JULIETA CERVANTES
DANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has named composer and violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain to a new position, resident artistic catalyst. According to a press release, this position “encompasses commissions, performances, artistic and institutional advisory activities and engagement with education and community programs” and will involve “transforming all aspects of the organization to meaningfully increase diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Roumain, who will remain in the position through August 2023, will open the orchestra’s 2021-22 season by performing his Voodoo Violin Concerto with NJSO music director Xian Zhang conducting, and the orchestra will premiere two commissions by him over the next two seasons, including a work to celebrate the orchestra’s centennial in 2022-23.
No dates have been confirmed for the 2021-22 season yet but it is “soon-to-be-announced,” according to the press release.
Roumain said in a press release: “Working closely with Maestro Xian Zhang (whom I consider a vital mentor and close friend), the staff, board and the exceptional musicians of the orchestra, together we will unlock a world of new ideas and endless possibilities for the communities we will all serve and the continued success of the NJSO organization.”
The orchestra is currently offering a variety of free content, online. Visit njsymphony.org/virtual.
CONTRIBUTE TO NJARTS.NET
Since launching in September 2014, NJArts.net, a 501(c)(3) organization, has become one of the most important media outlets for the Garden State arts scene. And it has always offered its content without a subscription fee, or a paywall. Its continued existence depends on support from members of that scene, and the state’s arts lovers. Please consider making a contribution of any amount to NJArts.net via PayPal, or by sending a check made out to NJArts.net to 11 Skytop Terrace, Montclair, NJ 07043.
