(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- On September 16, 2018, State Theatre New Jersey honored Senator Bob Smith at the annual Classical Season Celebration event. This year’s Classical Season Celebration featured a performance by renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman with accompaniment by pianist Rohan De Silva, and featured pieces by Leclair, Franck, and Stravinsky. This concert marked the beginning of State Theatre New Jersey’s 2018-2019 classical season.

“It was a privilege to serve as Co-Chairs of this year’s Celebration and to recognize the tremendous impact that Senator Bob Smith has had on strengthening community life across the region,” commented State Theatre New Jersey Classical Season Co-Chairs Wendy Wiebalk and Steve Cahn. “Senator Smith’s dedication to State Theatre New Jersey’s nonprofit mission, and to the advancement of the performing arts as a significant driver of cultural and economic vitality, has made him an irreplaceable advocate.”

“The State Theatre hosts more than 200,000 people a year, including 20,000 school children at Performances for Schools, who in many instances would not be normally exposed to cultural and artistic performances,” said Senator Bob Smith. “And for this reason, the State Theatre is a game changer. It not only provides great events of culture, it really changes our lives and improves the quality of our lives.” 

About the Honoree - New Jersey State Senator Bob Smith proudly represents the rights and interests of the citizens of the 17th Legislative District, a dynamic and ever-changing community, which includes parts of Middlesex and Somerset Counties.

Having served in the New Jersey State Legislature since 1986, first as a State Assemblyman and in 2002 as State Senator, Bob Smith is considered one of the State’s leading environmental lawmakers. Currently, Senator Smith is the Chairman of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee as well as a member of the State House Commission.

Senator Smith’s legislative accomplishments include the Highlands Preservation Act, Site Remediation Reform (LSRP), Barnegat Bay cleanup, including the most stringent fertilizer law in the United States, the Recycling Enhancement Act, Electronic Waste Management Act, and a host of legislation stimulating solar and alternative energy in New Jersey. Senator Smith was also the driving force behind the recently approved ballot question to ensure funding for open space preservation in the Garden State in perpetuity.

The State Theatre 2018 Classical Season Celebration committee included Co-Chairs Wendy Wiebalk and Steve Cahn, Frankie Busch, Andrea Cunnell, Susan Darien, Alice DeVoe, William Downey, Mary Ellen Dundon, Christian & Christine Jensen, Jean McDonnell, Steve Reichman, Robin Suydam, and The Honorable Blanquita B. Valenti.

The Classical Season Honorary Committee included: Middlesex County Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman & Sue Bateman, Mayor James M. Cahill & Laura Cahill, Robert & Nadine DiLeo, Jonathan & Beth Frieder, Theodore H. Light, Jeff & Judy Milanaik, Jack Morris & Sheryl Weingarten Morris, Tony & Liliane Nader, Derrick Scenna, Sheriff Mildred Scott & Richard Scott, Ellen Smith, Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, and Mayor Brian C. Wahler & Paulette Crabiel Wahler.

The Lead Sponsor for the Classical Season Celebration was PSEG.

PHOTOS BY JEFFREY AUGER

(TOP) Middlesex County Sheriff, Mildred S. Scott; Middlesex County Freeholder Director, Ronald G. Rios; Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.; State Theatre President & CEO, Sarah K. Chaplin; Classical Season Celebration Honoree, Senator Bob Smith; and Chair of the State Theatre Board of Trustees, Scott Fergang

(MIDDLE) Classical Season Celebration Co-Chairs, Steve Cahn and Wendy Wiebalk (State Theatre Trustee); Ellen Smith; Classical Season Celebration Honoree, Senator Bob Smith; and violinist Itzhak Perlma

(BOTTOM) Classical Season Celebration Committee Member, Susan Darien; State Theatre President’s Council Member, Steve Darien; State Theatre President’s Council Member, Larisa Leist; Associate General Corporate Counsel, PSEG, Don Leibowitz; State Theatre Trustee, Richard Leist; Karen Leibowitz; Senior Vice President - Corporate Citizenship, PSEG, Rick Thigpen (Classical Season Celebration Lead Sponsor); Middlesex County Freeholder, Shanti Narra; and Chair of the State Theatre Board of Trustees, Scott Fergang