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November 2008 |
SPOTLIGHT ON... In the furtherance of our enthusiastic commitment to serving the charities we assist, Schiff Hardin's Tax-Exempt Organizations practice is proud to present our Philanthropic Spotlight. Each month, we will turn over the microphone to one of the many organizations we work with so that you can learn about some wonderful work that is being done to make the world a better place. With that, we are proud to introduce you to The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, with a mission to commit with equal passion to artistic excellence and community engagement, comprises some of the country's finest musicians, led by musical director Neeme Järvi. The ensemble is a balanced blend of seasoned veterans — several have been with the orchestra for more than 25 years — and passionate young performers from the nation's leading conservatories. The 2008-09 season — the Orchestra's 86th season — marks the fourth year of Maestro Järvi's leadership as Music Director. The NJSO is proud to engage audiences throughout the state. The Orchestra fulfills a unique mission by providing more than 250 performances each year from Bergen to Cape May County. Classical, POPS and Family subscription concerts are the heart of each season and are presented in seven different locations — Englewood, Morristown, New Brunswick, Newark, Princeton, Red Bank and Trenton. To continue its mission, the Orchestra has added the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn as an eighth venue beginning in the 2008-09 season to broaden the Orchestra's accessibility. Continuing its reputation for leadership in programming, the NJSO introduces a new series this season: "Best of...", a set of four thematic programs that illuminate classical repertoire for all audiences. With each Best of... concert crafted around a central idea — "Best of Beethoven" and "Best of Shakespearean Romance" are two of this year's programs — concertgoers can enjoy world-class classical music in an innovative context. Five Pops programs, a three-concert Family Series, free summer performances in parks, other special events and annual partnerships with other non-profit organizations round out each season. The Orchestra offers wide-ranging educational programs, reaching students in all 21 New Jersey counties with a variety of programs from ensemble performances via its Resources for Education And Community Harmony (REACH) program to its full orchestral concert tours for schoolchildren. The NJSO sponsors a tuition-free Greater Newark Youth Orchestra program for students in the Newark area. The NJSO's presence in public schools through its renowned Newark Early Strings Program (NESP) has garnered widespread attention; a Columbia University Teachers College February 2008 assessment report found links between the NESP program and participating students' academic success and self-esteem. The NESP — which during the 2006-2007 school year attracted approximately 600 students — is a comprehensive approach to string training that has implemented pilot strings programs within ten Newark public schools and developed collaborations between the NJSO and in-school music teachers. As part of the multi-pronged program, NJSO musicians give bi-weekly group violin lessons to second- through fourth-grade students who receive weekly violin lessons from their school music teachers. NJSO events attract major business, philanthropic and state leaders. One of New Jersey's premiere special events, Symphony Palace Ball — the Orchestra's annual fundraiser — transports attendees to a new exotic location each year. This April, guests traveled back in time to Buenos Aires, 1956. On September 26, a special Opening Night Celebration honored Victor Parsonnet, M.D., Board Chairman Emeritus, for his lifelong devotion to improving Newark's arts, healthcare and social-outreach efforts. To view the full 2008-09 program listings and for other information on the NJSO's musical and community programs, visit www.njsymphony.org. RECENT PUBLICATIONS
ABOUT SCHIFF HARDIN LLP Schiff Hardin LLP is enthusiastically committed to serving the legal needs of tax-exempt organizations, matched by significant experience and practice capabilities in this area. Our attorneys provide comprehensive counsel to a wide array of public and private philanthropic, health care, medical and scientific research, housing, neighborhood redevelopment, cultural, artistic, civic, college and educational, and religious organizations, as well as social welfare organizations, trade associations and business leagues, business and housing cooperatives, and professional fundraisers.  |
