Songs for a New World, With 90-Piece Orchestra, To Be Performed at Symphony Space

Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World will be performed at Symphony Space (95th Street and Broadway) on Sunday, May 1 at 4pm. The concert will feature the 90-piece Bergen Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Minor, plus JRB and the Caucasian Rhythm Kings performing new orchestrations by Brown.

The cast will include Jessica Molaskey, Andrea Burns, and Brooks Ashmanskas, all of whom appeared in the original 1995 presentation of the piece at the WPA Theatre. Also scheduled to appear are Tony Award winners Michael Cerveris and Michele Pawk; Tony nominees Brian d’Arcy James, Emily Skinner, and John Tartaglia; Michael Arden, Lawrence Clayton, Darius deHaas, Kristine Fraelich, Keith Byron Kirk, Beth Leavel, Anthony Manough, Jennifer Prescott, and Miriam Shor. The concert will be directed by Lisa Leguillou.

According to Brown, “When Gene [Minor] came to me about organizing a benefit for the BYO, I jumped on board for two reasons. First, I wanted to support the work that this orchestra does; when I was in high school, the BYO was a lifeline for me. And secondly, I thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Songs for a New World.”

All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Bergen Youth Orchestras. For tickets and more information, phone Symphony Space at 212-864-5600 or visit www.symphonyspace.org.