HISTORY
The Colonial Symphony was started in 1950 by a group of engineers at Bell Labs and was brought into existence to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, both in performances and business practices. Over its fifty-six year history the Colonial Symphony has achieved a number of notable successes including;
Receiving a National Endowment for the Arts grant in 2001-2002. The CS is the only regional New Jersey orchestra to receive a NEA grant in the last five years.
In 1950 the Colonial Symphony was one of the first orchestras in America to offer a pre-concert lecture before every concert, an example of the orchestra's vision and emphasis on education. For 16 years the pre-concert lecturer was noted musicologist Martin Bookspan.
Earning a reputation as the New Jersey orchestra that most vigorously supports outstanding contemporary composers and New Jersey performers, while also bringing the traditional repertory to vibrant life.
The Colonial Symphony was the first regional orchestra to have a Composer-in-Residence program, and it is still unique in scope. Currently featuring Morristown-based composer David Sampson, the program emphasizes educating the public as well as developing contemporary music and nurturing composers.
Madison, Montclair, Morristown, Newark, Patterson, and Randolph. Currently with funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the Colonial Symphony is developing a program that creates synergy between poetry and classical music.
Performing in the Community Theatre in Morristown, with five major concert events a year plus numerous other performances of chamber music, musicales, and performances over New Year's Eve and in the summer.
Never in its history being in debt.
A history of hiring artistic leaders of international scope. The Colonial Symphony has had five outstanding conductors in its fifty-six years of existence, and has just engaged its sixth, Maestro Paul Hostetter, who is poised to bring a new level of excitement, innovation, educational vision, and artistic excellence to the Colonial Symphony.
