UPDATE: The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey is set to premiere its groundbreaking concert, “Oh God…Beautiful Machine,” this Saturday, honoring the late arts advocate Larry Hilton, who passed away on July 2. This urgent event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Patriots Theater located at 1 Memorial Drive in Trenton.
The concert, a culmination of Hilton’s vision, aims to make live classical music accessible to everyone. Executive Director Jill Aguayo expressed the deep significance of this tribute, stating, “Our mission is to make live classical music accessible to all, and this piece helps to bridge that gap.”
Hilton, a dedicated philanthropist and founder of The Lawrence M. Hilton Foundation, was passionate about supporting arts education and provided scholarships for students pursuing higher education. His dream of seeing this concert realized is now being fulfilled posthumously. Aguayo added, “It’s a huge honor to do this for Larry, and it’s so unfortunate that he passed away before he could see this dream realized.”
The concert features music composed by Vince di Mura of Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts, alongside poetry from Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa. Aguayo highlighted the concert’s diverse musical landscape, describing it as “a world tour of genres and styles,” including symphonic jazz, classical, Latin, and Chinese influences.
Before the main event at 5:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy live music, vendor tables, and a pre-concert talk with the composer. The nearly 100 musicians will be led by conductor Sebastian Grand, promising a unique and immersive experience for all.
“This piece is unlike anything else,” di Mura remarked, emphasizing its ability to unite cultures and musical traditions. “It’s an immersive experience that invites the audience into a soundscape of both urgency and beauty—a celebration of what we have and a call to cherish it.”
Tickets for this significant event can be purchased through the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey’s website. Don’t miss the chance to honor Larry Hilton’s legacy while experiencing a powerful concert that captures the essence of community and artistic expression.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
