East Brunswick Symphony Musicians To Close Free Concert Series With Beethoven

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Beethoven is coming to the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, and admission is free.

Musicians from the East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, for the third and final concert in the East Brunswick Arts Commission’s “Music on the Menu” series.

The centerpiece of the afternoon is Beethoven’s Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, a chamber piece written for seven instruments. The arts commission describes it as one of the composer’s most beloved chamber works, known for its melodies, lively rhythms and the back-and-forth among the instruments. One more selection will be announced later, and the concert will run about an hour.

The timing ties in with a big anniversary. Next year, 2027, marks 200 years since Beethoven’s death, and musicians around the world are already celebrating his work.

These seven EBSO musicians will perform:

• Samantha Tomblin, violin

• Graham Cohen, viola

• Patty Gonski, cello

• Nate White, bass

• Daniel Choi, clarinet

• Leah Swanger, horn

• Jessica Bergen, bassoon

The East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra is a newly formed group. According to the arts commission, its mission is to educate, entertain and bring the community together through music.

The commission started “Music on the Menu” to bring talented musicians to local audiences. Over three concerts, the series has featured a range of musical styles and performers, from young artists to more experienced musicians. The November show closes the series by spotlighting the town’s own orchestra.

The concert is partly funded by a grant from the Middlesex County Arts Institute, a division of the county’s Department of Economic Development.

The East Brunswick Arts Commission has offered music, theater, visual arts, cultural events and educational programs in the township for more than 50 years.

If you go

• What: Music on the Menu, Part Three, featuring musicians of the East Brunswick Symphony Orchestra

• When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21

• Where: East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road

• Cost: Free and open to the public

• Program: Beethoven’s Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, plus one selection to be announced

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