Council plans symphony performance, charity ball
BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer

MANALAPAN - Marty Gelfond, a member of the Mayor's Arts Council, wants residents to know that reports of the demise of the Manalapan Symphony have been exaggerated. He said the symphony will hold its annual holiday concert under the direction of new conductor Michael Avagliano.

The future of the symphony had seemed in doubt in recent months following the resignation of its former conductor and the resignation of several members of the Mayor's Arts Council, including Chairman Bruce Brickman.

Gelfond said the symphony volunteers have rallied under a new conductor.

"Contrary to what a few people would have you believe, the Manalapan Symphony is alive and well in Manalapan. Just because the conductor left doesn't mean the symphony just folds up and goes away," he said.

Gelfond said he was determined not to let the 2-year-old Mayor's Arts Council fade away without putting forth his best effort toward retaining the promise of that organization, as well as the successful reputation the symphony had built up over the past seven years.

He said he pursued the musicians who played under the former conductor. The result of that effort will be a holiday concert to be held on Dec. 9 at Manalapan High School.

"The Township Committee, the administration and Manalapan High School have been very supportive in helping us move ahead with our Dec. 9 concert," Gelfond said.

The Mayor's Arts Council will host a Mayor's Charity Ball on Nov. 10 at the Battleground Country Club. The event will be black-tie optional and a $100 donation per person is being requested. The charity ball, which is being billed as a "Celebration for the Arts," will be a "phenomenal event," according to Gelfond.

Proceeds from the ball will be divided among the Samaritan Center, the Yorktowne Club, the Manalapan Symphony and the arts in general in Manalapan, he said.

The Nov. 10 event is open to the public, and Gelfond asked residents to attend in a show of support for the arts in Manalapan. He said the council will present awards to Millhurst Mills, Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry, Wegmans, Best Buy, Elite Fitness and CentraState Healthcare System in recognition of their support of the arts in Manalapan.

Gelfond said the Nov. 10 ball will feature dining, dancing, an open bar, performances by the ICON Dance Complex and a silent auction featuring oneof a-kind gift items and objects of art. The band Celebration will entertain guests.

The symphony's new music director and conductor, Michael Avagliano, will be introduced to the public. Gelfond said Avagliano, who is an accomplished violinist, may perform at the gala.

Mayor Andrew Lucas said dedicated volunteers like Gelfond who remain committed to the symphony and to the Mayor's Arts Council are responsible for the continued success and viability of both groups.

Lucas said a good turnout at the symphony's Dec. 9 performance and the Nov. 10 ball will help to ensure the continued success of the symphony and the Mayor's Arts Council.

"We're hoping for a huge turnout that will result in making the effort that went into both events a resounding success," the mayor said.

Reservations and information regarding the charity ball are available by calling (732) 614-2255.