April 27, 2022

PU Men’s Volleyball Tops NJIT To Win EIVA Crown, Surging Tigers Will Face North Greenville in NCAAs

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT: Members of the Princeton University men’s volleyball team display the trophy they earned for topping New Jersey Institute of Technology 3-1 (23-25, 27-25, 27-25, 25-18) in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association final last Saturday evening. The Tigers, now 15-12 overall and riding a 10-match winning streak, will be facing North Greenville University (20-5) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on May 1 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

When the Princeton University men’s volleyball team fell 3-1 to Penn State on March 18, it looked like the squad was going nowhere this season.

The defeat left the Tigers at 5-12 overall and 4-6 Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association and out of the mix for the EIVA playoffs.

But Princeton head coach Sam Shweisky saw something special in his squad’s performance that night.

“We took a set off of them and you could see that we had really improved from before,” said Shweisky, referring to a 3-0 loss to the Nittany Lions on February 4. “It was a better product, it wasn’t about winning. They beat us, they were better than us but we felt proud about what we put out there. We also felt excited about learning.”

The Tigers defeated St. Francis 3-0 a day later and haven’t lost since, producing some exciting volleyball along the way. They ended the season on a seven-game winning streak, finishing in fourth place and earning a spot in the EIVA playoffs.

Last week, Princeton defeated St. Francis 3-0 in the opening round of the playoffs on Wednesday, setting up a matchup against the top-seeded and second-ranked Penn State, the tournament host a day later. Princeton turned the tables on the Nittany Lions, pulling out a thrilling 3-2 win to earn a spot in the final. Last Saturday, the Tigers defeated New Jersey Institute of Technology 3-1 to earn the EIVA title.

Now the Tigers, 15-12 and riding a 10-match winning streak, are headed to California where they will face North Greenville (20-5) in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on May 1 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, Calif.

In reflecting on the team’s late surge, Shweisky points to an increased emphasis on defense. more

Gaining Experience By Getting Regular Racing, PU Men’s Heavyweight Crew Making Progress

HEAVY LIFTING: The Princeton University men’s heavyweight rowing varsity 8 churns through the water in a race earlier this spring. Last Saturday, Princeton finished behind Yale and topped Cornell in the race for the Carnegie Cup. Yale was determined to have cut to the inside of a turn buoy and was disqualified, giving the Tigers the cup. In upcoming action, Princeton hosts Brown on April 30 in the race before the Content Cup. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

It has been a steep learning curve this spring for the rowers on the Princeton University men’s heavyweight rowing team.

With the 2020 season having been canceled due to the global pandemic and the 2021 campaign limited drastically due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, many of the program’s athletes lacked any meaningful college rowing experience coming into 2022.

“In a normal year, in each of the boats, you have one or two first-years that are in that lineup and are learning from six or seven guys who have had a racing season at that level and have the experience and the knowledge and expectations for what it is all about,” said Princeton head coach Greg Hughes.

“This year, you have the exact opposite, you have one or two guys in each boat who have had a racing season and six or seven guys who have never done it before. It is very different. There is a lot more to talk about, to work on and teach.”

With a full schedule for the first time since 2019, the Tigers have been getting that racing knowledge. more

Erickson Spearheads Gritty Defensive Performance As PHS Boys’ Lacrosse Defeats Allentown 9-7

CREASE CONTROL: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse goalie Rory Dobson, right, tracks a shot in a game earlier this season. Sophomore Dobson helped key a superb defensive effort as PHS defeated Allentown 9-7 last Saturday. The Tigers, who improved to 5-4 with the win, play at South Brunswick on April 30 and then host Red Bank Regional on May 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Will Erickson has taken it upon himself to lead the defensive unit for the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team this spring.

“I have learned from some good guys, like Carson Giles and Lucas Kirby, and I just have to be a vocal leader out there and show the young guys how to play,” said senior star Erickson. “On ball, I have improved a lot. Playing against Will Doran and Patrick Kenah every day in practice gets you a lot better.”

With PHS having lost three of its last four games coming into a clash against visiting Allentown last Saturday morning, Erickson was determined to help PHS improve at the defensive end.

“We had been frustrated with some of our losses,” said Erickson, reflecting on a tough stretch that saw PHS fall 14-10 to Hopewell Valley on April 19, 14-12 to Notre Dame on April 12, and 13-9 to Mount Olive on April 9.

“We just wanted to come in and prove ourselves. As a defense we gave up a lot of goals that we didn’t want to. We just wanted to limit those and make them work.”

The Tigers limited Allentown’s potent one-two punch of senior stars Jake Searing and Jake Raff as PHS raced out to a 6-1 halftime lead.

