Our Mission
Serving our Local Community
The mission of the Adelphi Orchestra(AO) is to serve the musical and educational needs of our community, with special emphasis given to families, seniors, and those with limited financial means. To further this end, numerous concerts are offered free of admission charges. The AO strives to advance the orchestral arts through education, original commission, community partnerships, and its robust young artist programming. We foster a challenging environment where artistic excellence flourishes.
Our Story
The Adelphi Orchestra is a professional, non-profit orchestra performing symphonic, chamber, operatic, and dance concerts. For the past 20 years, the Adelphi Orchestra has sponsored a Young Artist Competition and Young Artist Concerts throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. The Adelphi Orchestra presents concerts with accomplished national and international guest soloists and distinguished conductors. For the past 6 years, The orchestra has been nominated by its peers for the JerseyArts People’s Choice Award in the Favorite Orchestra/Symphony Division. The Adelphi Orchestra is a member of the League of American Orchestras and Opera America. It is northern New Jersey’s longest continuously performing orchestra and a member of the New Jersey cultural community for 70 years. The Adelphi Orchestra is a equal opportunity employer.
Our History
The Adelphi Orchestra is the oldest chamber orchestra in Northern New Jersey. From its first concert performed for the public on May 23, 1953, the Orchestra has met its goal offering three or more stimulating musical programs each year while maintaining high standards of musicianship and directing by many outstanding permanent or guest conductors. In 1952 a few local, talented string players and pianists banded together to play for enjoyment. It was cofounded at Ella and Roy Schmidt’s music studio in Maywood, New Jersey. Within a brief span, their repertoire included performances of quintets, octets, and small orchestral pieces. As the orchestra grew, it moved to the Central Unitarian Church, where the orchestra rehearsed and performed through the 53rd season. Over the decades, AO has been directed by number of distinguished conductors. Encouragement over the years has been given to numerous talented young musicians in the form of scholarships and for the opportunity to play or solo with the Orchestra. AO is unique in that it still presents free concerts. As a public service, the Adelphi has given concerts at the Actor’s Fund Home in Englewood and the Cupola in Ridgewood. Musicians from the AO can be heard at various libraries in Bergen County, and beyond. The AO has been a recipient of a Bergen County Arts Grant since 2006 and received a certificate of commendation in recognition of its constant commitment and dedication to the residents and communities in Bergen County. The orchestra currently performs at Fair Lawn Community Center Theater, Fair lawn, NJ, River Dell Regional High School in Oradell, NJ and Broadway Presbyterian Church where concerts are livestreamed. The Orchestra is looking forward to producing the Nutcracker with Ballet Arts once again this season.