Ars Nova 2011: Building Dreams: A Musical Tribute to Designer and Builder Michael Galgano

Bergen Community College presents the concert “Ars Nova 2011: Building Dreams: A Musical Tribute to Designer and Builder Michael Galgano,” who was instrumental in the construction of the College’s Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre and other buildings throughout Bergen County. Mr. Galgano passed away in 2010.

The concert features performances by The Art of Motion Dance Theatre from Ridgewood, N.J., including Bergen Adjunct Professors Lynn Needle and Janet Dishuk as well as special guests Bergen Professors John LaBarbera, Scott Simpson, Dr. Linda Marcel, Sue Williams and many others. Bergen Professor Jared Saltzman will host the concert and Olivia Galgano, a Bergen adjunct faculty member and widow of Michael Galgano, is directing the performance.

Michael Galgano served as the owner’s representative –construction project manager for Bergen Community College. In the late 1980s, he worked closely with architect Frederic A. Rosen, and theatre consultant Peter George, who designed the layout of the 300-seat Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre to meet the needs of the institution and surrounding community. Mr. Galgano also was responsible for overseeing the building and construction of the theatre. The groundbreaking ceremony for the theatre took place in 1989 and the first performance was held in 1992. 

“Michael Galgano believed in the importance of education and hard work,” said Olivia Galgano. “The construction of the theatre was especially rewarding to my husband because he understood how beneficial this type of venue would be to the surrounding community. This was the last project that he completed before his retirement.”

In addition to his work at Bergen, Mr. Galgano also assisted in the construction of various buildings in Bergen County including Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, International Flavors and Fragrances in Teterboro, and Country Club Plaza in Paramus. 

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $7 for students, senior citizens (65 years of age and older), and the College community. All proceeds from the concert will be used to establish the Michael Galgano Scholarship Fund.