The basics:
- FELA! The Concert caps Newark Symphony Hall’s October Africa on Stage series
- Renovations ongoing at historic venue amid $75M project
- Community programming draws attendees
- 30,000-square-foot Arts + Education lab expected to open in January
Newark Symphony Hall caps its successful monthlong program of Africa on Stage with a performance of FELA! The Concert Oct. 22.
Looks can be deceiving. Behind the exterior of the historic venue situated along Broad Street, a turnaround is well underway that continues to re-activate the building and the larger community.
NSH announced renovation plans several years ago ahead of its centennial year. However, the phased $75 million project has not put a stop to programming.
Now, as it keeps the 100-year celebration going, new milestones and events highlight that the turnaround has already begun.
Throughout October, Newark Symphony Hall featured Africa on Stage – a celebration of African and diaspora arts, culture and education – has welcomed film, fashion, beauty, live music and community learning, along with plenty of attendees. Capping the programming, Thursday evening, a one-night performance of FELA! The Concert will take place in the historic Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall at 7 p.m.
Activating engagement
Looking over its fall bookings last spring, Newark Symphony Hall CEO Talia Young said they recognized an opportunity to capitalize on programming coming from the community.
“We’re looking at the business, the culture of the creative economy,” explained the CEO, who came on board in 2023.
It began with The Damba Festival (which ultimately drew about 700 p0eple to the Terrace ballroom at NSH) booking, presented by the North American Dagomba Community. Next, Harlem Fine Arts wanted to do a screening of their documentary, the YorubaWorld film “Amazing Grace.”
After identifying the trend, and securing the FELA! engagement, executives realized, “We can package this all and have conversations that have different mediums.”
Featuring cast members from the Tony Award-winning Broadway production, FELA! The Concert celebrates the life, music, and revolutionary legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti. This week, performers from FELA! also offered free community classes and the chance to experience the show from a creative learning experience, beyond the planned performance.
Newark Symphony Hall partnered with the Newark school district on the effort, which covered the cost for the community day. Four schools were bused to NSH for the experience. Meanwhile, a similar open, community event also took place last Sunday.
“It goes back to how we’re activating all these different areas across the hall. All the different spaces,” Young said.
Second act
Completed in 2023, the 15,000-square-foot Terrace Ballroom marked the first phase of finished work at Newark Symphony Hall. With work underway now on the 30,000-square-foot Arts + Education lab, that space is expected to debut in January.
Also on the horizon: A refreshed marquee, accessibility updates, restaurant space and more.
NSH is the largest Black-led arts institution in New Jersey, and one of the largest in the nation. Young heads a small but growing team along with the restoration and revitalization of the 220,000-square-foot landmark. She is also directing the development strategy for a $135 million capital project to transform the venue for the region.
NJBIZ recently stopped by Newark Symphony Hall for a tour and update on the work underway. Stay tuned for more on how the venue is activating and updating its spaces while it prepares for the next 100 years.
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