“They are a lefty and a righty, me and Anthony [Famiglietti], the other defender, just matched up with our hands and didn’t let them get to the their dominant hands,” said Erickson. “We know they took some shots they probably didn’t want to and that is what we wanted to do as a defense. We wanted to make them feel the pressure and make them feel that they have to shoot. It happened and Rory [Dobson] made some great saves.” more

Transfer Hutchinson Making Impact for PHS Girls’ Track, Helping 4×100 Quartet to 1st Place at Mercer County Relays

FAB FOUR: The Princeton High girls 4×100 and their coaches are all smiles after the quartet placed first in the Mercer County Relays at Lawrence High last Saturday. Pictured, from left, are head coach Ben Samara, Samirah Hutchinson, Megan Rougas, Sophie Gono, Kendall Williamson, and assistant coach Thomas Harrington.

By Justin Feil

Samirah Hutchinson didn’t run for the Princeton High girls’ track and field team after she moved to the area last year, but she’s excited for the rest of the season after seeing the strength of the 4×100 relay.

Hutchinson, a senior, ran the third leg for the Tiger team that included Sophie Gono, Megan Rougas, and Kendall Williamson as they won the 4×100 relay at the Mercer County Relays at Lawrence High last Saturday in 50.77 seconds. The school record is 50.27 seconds.

“Honestly it was very ecstatic and proud moment,” said Hutchinson. “We put the work in at practice. It was our first relay of the year. We were very happy about it.”

PHS also won the girls’ 4×200 with Gono, Katherine Monroe, Alysse Kiesewetter, and Williamson going 1:47.48, and the foursome of Lucy Kreipke, Robin Roth, Florica Eleches-Lipsitz, and Kyleigh Tangen won the girls’ 4×1600 in 22:09.51. The boys also picked up a win in the distance medley relay with Charlie Howes, Zach Della Rocca, Kento Nakaya, and Andrew Kenny finishing in 10:46.94.

Five PHS teams also garnered second-place finishes in relays. The girls’ 4×800 of Eleches-Lipsitz, Brielle Moran, Maeve Motto, and Tessa Thai took silver. Monroe, Grace Defaria, Chiara Lavino, and Kiesewetter were runners-up in the girls shuttle hurdles. In the field events, Isabella Ospina Posada and Macaela Wilton placed second in girls’ shot put, and Ospina Posada and Brittany Newman were second in girls’ discus. Zach Della Rocca, Blake Bergman, Kento Nakaya, and Addison Motto were second in the boys’ sprint medley.

“We were pleasantly surprised,” said PHS head coach Ben Samara. “It’s been slow going at the start of the season. We had an ill-timed spring break in terms of training and competing. We’re just getting people back, and this is the first real weekend for competing. The kids came out and performed really well.” more

Sparked by Romano’s Superb Hitting, Athleticism, Hun Baseball Tops Seton Hall Prep to Keep Rolling

ON A ROLL: Hun School baseball player Ben Romano takes big cut in recent action. Last Thursday, senior star Romano went 2 for 3 with two runs to help Hun defeat Seton Hall Prep 5-1. The Raiders, who defeated Lawrenceville 14-2 last Monday to improve to 10-1, host Steinert on April 30 and play at Don Bosco on May 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Ben Romano stepped to the plate for the Hun School baseball team in the first inning last Thursday against Seton Hall Prep, he was looking to keep things simple.

“Usually I get my first pitch fastball and I just take that up the middle,” said Romano. “I just keep that approach every single time at the plate and that is what I did. It gets us started.”

Utilizing that approach, Romano lined a single up the middle, stole second and third and then came home on a two-run homer by Mike Chiaravallo as Hun went up 2-0.

In the third inning, Romano got things started again, ripping a double and scoring on a single by Jackson Kraemer.

“Again it was a first pitch fastball, I just tried to do what I can with it and stay in the middle,” recalled Romano. “I was fortunate enough to put it in the gap, get on second base and get on scoring position. Kraemer got a nice hit to get me in.”

Hun went on to add two more runs as it prevailed 5-1, earning an impressive victory over a perennial powerhouse.

“It was another game that was circled on our calendar, they obviously had a lot of good players,” said Romano of the matchup. “They had a lot of good arms, we were looking forward to this one. Luckily, we came out with a win today. I thought we played exceptionally on offense and the defense was amazing. We made two double plays.”

The Raiders showed the depth of their batting order as Michael Jolly added an RBI and Carson Wehner went 2-for-3. more

With Senior Shortstop Riviello Emerging as a Leader, Hun Softball Looking Dominant with Sizzling 10-0 Start

IN THE SWING: Hun School softball player Christina Riviello takes a swing in recent action. Last Saturday, senior shortstop Riviello smacked a double and scored two runs to help Hun defeat the Blair Academy 10-0. The Raiders, who improved to 10-0 with the victory, host Lawrence High on April 29 and Hopewell Valley on April 30 before playing at Blair on May 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Christina Riviello has developed a take-charge attitude this spring in her senior season for the Hun School softball team.

