upon his retirement in 1985, the orchestra changed its name to the Central Jersey Symphony. Roger Briscoe, Professor of Music at the college, became Music Director and began a closer association between the CJSO and Raritan Valley Community College. For sixteen seasons the orchestra presented six to eight concerts per season, performing the standard orchestral repertoire. At its Gala 10th anniversary concert in May 1995, the orchestra completed a cycle of the nine Beethoven symphonies with a sold-out performance of the Ninth Symphony. In the following year, it presented an acclaimed concert of "Music of the Holocaust at Terezin". In 1998, the orchestra began a cultural exchange with Lithuania, presenting Lithuanian guest artists making their U.S. debut. These artists were then accompanied by Maestro Briscoe on two trips back to Lithuania. The CJSO has always been committed to presenting the works of New Jersey composers as well. During several seasons the orchestra presented world premieres by composers such as Mario Lombardo and John Sichel. In addition, works by David Rimelis and David Sampson have also been presented. In 2002, with a need for greater autonomy, the CJSO re-organized as an independent nonprofit organization. The events of September 11, 2001 had taken a severe toll on the orchestra's funding, and the newly-formed Board of Directors found itself in a unique position: leading a long-established arts organization with a brand-new artistic mission. During the following six seasons,the CJSO began to perform in various venues around Somerset County, including the Somerset County Vocational-Technical School, Bridgewater-Raritan High School, and Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School. During Dr. Briscoe's sabbatical leave in 2004-05, concertmaster Michael Avagliano stepped onto the podium for the first time to lead the orchestra. His work with the ensemble was so outstanding he was asked to become the CJSO's third Music Director upon Briscoe's retirement, beginning with the 2008-09 season. The orchestra returned to the Nash Theatre at RVCC for Dr. Briscoe's final concert in May 2008. With the leadership of the Board of Directors and new Music Director Michael Avagliano, the CJSO has developed a collaboration to present the orchestra "in residence" at Raritan Valley Community College. While retaining its independent nonprofit status, the CJSO will perform at the Nash Theatre and allow the College's students the opportunity to perform with the orchestra. In addition, the CJSO remains committed to presenting New Jersey artists and composers, including some of today's finest young musicians. These exciting developments signal the beginning of a new era for the CJSO, as the orchestra looks to expand its concert season and reach out to new audiences across the central New Jersey region. The CJSO is a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The orchestra derives the major portion of its funding from generous donations and grants from individuals, corporations, and small businesses. CJSO Board of Directors
Scott Hawkinson, President |
The mission of the Central Jersey Symphony is to enrich the community
by inspiring a love of music through exciting performances, innovative programming, and educational outreach.