Annual Tradition Continues as Orchestra Confirms Return in 2026
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIVER VALE, NJ — A warm summer breeze, lush green fields, and the timeless sounds of Strauss and cinema scores created a magical evening on Saturday, June 28, as the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra performed its second annual outdoor concert in River Vale.
Titled “Strauss to the Silverscreen,” the free community event at Upper Grove Field drew more than 200 residents, turning the park into a hub of music, family fun, and neighborhood connection. Hosted by the Township of River Vale, the late-afternoon concert was met with enthusiastic applause—and organizers have already confirmed the orchestra’s return for summer 2026.
🎶 Music Under the Sky: A Community Favorite Returns
Concertgoers brought lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and snacks, settling in under sunny skies to enjoy classical favorites and movie themes performed by the acclaimed Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra (RSO).
“River Vale is so close to our home in Ridgewood, and the department is so easy to work with and enthusiastic,” said RSO President Jane Rodin. “It’s fun to bring our music to a new, varied audience that may not know about us, and to see children enjoying classical music.”
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun and Community Spirit
In addition to the music, the event featured cotton candy, refreshments, and a family-friendly atmosphere that encouraged residents to linger and connect. Cultural Affairs Director Amy Salib called the concert “a lovely day,” highlighting how well the event has been received by the community.
“It’s so nice to see families relaxing on the grass, hearing live music, and making memories together,” she said.
🎻 What’s Next for the RSO: A Powerful 2025–26 Season
The Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra’s 2025–26 season kicks off this October at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood with a program titled Orchestral Fantasies. The opening night will feature:
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Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade
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Strauss’s Horn Concerto No. 1, performed by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s Chris Komer
Upcoming season highlights include:
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Songs of Destiny, a choral showcase
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A March pairing of Mahler’s Titan Symphony with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2
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A spring finale titled Celebrating America’s 250 Years, featuring Dvořák’s New World Symphony and a new commissioned work
🎼 About the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra
Founded over 80 years ago, the RSO is a regionally based auditioned ensemble known for showcasing professional soloists and fostering musical education through its Young Musicians Festival. The orchestra is powered by community donations, ticket sales, and grants, many of which support their mission of offering free public concerts like the one in River Vale.
Bottom Line:
The Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra’s visit to River Vale has become a cherished summer tradition, offering residents the joy of live classical music in a relaxed, open-air setting. With a dynamic new season ahead and another concert already scheduled for next year, the RSO continues to enrich North Jersey’s cultural landscape—one note at a time.
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