NJSO draws big crowd to 33rd Giralda Festival

A big crowd enjoyed the 2016 Giralda Music and Arts Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
A big crowd enjoyed the 2016 Giralda Music and Arts Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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A big crowd enjoyed the 2016 Giralda Music and Arts Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
A big crowd enjoyed the 2016 Giralda Music and Arts Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

By Kevin Coughlin

They came to Sunday’s 33rd annual Giralda Music & Arts Festival for all sorts of reasons.

“It’s so relaxing…. and it’s a beautiful venue,” said Parsippany resident Jane Leber, pouring wine for friends Lynn, Rachel and Don at Giralda Farms in Madison.

The New Jersey Symphony, conducted by New Zealand’s Gemma New, was the draw for Suzanne Gibson of Roxbury.

“I like the idea of funding the arts,” said Gibson, whose daughter Julia serves on the Morris Arts board. She especially appreciated the NJSO’s female conductor.  “I like the idea [of women conductors]. They don’t get as many opportunities. I like to support that.”

Griffin and Malcolm Branch, ages 6 and 4 1/2, respectively, of Randolph, brought their baseball mitts to enjoy a catch on the vast lawn.

PLAY BALL! Malcolm and Griffin Branch, ahes 4 1/2/ and 6, at the 2016 Giralda Music & Arts Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
PLAY BALL! Malcolm and Griffin Branch, ahes 4 1/2/ and 6, at the 2016 Giralda Music & Arts Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

The Debona clan of Randolph, Mt. Arlington and East Windsor came to collect first prize for its Kasbah-themed picnic tent.  Another lucky winner took home about $2,300 from the 50-50 raffle.

Others were fans of the antique Delicious Ice Cream truck. At least that was the impression given by the very long line stretching to the ice cream.

Conductor Gemma New introduces the NJ Symphony at the 2016 Giralda Arts & Music Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Conductor Gemma New introduces the NJ Symphony at the 2016 Giralda Arts & Music Festival. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

The biggest winner was Morris Arts, which organized the event as a fundraiser to help support its artistic programs across Morris County and beyond.

Abundant sunshine contributed to one of the largest turnouts in recent memory, said Tom Werder, executive director of the nonprofit.

“Last year we were talking about how many weather apps are on my phone. This year, I didn’t look at the apps at all,” he said.

Werder expressed gratitude for the event’s corporate sponsors, and for an orchestra that hit a home run with a program of Hollywood- and Broadway favorites.

“They sounded terrific tonight. What a great program. Kids knew the program. There was something for everyone,” Werder said.

Our highlight: The NJSO’s finale of Stars and Stripes Forever, unfurled in all its bombastic glory.

 

Slideshow photos of the 2016 Giralda Music & Arts Festival.

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