NJCU students may now participate in a new and groundbreaking ensemble, called The Theatre Orchestra, led by Broadway and international conductor and pianist Amy Duran. Duran is a coach, accompanist, and conductor for NJCU’s Department of Music, Dance and Theatre. She is world-renowned for her work as a conductor for the Broadway production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and as a musician for Andrea Bocelli’s concert tours.
The Theatre Orchestra will immerse its student musicians in the ever-expanding music of the Broadway stage, providing the opportunity to engage in and play some of the greatest musical theatre scores from composers like Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jason Robert Brown, and Pasek and Paul. Playing from the authentic scores, engaging in active discussion with conductors, guest artists, sound engineers, instrumentalists, composers, and collaborating in performances with singers and dancers, NJCU student musicians will develop and gain a deep understanding of the unique elements of these different styles—directly from those who work and play in the field.
NJCU is pleased to present this thrilling and invaluable experience, raising the bar for our students, and positioning them for success as they bridge the gap from formal education to the professional world.