Special Events | New Jersey Festival Orchestra (NJFO)

NJFO Gala

Music for a Matador – NJFO Gala & Auction
Featuring Highlights from Bizet's Carmen

Friday, April 10, 2026

6:00–10:00 PM

Gran Centurions, Clark, NJ

Step into the passion and pageantry of Music for a Matador, NJFO’s unforgettable operatic fundraising gala inspired by Carmen. Experience electrifying highlights from Bizet’s iconic score, vividly narrated by Maestro Wroe and brought to life by NJFO musicians and special guest artists.

Savor a beautifully curated dinner, sip, mingle, and bid in exciting live and silent auctions—all while immersed in an evening of drama, romance, and irresistible rhythm. Join us for a celebration of bold storytelling, vibrant artistry, and the transformative power of music in support of NJFO.

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW

Proceeds from NJFO special fundraising events support the orchestra and outreach programs each season.

Guest Artists

Carmen - Lisa Marie Rogali

Award-winning American mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali is praised for her “warm, nuanced voice” and dynamic stage presence across opera and concert repertoire. This season, she returns to Virginia Opera to debut as Angelina in La Cenerentola, sings Carmen with Toledo Opera and Gulfshore Opera, and appears with Detroit Opera in The Handmaid’s Tale. Concert engagements include Mozart’s Requiem with the Asheville Symphony and Handel’s Messiah with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Don Jose - Dane Suarez

Praised for his “big, heroic voice” and “powerful emotions” by LA Weekly, tenor Dane Suarez is a dramatic tenor rising in the Italian repertoire. He made his international debut with Wexford Festival Opera and has appeared with The Phoenix Symphony and Erie Philharmonic. In 2025/26, he debuts as Radamès with Opera Southwest and the title role in Andrea Chénier with OperaDelaware

Micaela - Sara LeMesh

Romanian-American soprano Sara LeMesh, praised by San Francisco Classical Voice for her “lush tone” and “fearless command,” shines in opera and concert repertoire. In 2025–26, she appears as Zerlina (Annapolis Opera), Adele (The State Opera of New Jersey), Galatea (The Florentine Opera), and Contessa (Opera North). Concert highlights include Carmina Burana with the Buffalo Philharmonic and Messiah with the Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra. She is a First Prize winner of the Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition.

Escamillo - Seung Hyeon Baek

Baritone SeungHyeon Baek is gaining recognition for his “full, generous baritone” and compelling artistry. He has appeared with the Metropolitan Opera in La bohème and Falstaff, returning this season to cover Marcello and sing the role with Hawaii Opera Theatre. Recent highlights include Scarpia (Tosca), the title role in Rigoletto with Opera Orlando, and performances with the Canadian Opera Company and Maryland Lyric Opera, plus concerts at Carnegie Hall.

INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE

UNDERWRITING OPPORTUNITIES

Support the New Jersey Festival Orchestra while enjoying an unforgettable gala experience. Sponsorships include exclusive benefits, prominent recognition, and opportunities to engage with NJFO throughout the 2025 season.

Ads Registration Form

Contribute

Individual and corporate underwriting opportunities.

Please email Yifei Xu at yxu@njfestivalorchestra.org for any special requests.

SPONSORSHIP TIERS

$10,000 | MAESTRO SPONSOR

VIP preferred seating for a complimentary table of ten
Lead Sponsor logo placement on Gala invitations (commitment required by Feb )
Prominent sponsor recognition through live announcements and dedicated event signage
Full-page, premium placement advertisement in the Gala program plus full-page ads in all remaining NJFO 2025 concert programs
Name and logo featured on the NJFO website and social media
Dedicated press releases to New Jersey print and online media
20 tickets to NJFO concerts during the remaining 2025 season

$3000 | PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

Preferred seating for a complimentary table of ten
Sponsor recognition through live announcements and event signage
Name and logo on the NJFO website and social media
Half-page advertisement and recognition in the Gala program
Recognition in NJFO press releases to print and online media
4 tickets to any NJFO concert during the remaining 2025 season

$5,000 | CONCERTMASTER SPONSOR

Preferred seating for a complimentary table of ten
Sponsor recognition through live announcements and event signage
Name and logo on the NJFO website and social media
Full-page advertisement in the Gala program
Recognition in NJFO press releases to print and online media
10 tickets to NJFO concerts during the remaining 2025 season

PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENTS & HONOR ADS

Celebrate NJFO, recognize a honoree, or share a congratulatory message by placing an advertisement in the Gala program.

All advertisements must be received by March 28.

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