UPDATE: The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey is set to premiere its highly anticipated concert, “Oh God…Beautiful Machine,” this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Patriots Theater in Trenton, NJ. This event honors the memory of the late arts advocate Larry Hilton, who passed away on July 2.
In a heartfelt tribute, executive director Jill Aguayo stated, “Our mission is to make live classical music accessible to all, and this piece helps to bridge that gap.” Hilton, a beloved Trenton native and philanthropist, dedicated his life to promoting arts education through his foundation, which awarded scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
The concert, a culmination of five years of Hilton’s vision, features music composed by Vince di Mura from Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts. It will also include poetry from Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa. Aguayo remarked, “It’s really going to be a world tour of genres and styles,” emphasizing the concert’s diverse musical influences, including symphonic jazz, classical, Latin, and Chinese elements.
Concertgoers can arrive early at 5:30 p.m. for pre-concert activities, including live music and a discussion with the composer. The nearly 100 musicians will be led by conductor Sebastian Grand, promising an immersive experience that honors musical legends like Paul Robeson and Carlos Santana.
According to di Mura, “This piece is unlike anything else. It’s an immersive experience that invites the audience into a soundscape of both urgency and beauty. It’s a conversation between cultures, histories, and musical traditions—a celebration of what we have and a call to cherish it.”
Tickets are available for purchase on the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey’s website. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate art and community while honoring the legacy of a dedicated advocate.
