The Leonia Chamber Musicians Society Launches New Season With Benefit and Concert Series

The Leonia Chamber Musicians Society, Inc. will launch the new season with the annual Home Gala Benefit in October, followed by the start of the 2017-2018 concert series in November in Leonia, New Jersey.

The new season will begin with the annual Home Gala Benefit held at a private home in the borough on October 22 at 7:30 p.m. The benefit will feature short, classical music selections performed by The Leonia Chamber Musicians Society's members Theresa Norris, flute; Marsha Heller, oboe; Roy Lewis, violin; Maggie Speier, viola; and Daryl Goldberg, cello.

During the benefit, The Leonia Chamber Musicians Society’s professional musicians, drawn from the major concert halls in New York City and worldwide, will generate the excitement of a live performance. A reception of elegant desserts and champagne will be served.

All proceeds from this special event will support The Leonia Chamber Musicians Society, Inc.'s 2017-2018 concert season and the organization's mission to enrich the community's cultural environment by presenting a series of high quality, affordable, and accessible chamber music concerts. Admission is $50 per person and tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

As seating is limited, reservations are highly recommended. For reservations and information, contact Ms. Daryl Goldberg at 201-947-3923 or dgcello@aol.com.

2017-2018 Season

The new concert series will begin Sunday, November 5, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at the Leonia United Methodist Church, 396 Broad Avenue in Leonia. The program, 'Autumn Delights', will include repertoire favorites by Johannes Brahms, Antonín Leopold Dvořák, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with guest artists Cynthia Phelps, viola, of the New York Philharmonic and well known soloist and chamber musician Ronald Thomas, cello.

A special feature will be a new composition for violin and oboe played by Cenovia Cummins, violin and Marsha Heller, oboe. Other performers will include Roy Lewis, violin; Maggie Speier, viola; Daryl Goldberg, cello; Theresa Norris, flute; Chris Cullen, clarinet; Atsuko Sato, bassoon; and RJ Kelley, French horn.

The second concert, 'A Passion for Music', will highlight soprano Wonjung Kim singing George Frideric Handel's arias and the gorgeous Dvorak String Quintet for Two Violins, Viola, Cello and Double Bass. The concert will be performed on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.

The season will close on Sunday, April 8, 2018 with 'Timeless Romantics: Bridging the 19th and 20th Centuries' at 4:00 p.m. The concert will present melodic music by Ernest Dohnányi, Louise Farrenc and Francis Poulenc.

The season's second and third concerts will take place at All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 150 Park Avenue in the borough. The site is handicapped accessible. The audience is invited to meet the musicians, make new friends, and enjoy refreshments after each concert. Concert series tickets may be purchased at the door for $30 adults, $25 seniors, and students, under age 18, will be admitted free. A special subscription rate is offered for all three concerts: $80 for adults, ages 18 and over, and $65 for seniors.

Free Holiday Concert

In association with the Leonia Public Library, a special Holiday Concert will be presented free to the community on Monday, December 4, 2017. The festive event will be performed at 7:00 p.m. at the Library, located at 227 Fort Lee Rd. in the borough.