March 23rd in Metuchen

Press Release

METUCHEN – The Metuchen Arts Council and The First Presbyterian Church will host a chamber music concert featuring a string quartet from the Chamber Players of New Jersey Symphony Orchestra on Friday, March 23, at 8 pm. at the Church’s Social Center located at 270 Woodbridge Avenue in Metuchen.   The program will celebrate Hispanic cultures with a captivating program devoted the music of some of Latin America’s most distinguished composers.

Pioneering Latin American composers produced a rich legacy of music in the 19th and early 20th centuries that combined western classical traditions with indigenous folk songs and rhythms resulting in distinct national styles in countries such as Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rio and Mexico.  Featured composers in the program include Abelardo Valdez, Consuelo Velazquez, George Bizet, Juan Crisostomo de Arriaga, Jose Ignacio Quinton, Angel Villoldo, Carlos Gardel and Alma Llanera.

Making up the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra String Quartet are Héctór Falcon and Ming Yang on violin, Michael Stewart on viola and Frances Rowell on cello.  (Bio’s attached)

This is the second year the Arts Council is bring the NJSO String Quartet to Metuchen.  “The Arts Council is pleased to, once again, partner with the First Presbyterian Church to offer this rich music experience to the community,” said concert organizer and Arts Council member Judy Yin-Chi Lee.  She added, “Since the community has expressed such an interest in these informal, intimate classical music presentations, we will be following up with two more chamber programs later this year, dates to be announced shortly.”

Tickets for the Hispanic Roots Chamber Music presentation on March 23rd are $15 ($10 with proof of purchase from a downtown Metuchen restaurant or a donation to the First Presbyterian Church’s food pantry).  Children twelve years of age and under are free.  The public is invited to stay after the performance to meet the musicians and enjoy light refreshments.  For reservation, call the Metuchen Arts & Recreation Office at: 732-632-8502.

The First Presbyterian Church Community Hall is located at 270 Woodbridge Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840.  Parking and Community Hall entrance is in the rear of the building.  The hall is handicap accessible.

Grant funding for this program has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State.