“I am normally quiet but I have taken more of a leadership role,” said Riviello. “I like to pick everyone up and make sure that everyone is included.”

Last Saturday, shortstop Riviello helped pick up Hun as it hosted the Blair Academy, hitting a double and scoring two runs as the Raiders prevailed 10-0.

“I have been feeling more comfortable at bat,” said Riviello. “I have been working on keeping my head in and just driving the ball because I am not very big. I have got to use everything I have got.”

Despite hitting in the bottom of the order, Riviello has emerged as an offensive catalyst for the Raiders.

“I feel like I am up first a lot because the innings end before I get up for some reason,” said Riviello. “I like being first up in an inning.”

With Hun off to a 10-0 start, the squad has made scoring first a habit this spring.

“It is mostly everybody being aggressive and trying to take advantage,’ said Riviello. “We really came out with energy today. We all feel pretty good, even after making mistakes. You have got to pick yourself up and you have fun.”

Riviello is having fun playing shortstop.  more

Hun Girls’ Lax Goalie Vitale Enjoys Special Birthday, Coming Up Big as Raiders Stifle PDS in 10-6 Victory

VITAL CONTRIBUTOR: Hun School girls’ lacrosse goalie Angelina Vitale, right, looks to clear the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, junior star Vitale celebrated her 17th birthday by making nine saves to help Hun defeat Princeton Day School 10-6. The Raiders, who lost 12-8 to the Shipley School (Pa.) last Monday to move to 4-5, host Germantown Academy (Pa.) on April 30 and then play at Lawrenceville on May 3 in the state Prep A semis. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last Friday was Angelina Vitale’s 17th birthday, and she celebrated by giving a gift to the Hun School girls’ lacrosse team as it played at the Princeton Day School.

Playing under rental lights brought in for the night game, junior goalie Vitale saw the ball fine, producing a brilliant performance that saw her make nine saves including several point blank stops as Hun stifled PDS for a 10-6 win.

Vitale and her teammates were fired up for the Friday night lights clash with their crosstown rival.

“We played a hard game against them last year and didn’t come out on top,” said Vitale. “We worked hard in practice and really came out strong today with energy. It was their home field so we knew we had to bring a lot of energy and intensity and play with heart.”

The Raider defense showed plenty of heart as it clogged up the crease area to thwart the Panthers and jump out to a 7-1 halftime lead. more

Sparked by Freshman Lee’s Scoring Prowess, Stuart Lacrosse Heading in the Right Direction

IMMEDIATE IMPACT: Stuart Country Day School lacrosse player Allison Lee races upfield in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, freshman star Lee tallied seven goals and two assists to help Stuart defeat Rutgers Prep 14-4. On Friday, Lee contributed four goals and five assists to help the Tartans edge the Ranney School 12-11 to improve to 3-5. Stuart was slated to start action in the state Prep B tournament this week where it is seeded sixth and was scheduled to play at third-seeded PDS on April 26 in a first round contest. In addition, the Tartans will be playing at Hamilton West on April 27. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It didn’t take long for Allison Lee to make an impact this spring in her freshman season for the Stuart Country Day School lacrosse team.

The skilled midfielder tallied four goals in a season opening 17-7 defeat to Princeton Day School on April 4 in a harbinger of things to come.

“Everyone has their role on the team and my role has been to help with the scoring,” said Lee. “I can always count on my team. They are always supporting me so it allows me to score.”

Last Wednesday, Lee scored early and often, tallying seven goals and two assists in a 14-4 win over Rutgers Prep as the Tartans posted their second win in the last three games.

“In practice, we have been working really hard, we have been working on different plays,” said Lee. “It is a lot about the teamwork. In the beginning, it was little bit rougher but then we started to come together. The whole team has been working really hard and it has been showing in the results.” more

April 20, 2022

Bunny Chase

Terhune Orchards hosted its annual Bunny Chase Spring Celebration last weekend with children’s activities including a self-guided treasure hunt, bunny-themed crafts, games, special play houses, and a play area in the barnyard. Participants share their favorite animals at the farm in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Weronika A. Plohn)

Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Starts May 4

By Donald Gilpin

If you’re still using those store-supplied, single-use plastic bags for your groceries and other purchases, then it’s time for a change. Start bringing your own reusable bags when you shop. “Get in the habit before the law officially goes into effect on May 4,” this week’s Princeton municipal newsletter advises.

