Holiday event to feature chamber music ensemble
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

MANALAPAN - The Mayor's Arts Council (MAC), in conjunction with Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry, is sponsoring a holiday event that will feature a performance by local classical musicians.

On Dec. 7 the jewelry store in the Epicentre shopping center, Route 9 south, will host Manalapan Chamber Music Ensemble at 6:30 and 8 p.m. The performances are open to the public.

Manalapan resident Chiu Tze Lin conducts the Manalapan Symphony Orchestra and performs with and conducts the Manalapan Chamber Music Ensemble, a four-member group that will perform classical music, according to MAC member Sandra Lippman.

Lippman said the performances by the ensemble will not simply be background music at the store. She said the aim of the event is to further the MAC's agenda which is "to bring performing arts into an atypical venue in order to open the performing arts experience to a broader expanse of the community."

Michael Littman, who owns the store with his cousin, Gary, explained why they are sponsoring the event.

"Luxury is experiential and that is what our store is all about - the experience," Littman said. "This affords our customers a great experience."

He believes the presentation of classical music is in keeping with the store's atmosphere of elegance.

A raffle will be part of the evening and the winner will receive a piece of jewelry donated by the owners.

According to Lippman, Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry has said that all proceeds from the raffle will be donated to the MAC.