Community Corner

A Sparkly Start to Summer with Music at Moorland

Benefit for Somerset Medical Center Features NJ Symphony Orchestra, Grucci Fireworks and fun for families.

Sometimes there's just not enough time in the day, but each week, Patch will give you an idea of something to do to relax, spend time with family and just take some time for yourself.

Music at Moorland, a much-anticipated Somerset Hills event for young and old alike, again will offer a special summer evening of family fun, classical music and awe-inspiring fireworks on the lawn of Moorland Farm in Far Hills.

The 11th annual benefit and gala of social glamor, world-class music and fireworks will be presented on Thursday night as a fundraiser for the Somerset Medical Center Foundation for the regional medical center in Somerville.

Once again, the Grammy Award-winning New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will present the evening's program, this year under the the direction of guest conductor Emil De Cou. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The symphony's performance begins at 7:30. Fireworks at nightfall.

Also back for another world-class performance is Fireworks by Grucci, the Long Island-based company that presents extraordinary fireworks displays throughout the world. Grucci has presented fireworks at events ranging from the Olympic Games to presidential inaugurations, according to the Somerset Medical Center Foundation's description of the program.

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Thousands of New Jerseyans look to Music at Moorland to kick off their summer each year, at celebrations that may be staged in corporate tent parties held on the hilltop overlooking the field with fireworks, or casual picnics with friends and families on the lawn.

The foundation has once again invited regulars and others to join the event for "a wonderful evening under the stars. General admission tickets are $30 for adults and free for children under 14. Preferred seating options are also available. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.musicatmoorland.com or call 908-685-2500.

Tickets also may be purchased in advance at these local merchants.

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Those businesses include the and in Basking Ridge, Peapack-Gladstone Bank in Bedminster, Warren and at other bank locations, and Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater.

Music at Moorland has been presented since its inception by Sanofi US, according to the Somerset Medical Center Foundation. Sanofi's commitment to the event, the community and Somerset Medical Center—the beneficiary of all of the proceeds of this event—was described by the Somerset Medical Center Foundation's web page on the event as "extraordinary."

“We are proud to continue what has become a much-anticipated summer tradition for Central New Jersey families,” said John von Stade, co-chair of Music at Moorland. “A world-class musical performance combined with spectacular fireworks in a beautiful setting makes this such a memorable event for young and old alike. Best of all, the event supports the programs and services at Somerset Medical Center, which families throughout our region rely on for all their health care needs.”

Guest soloist for the evening is violist Paul Laraia, a native of Sewell in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Laraia has performed as soloist and chamber musician across the United States, Canada and the Republic of Korea and has been featured on National Public Radio and Detroit Public Television.

The first half of the orchestra’s performance will feature classics such as Festive Overture by Shostakovich, Romance for Viola and Orchestra by Bruch, Intermezzo from "Jewels of the Madonna" by Wolf-Ferarri and the "Merry Wives of Windsor Overture" from Nicolai. The second half has a Hollywood flair with "Back to the Future" by Alan Silvestri, “Adventures on Earth” by John Williams from the movie "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial" and a “Hollywood Salute” arranged by Robert Wendel.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s performance will end on a patriotic note with “America the Beautiful” followed by the area’s largest fireworks display as presented by Grucci, according to information from Somerset Medical Center.


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