Our Story
More Than 30 Years of
Music, Magic, & Community
The Philharmonic of
Southern New Jersey
PSNJ has been sharing the power and beauty of orchestral music with audiences since 1991. What began as a vision to make classical music accessible has grown into the area’s largest all-volunteer orchestra—an ensemble of more than 85 accomplished musicians from diverse professional and personal backgrounds who bring exceptional skill, passion, and dedication to every performance.
Our Story (So Far)
We’re not just an orchestra — we’re 85+ musicians, countless stories, and one shared passion.
For over three decades, the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey has been dazzling audiences with symphonic performances that are as passionate as they are polished. What started as a local orchestra has grown into a vibrant cultural force, doubling our annual budget in recent years, expanding into new venues and communities, and reaching more listeners than ever before.
From free summer concerts in the park to high-energy pops shows, from masterworks of the great composers to collaborations with today’s leading artists, our mission has always been the same: to bring world-class music home to South Jersey.
The Music & The Magic
We’ve had the honor of welcoming extraordinary guest soloists to our stage — names like Branford Marsalis, Storm Large, Marina Lomazov, and most recently Max von Essen, Erin Banholzer, and Celil Refik Kaya. Each concert is more than just a performance — it’s an event. Think pre-concert educational talks, movie screenings, post-concert meet-and-greets at local restaurants, exclusive master classes, and VIP events that bring audiences closer to the music than ever before.
We’re not afraid to mix things up, either. Whether it’s a pops concert that has you singing along, a free summer concert under the stars, or a classical masterpiece that shakes you to your core, we believe music should be experienced — not just heard.
Our Musical Leaders
Here’s something you don’t see every day: in more than 30 years, the Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey has had only three music directors — and all three are still part of our family. That’s not just rare — it’s extraordinary.
This continuity of leadership is one of our greatest strengths. Each director has left their mark, yet they remain connected — to one another, to the orchestra, and to our audiences. Together, they embody the spirit of collaboration and community that makes PSNJ so unique.
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Phil Travaline
Our founding maestro, the “OG” who led the orchestra in its early days (and for nearly 20 years after!). He continues to perform with us today on trumpet.
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James Allen Anderson
Our current Music Director, bringing vision, artistry, and fresh energy to guide us into the future. Learn more about James here.
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Matthew Oberstein
Our second Music Director, who remains as Conductor Laureate and carries on our beloved tradition of leading the annual Holiday Pops concerts.
Who We Are
Our orchestra is 85+ musicians strong, representing generations and backgrounds as diverse as the music we play. We’ve got college students and nonagenarians, music teachers and professional performers, but also lawyers, nurses, engineers, and even beekeepers in our ranks. What brings us together? A love of music and a passion to perform — simple as that.
We’re proof that when you blend different ages, professions, and experiences, you get something bigger than the sum of its parts. Every rehearsal, every concert, every standing ovation is fueled by the joy of making music together.
Meet Our Musicians
They’re teachers, engineers, lawyers, nurses, luthiers, and everything in between — oh, and they also happen to play in one of South Jersey’s finest orchestras. With over 85 members spanning generations, backgrounds, and careers, our musicians are the lifeblood of PSNJ.
Beyond the Stage
We’re more than just a concert series. The Philharmonic offers master classes with world-renowned artists, hosts annual fundraisers that keep our mission strong, and even organizes overseas arts and culture trips for our community. We believe in making classical music accessible, engaging, and fun — and in building connections that last long after the final note fades.
Administrative Staff
General Manager – Jake Heil
Marketing Manager – Carolina Hooper
Personnel Directors – Candy Maxwell Stetser
Librarians – Susan Honold-Cleary & John Henry Bishop
Box Office Manager – Edward Heil
Board of Directors
President – Elura Nanos
Vice President – Hon. Marie Lihotz (ret.)
Treasurer & Acting Secretary – Joy Reader
Cricket Batz
Rasa Kaye Brittain
Karin Hirsch
Michael Kennedy
Madeline Gralish
Candy Maxwell Stetser
What can you expect from a PSNJ concert?
You’ll experience thrilling interpretations of beloved classical masterworks and fresh encounters with contemporary compositions. You’ll also have the chance to hear world-class soloists and rising stars right here in South Jersey.
All the Artistry, None of the Hassle
PSNJ believes deeply in the role of classical music as a source of inspiration, connection, and community. Our commitment to ensuring that live orchestral music remains a vibrant part of southern New Jersey’s cultural life means that we strive to make our concerts as accessible as possible for everyone.
This means affordable ticket prices, group discounts, free parking, and afternoon performances. Join us and experience for yourself how easy it is to be be moved by music right in your neighborhood!