Manalapan symphony to perform

MANALAPAN - The Manalapan Symphony Orchestra will present its second concert of the 2007-08 season at 3 p.m. May 4 at Manalapan High School, Church Lane.

Michael Avagliano, in his first year as music director, will lead the orchestra as it presents a program of Mozart, Haydn and Dvorak. Antonin Dvorak's "New World" symphony is the centerpiece of the program.

The popular symphony was written during Dvorak's stay in NewYork and embraces American folk melodies.

"Dvorak's music has a rustic, earthy feel to it," Avagliano said. "The orchestra has had a great time rehearsing the symphony. It's high art that also keeps your feet tapping."

Young virtuoso cellist Sofia Nowik will join the symphony to perform the "Cello Concerto in D major" by Haydn. Nowik is a New Jersey native, currently studying at the Juilliard School in New York City. She has also performed as a soloist with the Livingston Symphony and with the New Jersey Youth Symphony.

Also on the program is Mozart's overture to "The Magic Flute."

According to a press release from the township, the symphony has undergone some changes, including the addition of Avagliano as music director and conductor. Avagliano was also recently named conductor of the Central Jersey Symphony.

The concerts are provided to the community as part of the Manalapan Arts Council's efforts to bring a variety of programming to residents.