NJ Wind Ensemble Gears Up For 40th Anniversary Season In Ridgewood

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Founded in 1983 in Ridgewood, the New Jersey Wind Symphony is reflecting on years of music-making and live performance history, as the ensemble gears up for its 40th anniversary season.

New Jersey Wind Symphony, founded as the Ridgewood Concert Band, is opening its anniversary season on Nov. 6 with a concert featuring guest conductor Johan de Meij, an internationally known Dutch composer who lived in Ridgewood for several years.

All five of the 2022-23 Concert Series performances will be held at Ridgewood's West Side Presbyterian Church, which has been the ensemble's "home venue" for many of its concert seasons, Publicity Committee Chair Beth Seavers said.

The season will feature world-class soloists, premieres of new works and the sound audiences have come to love over the past 40 years.

Although the ensemble has grown within the area, state and beyond; and changed its name to align with this wider reach, Ridgewood — the place where the ensemble was founded and performs most often — is still considered "home," Seavers said.

Several members are also Ridgewood residents, though membership is made up of residents throughout the area from various backgrounds and walks of life.

NJWS' Music Director Christian Wilhjelm, who has led the ensemble since its inception, lives in nearby Glen Rock. Guest soloists from the New York Philharmonic, Joe Alessi (trombone) and Chris Martin (trumpet), will also perform with the band this season.

"We also look to the future of our ensemble, and music in general," Seavers said, "by engaging with young musicians."

Continuing with an NJWS tradition, musical ensembles from local schools will perform concert preludes. Additionally, high school musicians will perform with the ensemble at its Side by Side concert in May.

"It gives us great joy to perform with and encourage the next generation of musicians," Seavers added.