Symphony performance part of anniversary fest

By: Stephanie Prokop
   BORDENTOWN CITY—The Downtown Bordentown Association is encouraging everyone to enjoy an afternoon at the symphony, featuring the Eastern Wind Symphony conducted by William Silvester.
   A concert in September featuring the ensemble will celebrate the Bordentown City’s 325th anniversary, said C.J. Mugavero, DBA member and organizer of the event.
   Ms. Mugavero said that the DBA is "really excited" about bringing this type of entertainment to the area, and hopes this will be the beginning of many visits by Dr. Silvester and the symphony to the Bordentown City area.
   The symphony members are primarily music educators and alumni of The College of New Jersey. They have traveled all over the United States and abroad playing various venues. The group also includes freelance performers and many who work in the fields of business and science.
   According to a short biography on its Web site, the Eastern Wind Symphony "enjoy performing in such a high-caliber ensemble without consideration of monetary remuneration." Their reward, they say, is musical enjoyment at its highest level—music for music’s sake.
   Ms. Mugavero said she came across the group almost five years ago when she was organizing another event.
   "I organized a tribute for a Sept. 11 memorial in Allentown," said Ms. Mugavero. "I was looking for a symphony to play some Army band songs," she added.
   Ms. Mugavero said there is a group rate for senior citizens, which is $10 per person, and that the DBA is trying to reach out to various adult communities so that everyone has a chance to purchase tickets.
   "We’re very excited to have a band of this caliber come here, we tried to keep the prices reachable, and people that frequent the symphony know this is a good deal," she added.
   Doug Palmieri, owner of the Old Book Shop on Farnsworth Avenue, said his store is one place where people can go to purchase tickets with cash or credit card.
   "It’s … along the lines of what the Boston Pops is so well known for," he said of the musical style that attendees can expect. "I doubt anyone is going to be falling asleep at this concert," he added.
The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sept. 16 and costs $15 admission, with a $9 admission fee for students and $6 for children aged 12. A group rate for senior citizens is $10 per person..
   Anyone interested in purchasing tickets may do so by calling (609) 324-9909.