In a year of uncertainty, the musicians of the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) offer a December concert series full of celebration, hope, and gratitude. This Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the War Memorial in Trenton, CPNJ hosts a family-centered concert, showcasing holiday staples such as “O Holy Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “My Grown Up Christmas List” in Classical Christmas.

CPNJ Board President and longtime supporter of the arts in Trenton, Gloria Teti, reached out to the team at Capital Health with a special gift: free tickets to any nursing staff and their families who wish to attend the concert. 

“When we were able to safely come together and play live music again, we wanted to be able to recognize those that put their lives in jeopardy during the COVID-19 crisis, and Capital Health was the first place we wanted to go. They have been a long-time supporter of the orchestra and have been there for us every time – so we want to formally thank them,” said Teti. 

The afternoon concert will be preceded by a lobby reception with cocoa, cookies, and caroling for the families, followed by the ever-inspiring pre-concert organ holiday serenade on the impressive War Memorial Möller organ. As part of the celebration, CPNJ will give special acknowledgement at the beginning of the concert to the frontline health officials at Capital Health; a testimony to the gift that the arts have been throughout the pandemic to people across the world.

“The Capital Philharmonic of NJ reached out to us to recognize our health care workers for their tremendous efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The nursing staff is very excited and grateful for the tickets. They are all looking forward to the concert and are happy to be asked,” remarked Kate Stier, Director of Public Relations/Marketing at Capital Health.

The festivities feature several surprises and is hosted by soprano and New Jersey native Gianine Campbell. In addition to formerly holding the title of Miss Rhode Island, Campbell has performed locally all over the Greater Trenton and Philadelphia area. She will be joined by the full 70-member orchestra, virtuosic organist Brett Miller, and pianist Bob Egan. 

When asked about the relationship between arts and health, Teti enthusiastically remarked, “You really can’t have one without the other. We are learning every day that in every area of public health – mental, physical, therapeutic, etc. – the arts really are a universal language that contributes to healing.” 

On this in particular, Teti and Stier’s perspectives are in resounding harmony, “Capital Health has always had an excellent relationship with the arts programs in Trenton and Mercer County. We continue to work together to promote the arts when possible. As a health care system, we believe that it is important to have the arts as part of a full and healthy life.”

Join CPNJ in acknowledging front-line workers and bring the family for an afternoon of festivities and – at last – live concert music. Tickets are on sale now with special discounts for students, groups, and subscribers at capitalphilharmonic.org or by calling 609-656-3224. 

All adults and children over 12 years of age must show proof of vaccination and be masked. Children under the age of 12 may enter the theatre without proof of vaccination but must also be masked during their visit. CPNJ programs are made possible, in part, by the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage with support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts; a Partner Agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.

The Capital Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey was founded in the fall of 2013 in a quest to make Trenton a proud, culturally integrated, musical beacon of renewal. We believe that Trenton deserves investments in cultural leadership for our kids and seniors, our business community, our educators, and our civic entrepreneurs. Even in this short time, these groups have embraced our vision and awarded us sponsorships, partnerships, publicity, board service, and concert attendance. Our mission “to change lives and enhance quality of life by providing Trenton and its surrounding communities with a locally-based high quality professional symphony orchestra” continues to unfold successfully.