2026 Patrons’ Dinner Gala

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
6:00 – 9:30 PM
The Park Savoy
236 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park

Includes a cocktail reception, buffet dinner, the 2026 Discovery Award presentation, Fund-a-Need, Discovery Music program, and dessert.

Maestro Maull will be joined by renowned percussionist Mike Truesdell, who together – along with special guest artist Michael Avagliano on violin – will explore the Prelude from J.S. Bach’s Lute Suite in E Major. An arrangement for marimba of Snowy Morning Blues by New Brunswick, NJ–born stride pianist James P. Johnson will also be featured!

Sneak Peek at Mike Truesdell!

We are also proud to honor Sandra Braddy-Hall with the 2026 Discovery Award in recognition of her decades of dedication and support. Sandra first became involved with us in 2000, when we were still the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey. Since attending her first event, she has introduced countless friends and colleagues to our programs and has been a steadfast advocate of our music education mission. Now serving in her second term on the Board of Trustees, Sandra brings the same commitment to community and education that she demonstrates in her role as Assistant Business Administrator at the Clinton Township School District. We are so pleased to recognize Sandra for her enthusiasm, advocacy, and steadfast commitment to the Orchestra.

BUY TICKETS HERE

**Schedule of Events**

6:00 pm:
Cocktail Reception and Buffet Dinner
50/50 Raffle Sales and Silent Auctions
7:30 pm:
2026 Discovery Award Presentation
Community Partner Guest Speakers
Fund-A-Need
Discovery Program
8:45 pm:
Dessert
Raffle Drawing and Auction Winners

In addition to the usual 50/50 Raffle ticket sale, we’re excited to offer three exclusive Silent Auction items:

1. A commissioned piece for piano by jazz pianist and composer Dan Crisci. A commissioned work is ideal for commemorating special events such as birthdays, anniversaries, and memorials. Imagine the beauty and artistry of a solo piano composition, skillfully crafted based on a person or topic of your choosing!

2. Four tickets to Harmonium Choral Society’s upcoming concert – Longing – on Saturday, May 9 at 7:00pm or Sunday, May 10 at 3:00pm (your choice of dates) at Grace Church in Madison. Directed by Dr. Anne Matlack, Harmonium was recently featured in The Discovery Orchestra’s New Jersey Musical Mosaic concert in January.

3. Go behind the scenes of Discover Rhapsody in Blue with an exclusive backstage experience for you and your guests on Saturday, June 13. Enjoy a tour of Kasser Theater, see the television production team in action, and attend the dress rehearsal with Maestro Maull, pianist Clayton Stephenson, and the Orchestra.

Parking/Accessibility: The Park Savoy is self-parking only. Guests may be dropped off at the main entrance or use the wheelchair ramp located through the circular drive to the right of the front door.

Dress Code: Wear your favorite cocktail party attire.

BUY TICKETS HERE

BUY 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS HERE

Please note: We are using new credit card machines this year to streamline all transactions. A 3% processing fee will be applied to all credit card purchases and donations. Debit card payments do not incur a fee, and we gratefully accept cash or checks as well.

The Discovery Orchestra makes every effort to accommodate the needs of individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities for all of its programs and events, as well as at its administrative office. Upon request, and with 2 weeks’ notice, specific accommodations will be made subject to our available resources for live events. Large print programs, braille materials, and audio-described services may also be available with a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice. Additional accessibility information can be found here.