The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) will perform a family concert to benefit Fisherman’s Mark on Sunday, June 5 at 5PM at South Hunterdon Regional High School. The concert is made possible by a grant from the NJ State Council on the Arts designed for outreach into new communities.
CPNJ designated Fisherman’s Mark as the recipient of the concert’s proceeds in recognition of its heroic response to Hurricane Ida, which devastated large swathes of the town of Lambertville, NJ in September 2021. Proceeds from the concert will be directed to Fisherman’s Mark Hurricane Ida Relief Fund, assisting those still in need of help.
In keeping with Fisherman’s Mark values, the program chosen is great for adults and children alike. It will treat the audience to such playful and expressive pieces as “Carnival of the Animals” by composer Saint-Saens and the notoriously fast-paced and high-energy “Flight of the Bumblebee” by Rimsky-Korsakov, heard in multiple Disney cartoons, among others. WWFM host David Osenberg narrates.
“We are so proud to be the recipient of the proceeds from this benefit concert,” said Jennifer Williford, Executive Director of Fisherman’s Mark. “Although Hurricane Ida is in the past, the damage it wreaked is still very much with us. CPNJ’s funding will help families still trying to put their lives back together as it brings the joy and fellowship of music into our community. Thanks are due to CPNJ, the NJ State Council on the Arts, and to Lambertville mayor Andrew Nowick who championed us.
“The partnership between the City of Lambertville and Fisherman’s Mark is never far from my mind,” said Mayor Nowick. “I’m pleased that CPNJ thought of us and we have the opportunity to remind the broader community that help is still needed.”
Hurricane Ida is on record as the second costliest storm in the Northeast (behind only Hurricane Sandy in 2012) and the fifth costliest in the U.S. Over sixty families to date have benefited from the relief fund set up by Fisherman’s Mark.
Kate Mulligan, Executive Director of CPNJ is a resident of Frenchtown, NJ who spends much of her time in Lambertville. ““The storm was a huge shock and has had a lasting impact on the community. I’m so happy that CPNJ is partnering with such an outstanding and worthy organization to bring back awareness and raise some funds to help. There’s clearly a need and things have only gotten worse in terms of affordability.”
In addition to benefiting those affected by the hurricane, by covering the cost of the CPNJ musicians, the NJ State Council on the Arts grant employs artists hit hard by the pandemic.
Kate Mulligan can’t wait. “Families don’t often get the chance to see an orchestra and South Hunterdon Regional High School has a beautiful auditorium. It’s near Lambertville, it’s easy to get to, and there’s tons of parking. It’ll be a great concert.”
Tickets to the June 5th performance can be purchased online at https://www.showpass.com/capital-philharmonic-of-nj-benefit-concert-for-hurricane-ida-relief/.