In a move that will be a boost for the arts in Jersey City and across the state, the New Jersey Symphony announced Tuesday that it is relocating to a new state-of-the-art, 44,000-square-foot theater in Jersey City’s downtown Powerhouse Arts District.
The new Symphony Center will have a multipurpose 550-seat theater, space for education and community programs, and 8,000 square feet for administrative offices.
Additionally, it will provide a permanent space for artistic, educational and community offerings in Jersey City and throughout Hudson County.
Symphony CEO Gabriel van Aalst said having a dedicated permanent location will serve the local community and contribute to the symphony’s ongoing activities across the state.
“Having a home to call our own will allow us to expand on the many impactful education and community programs for which the symphony is well-known throughout the state, with new entertainment options that the residents of Jersey City, Hudson County and beyond are sure to enjoy,” he said. “In addition to being a home for rehearsals and performances by our musicians and icons of the classical music world, we can’t wait to introduce audiences to performances from a broad range of performing arts and collaborate with local Jersey City artists and arts organizations.”
Craig Stillman and Bob Garrett, the co-chairs of the New Jersey Symphony board of trustees, agreed.
“With both public and private support, the Jersey City project will enable the symphony for the first time in its 102-year history to have a rehearsal and concert space that is operated by the organization,” they said in a statement. “We want to thank our board of trustees as well as our musicians and our administrative staff who helped facilitate this move.”
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said the impact of the announcement is huge.
“This represents a significant milestone in Jersey City’s cultural evolution, creating a key destination for our region with permanent space for world-class performances and community-driven initiatives,” he said.
“We started these conversations over a year ago, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the New Jersey Symphony to their new home in Jersey City. This new endeavor will enhance our economic and cultural landscape and, more importantly, offer unparalleled opportunities to our residents and community.”
Christine Goodman, director of the Office of Cultural Affairs for the city, agreed.
“This partnership introduces a whole new art form to our community,” she said. “We can now offer impactful symphonic music to inspire and educate our youth while elevating Jersey City as a premier destination for arts and culture.
“We are proud to have collaborated with our community partners and the symphony to make this exciting new project a reality.”
Van Aalst said seeing — and hearing — will be believing.
“When patrons enter the theater for the first time, they will immediately recognize that there is no other space like this in Jersey City and will realize the full potential and cultural value it brings to the community,” he said.
