The Discovery Orchestra, the Emmy-nominated New Jersey-based orchestra, is inviting Verona residents to attend the television taping of its sixth national television special. Residents have the opportunity to be on hand as the group makes a welcome return to the concert stage after a pandemic break for an exploration of French composer Camille Saint-Saëns epic masterwork Symphony No. 3 in C Minor (the “Organ” Symphony) on Sunday, September 18 at 2:45 p.m. The orchestra, which has introduced millions around the world to the joys of listening to classical music, is offering free tickets to individuals and groups to the concert, which will be taped for broadcast at the Hauser Auditorium at the Pingry School in Basking Ridge.
Comprised of a diverse roster of virtuoso musicians, The Discovery Orchestra introduces classical music to the masses through entertaining and informative interactive performances, or Discovery Concerts. Its television specials are Emmy Award-nominated and Telly Award-winning and include Bach to the Future, Discover Beethoven’s 5th, Discover Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Fall in Love with Music and Discover The Firebird. Discover Saint-Saëns’ “Organ” Symphony is projected to begin a three-year national distribution by American Public Television in May 2023.
Discover Saint-Saëns’ “Organ” Symphony will feature Plainfield-based organist Mark Miller (pictured above) and West Nyack-based concertmaster Peter Winograd. Composed in 1886 and premiered the same year in London, the majestic masterpiece was such an overwhelming success that Saint-Saëns was quoted as saying, “I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again.” In this one-hour special led by its founder and artistic director George Marriner Maull, The Discovery Orchestra will share an interactive exploration of the breathtaking Finale of Symphony No. 3, which was musically adapted for use in the score for the 1995 family film Babe and its 1998 sequel Babe: Pig in the City.
“The Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 Finale is one of the most uplifting compositions ever written by any composer, and we aim to transport audiences into the heart of this piece for a powerful boost to everyone navigating these most difficult times,” said Maull.
Free tickets — for individuals and groups of up to 25 — are available by visiting www.discoveryorchestra.org/discover-saint-saens or calling 973-379-2200. Only ages 8 and up will be admitted. Attendees are asked to arrive on time in their Sunday best for the taping, which runs from 2:45 to 4:30 p.m.
Pingry’s Hauser Auditorium is located at 131 Martinsville Road in Basking Ridge. Pingry is an accessible facility, and The Discovery Orchestra is committed to accessibility. Upon request, and with two weeks’ notice, specific accommodations for large print programs, Braille materials and audio described services will be made, subject to the group’s available resources.
The concert is being made possible by generous support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as Michael J. Johnston, Kosloski Family Foundation, David & Ellen Williams, Bill & Patricia O’Connor Charitable Fund, F.M. Kirby Foundation, Elliot & MaryJeanette Dee, Bob & Cynthia Hamburger, Main Street Wealth Management and Mr. & Mrs. Sterling L. Pierson.
To find out more about The Discovery Orchestra, visit https://discoveryorchestra.org/. Connect with the Orchestra on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
