West Jersey Music Academy to Host Internationally Acclaimed Soprano Othalie Graham for 1‑Night‑Only

MOORESTOWN, N.J. — South Jersey’s arts community is preparing for an unforgettable evening as West Jersey Music Academy (WJMA) welcomes world‑renowned soprano Othalie Graham as the featured guest artist for its upcoming gala, A Night of Music by Candlelight, on May 15 at the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown.

Graham, celebrated for her commanding stage presence and luminous vocal power, has performed principal roles with opera companies across the globe. Critics have praised her as “an excellent example of perfect chiaroscuro” and “the kind of voice and presence that will amaze and delight anyone.” Known for her ability to captivate even those who believe opera isn’t for them, she has been described as “stately and beautiful, generous and expressive in a restrained way,” with a dramatic voice that transforms audiences. 

For WJMA, her appearance is more than a performance — it’s a milestone.

“This is a once‑in‑a‑community moment,” the academy shared. “Having an artist of Othalie Graham’s caliber share the stage with our students and faculty is an honor we’ll be talking about for years.”

The candlelit gala will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and promises an atmosphere of elegance and celebration. Guests can expect an evening filled with live music, food and drinks, a silent auction, and raffle opportunities — all supporting WJMA’s mission to provide accessible, high‑quality music education in South Jersey.

In addition to featuring soprano Othalie Graham, the gala will also spotlight West Jersey Music Academy’s talented faculty. The evening will include performances and presentations by teachers Eddie McKeown, Bob Bross, Nicolette Muse, Rick Henry, Josiah Walton, Leanne Bourgeois, Wes Allen, and Iuliia Borisova, another classically trained international pianist whose artistry enriches the academy’s diverse musical offerings. Together, these educators represent the heart of WJMA’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, and community‑centered arts education. 

The event will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, 101 Bridgeboro Road, a venue known for its warm acoustics and intimate setting, making it an ideal backdrop for a performance of this magnitude.

West Jersey Music Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive, high‑quality music education and community arts programming throughout the Burlington County area. Proceeds from the gala will directly support scholarships, adaptive instruction, and outreach initiatives that make music accessible to all. 

Tickets and additional event details are available through WJMA’s official ticketing page. Or you can purchase your ticket here - zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wjma-music-by-candlelight-gala 

As anticipation builds, the academy encourages community members, music lovers, and supporters of the arts to secure their seats early. With Graham’s international acclaim and the academy’s growing reputation for exceptional programming, A Night of Music by Candlelight is poised to be one of the region’s standout cultural events of the year.