Princeton Symphony Orchestra Partnership
The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey (YOCJ) and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) began a partnership in 2020 to advance excellence in orchestral performance and foster a greater connection between Central Jersey’s young musicians and their professional counterparts. Integral to the partnership, the PSO expanded its assistant conductor position to include leadership of the youth orchestra’s Symphonic Orchestra. The partnership is the formalization of an ongoing relationship established through the PSO’s BRAVO! Education Program which encourages young musicians and their families to be exposed to extensive performance repertoire and be inspired by professional artists. YOCJ students benefit from the sectional coaching of the outstanding PSO musicians. Because of the great inspirational value of hearing professional musicians perform, YOCJ places a strong emphasis on our students attending as many concerts as possible by the PSO, who provides discount tickets to all YOCJ families and friends.
2024-2025
Our spring “Field Trip” this season will take place in March 2025 at a PSO concert that features Sō Percussion, a local ensemble based in Princeton NJ. Additionally, YOCJ and PSO will partner to have the YOCJ Percussion Ensemble attend an open rehearsal and interact with the members of Sō Percussion as well!
The March 11th Spring Masterclasses will feature PSO clinicians for the string, brass, and percussion masterclasses.
Before the YOCJ season even began, we were thrilled that 9 select members of the Symphonic Orchestra participated in the season opening concert of the PSO on September 14 & 15. This performance featured the need for youth orchestra participation in the selection, Manta by Gemma Peacocke. Our participating students enjoyed sitting up front in the inner circle, directly under the baton of Rossen Milanov!
ABOUT THE PRINCETON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is a cultural centerpiece of the Princeton community and one of New Jersey’s finest music organizations, a position established through performances of beloved masterworks, innovative music by living composers, and an extensive network of educational programs offered to area students free of charge. Led by Edward T. Cone Music Director Rossen Milanov, the PSO presents orchestral, pops, and chamber music programs of the highest artistic quality, supported by lectures and related events that supplement the concert experience. Through PSO BRAVO!, the orchestra produces wide-reaching and impactful education programs in partnership with local schools and arts organizations that culminate in students attending a live orchestral performance. The PSO receives considerable support from the Princeton community and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, regularly garnering NJSCA’s highest honor. Recognition of engaging residencies and concerts has come from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the PSO’s commitment to new music has been acknowledged with an ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming and a Copland Fund Award. The only independent, professional orchestra to make its home in Princeton, the PSO performs at historic Richardson Auditorium on the campus of Princeton University.
