Our Mission
Serving our Local Community
Welcome to the Adelphi Orchestra! Our mission is to enrich our community through music and education, focusing on families, seniors, and those facing financial challenges. We proudly offer numerous free concerts, ensuring that everyone has access to the joy of orchestral music. Through education, original commissions, and partnerships, we nurture artistic excellence and support young artists in their journey. Join us in celebrating the power of music!
Our Story
The Adelphi Orchestra is a professional, non-profit ensemble celebrated for its symphonic, chamber, operatic, choral, and dance concerts, led by principal conductor Maestro Kyunghun Kim for over 70 years. For the past 21 years, the orchestra has proudly hosted the Young Artist Competition and Young Artist Concerts, nurturing young talent throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. Regularly featuring accomplished national and international guest soloists and distinguished conductors, the Adelphi Orchestra has been a finalist in the Jersey Arts People's Choice Award for Favorite Orchestra/Symphony for six years. As one of northern New Jersey's longest continuously performing orchestras, we are an integral part of the state's cultural community. Learn more about the orchestra and its programs at http://adelphiorchestra.org.
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.