New Sussex Symphony to sponsor food drive

Newton — For the third year in a row, The New Sussex Symphony has signed up with the League of American Orchestras to sponsor a Thanksgiving food drive to help Manna House at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton.

Orchestras Feeding America is a project that has seen over 250 orchestras from across the country collect nearly 450,000 pounds of food. The efforts of these orchestras have helped spread the word about how and why orchestras are so necessary to their communities, beyond providing amazing music. Last year, the New Sussex Symphony collected 210 pounds of food and supplies for Manna House. The mission of the Manna House Community Soup Kitchen is to feed the homeless, elderly, mentally ill, the lonely, the poor of pocket and the poor in spirit as well as those who fall between the “cracks” for public assistance. They not only serve meals at Thanksgiving but a daily meal “to all who enter.”

The community can contribute items at the first concert of the New Sussex Symphony’s 57th season on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Newton. The requested canned food items are: yams, soup, fruit, tuna, and chicken. They also use cooking oil, parmalat milk, juices, salsa, and paper goods. No glass. Feeding America provides emergency food assistance to approximately 37 million Americans each year.

This first concert of the season features New Jersey Symphony violist Brett Deubner performing the Hoffmeister Viola Concerto in D Major. Loni Bach, Sparta High School strings teacher will perform "It Takes One to Tango” by Brian Balmages on cello in tribute to founding member/cellist Marian Mayberry, who passed away this past Summer. There also will be music by Mozart, Dvorak and Fine. In addition, the 16th Legacy Fund Scholarship winner also will be announced.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students. Children 5 years old and under will be admitted free. Although tickets may be purchased at the door, they also are available at Lou’s Music Center at the Springboard Shoppes in Newton, by calling the orchestra’s business manager at 973.579.6465 or e-mailing nsssnj@ptd.net.