The unifying power of music.
Founded in 1970 as the Somerset County College Orchestra by Fred Stillwell and Donald Bowers, our members come from seven counties in Central New Jersey. Daniel Schuman served as the first music director. Upon his retirement in 1985, the orchestra changed its name to the Central Jersey Symphony. Roger Briscoe, Professor of Music at the college, became Music Director and began a closer association between the CJSO and Raritan Valley Community College.
For sixteen seasons the orchestra presented six to eight concerts per season, performing the standard orchestral repertoire. At its Gala 10th anniversary concert (under the new name) in May 1995, the orchestra completed a cycle of the nine Beethoven symphonies with a sold-out performance of the Ninth Symphony. In the following year, it presented an acclaimed concert of "Music of the Holocaust at Terezin". In 1998, the orchestra began a cultural exchange with Lithuania, presenting Lithuanian guest artists making their U.S. debut. These artists were then accompanied by Maestro Briscoe on two trips back to Lithuania.
The CJSO has always been committed to presenting the works of New Jersey composers. During several seasons the orchestra presented world premieres by composers such as Mario Lombardo and John Sichel. In addition, works by David Rimelis and David Sampson have also been presented.
In 2002, with a need for greater autonomy, the CJSO re-organized as an independent nonprofit organization. The events of September 11, 2001 had taken a severe toll on the orchestra's funding, and the newly-formed Board of Directors found itself in a unique position: leading a long-established arts organization with a brand-new artistic mission. During the following six seasons,the CJSO began to perform in various venues around Somerset County, including the Somerset County Vocational-Technical School, Bridgewater-Raritan High School, and Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School.
During Dr. Briscoe's sabbatical leave in 2004-05, concertmaster Michael Avagliano stepped onto the podium for the first time to lead the orchestra. His work with the ensemble was so outstanding he was asked to become the CJSO's third Music Director upon Briscoe's retirement, beginning with the 2008-09 season. The orchestra returned to the Nash Theatre at RVCC for Dr. Briscoe's final concert in May 2008.
With the continuing leadership of the Board of Directors and Music Director Michael Avagliano, the CJSO has developed a collaboration to present the orchestra "in residence" at Raritan Valley Community College. While retaining its independent nonprofit status, the CJSO will perform at the Nash Theatre and allow the College's students the opportunity to perform with the orchestra. In addition, the CJSO remains committed to presenting New Jersey artists and composers, including some of today's finest young musicians. These exciting developments signal the beginning of a new era for the CJSO, as the orchestra looks to expand its concert season and reach out to new audiences across the central New Jersey region.
In 2021, the orchestra rebranded as the Somerset Symphony Orchestra to reflect our close ties with Somerset County, New Jersey.
Michael Avagliano - Director
Michael Avagliano has served as music director of the CJSO since 2008. Previously, Mr. Avagliano led the Manalapan Symphony as music director for four seasons, and he also worked as a cover conductor for the Lafayette Symphony and the National Orchestral Institute at the University of Maryland. Mr. Avagliano is increasingly in demand as a guest conductor, making his European debut with the Pleven Philharmonic in Bulgaria. Recent appearances include the Plainfield Symphony, the Northern Dutchess Symphony in New York, and the Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey. The Allentown Symphony also named Mr. Avagliano as a Conducting Fellow for the 2011-12 season. Under Mr. Avaliano's leadership, the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra has drawn acclaim for a transformation in artistic achievement from audiences and critics alike. Recently, the orchestra was a runner-up for the American Prize, awarded each year for excellence in orchestral performance.
Mr. Avagliano has performed with the New Jersey Symphony, the Singapore Symphony, and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. In recent seasons he has appeared as soloist with the New Sussex Symphony, the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and the New Jersey Youth Symphony, as well as in solo recital engagements in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Also an active freelance musician, Mr. Avagliano frequently performs with several orchestras in the region, including the Harrisburg Symphony, the Westfield Symphony, and the Princeton Symphony. He currently serves as concertmaster of the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and principal second violin of the Plainfield Symphony.
As a member of the critically acclaimed Madison String Quartet, Mr. Avagliano has performed on chamber series throughout the United States. Highlights of recent seasons include appearances at the Kenai Peninsula Festival in Alaska, the Rhinebeck Chamber Series in New York, the Mozart and Friends series in Princeton, and the Pennsylvania Consort. He has also served as concertmaster for many orchestras and summer festivals, including the Garden State Philharmonic, the Plainfield Symphony, and the Lafayette and Marion symphonies in Indiana. Praised for his versatility as a musician, Mr. Avagliano covers a wide variety of musical genres, having worked with artists ranging from Jaime Laredo and Seiji Ozawa to the Moody Blues and Ray Charles.
Also an accomplished violist, he has performed at the Killington Music Festival, the Brevard Music Center and with the Singapore Symphony in that capacity.
Board of Directors
Fatima Magboul - President
Scott Hawkinson - Vice-President & Audio Archivist
Andrew Silbert - Secretary
R. Douglas Helvering, DMA - Treasurer
Megan Helvering - Development Assistant
George Berry - Public/Media Relations
Massimo DiCiaula - Digital Marketing
David Holmgren
Gemma Waylett - Website & Graphic Design
Michael Avagliano - Ex Officio
Roger Briscoe - Music Director Emeritus
The CJSO is a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code. The orchestra derives the major portion of its funding from generous donations and grants from individuals, corporations, and government arts and culture divisions.
Visit our Support page to learn more information about how you can make a difference. Support the CJSO today!
If you have questions about how you can financially support the orchestra, contact Megan Helvering, our fundraising and grants coordinator..
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Interested in becoming a member of the Somerset Symphony Orchestra or getting involved in some way? Feel free to contact us with any questions!