The new law, signed by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in 2020, is the most progressive bag ban law in the country. It prohibits grocery stores and other retail establishments from providing single-use plastic bags to customers. Also, grocery stores 2,500 square feet or larger are not permitted to provide single-use paper bags, and the law also prohibits polystyrene foam (known as Styrofoam) takeout food containers and other Styrofoam food-service products.

“I don’t think this will be a difficult transition for Princeton folks,” said Sustainable Princeton Executive Director Christine Symington, “because our community is already pretty cognizant of the impact of single-use plastic, and we’re supportive of the new rules.”

Symington mentioned two good reasons for the new laws. “The primary reason was to reduce litter,” she said. “Single use disposable bags often find their way into the environment in places where they are not meant to be. This will certainly help to reduce litter.”

She continued, “Also this is a step in the right direction towards understanding the full life-cycle costs of the goods and products that we use.  Hopefully this is helping us as a society to go away from a make-and-dispose culture towards more of a circular economy, an economy where we are extracting the most useful life out of a product before it makes its way to the landfill.” more

PU Trustees Extend Eisgruber’s Tenure For Five More Years

By Donald Gilpin

Christopher L. Eisgruber’s tenure as president of Princeton University has been extended by the University’s Board of Trustees for at least five more years, as Princeton University looks forward to the expansion of its undergraduate student body, increasing investments in emerging areas of science and innovation, and the most ambitious building program in its history.

In approving the extension of Eisgruber’s presidency at its April 9 meeting, the Board of Trustees cited “transformational gains” in student body diversity and philanthropic support, accomplishments that have enhanced the University’s teaching and research, and historic campus expansion, according to a Princeton University press release.

“As the University and world emerge from a period of unprecedented challenges, the board felt it was important to give us all the reassurance and strength of Chris Eisgruber’s continued leadership for a minimum five more years, said Board of Trustees Chair Louise “Weezie” Sams. “This decision positions us optimally as we venture forward.”

A constitutional law scholar and 1983 Princeton University graduate, Eisgruber joined the Princeton University faculty in 2001, then served as provost for nine years before he became the University’s 20th president in 2013.

“I am grateful to the trustees for their confidence in me, and I am excited about what we can achieve in the next five years,” said Eisgruber. “It is a privilege to lead this University and this community that I love.” more

Many Musicians are On Deck for Princeton Porchfest Performances

By Anne Levin

With some 60 bands and musical attractions on 11 front porches in town, the inaugural Princeton Porchfest this Saturday, April 23, is shaping up to be the all-encompassing community event that its planners had in mind.

Barring a severe weather event, homes on Murray Place, Linden Lane, Maple Street, Willow Street, Wiggins Street, Mt. Lucas Road, Birch Avenue, Witherspoon Street, and Leigh Avenue; along with the Princeton University building that fronts 185 Nassau Street and the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts at 102 Witherspoon Street, will be the stages for musical attractions from across the spectrum.

An eclectic-sounding list of names, including Mimosa Watusi, Ophelia’s Lover, Lemon Glaze Band, Cousin Oven, Hot Jupiter, and Circle Round the Sun, are on the schedule. More traditional-sounding attractions on the list include Westrick Music Academy, Princeton High School Around 8, the Princeton University Band, Wildcats A Cappella, the Princeton Pianists Ensemble, and the Sourland String Band. For a full roster, visit Artscouncilofprinceton.org.

Princeton Porchfest is the one of the highlights of the April ARTS Festival of Arts and Culture, which was inaugurated April 1 to reimagine the annual Communiversity street fair, which has drawn crowds in the range of 30,000 to Princeton in recent, pre-pandemic years. The Arts

Council of Princeton is behind the event, with support from Princeton University and the municipality. more

Bicycle Tours of Historic Trail Where Trolleys Once Traveled

 

WHEN TROLLEYS RAN THE RAILS: This 1929 photo of a trolley car on the route between Trenton and New Brunswick is included among the West Windsor Historical Society’s remembrances of the historic Trolley Line Trail.

By Anne Levin

Back in the early days of the last century, trolley lines were key links in local transportation systems. The line that ran from Trenton to New Brunswick from 1902 to 1937 spanned 27.5 miles, stopping along the way in West Windsor.

West Windsor Township happens to be in the midst of celebrating its 225th birthday this year, and recognizing the route is part of the schedule. This Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m. and 12 and 2 p.m., bicycle tours of the old trolley line trail — now a pedestrian walking trail — are being offered by the West Windsor Historical Society and the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance.

Departing from West Windsor Community Park Pavilion, the tours will run along the PSE&G power lines, the route once taken by the trolleys. The 10 a.m. tour includes a ribbon-cutting for a recently constructed extension to the trail. All three tours will explore the story of the trolley line, touching on other West Windsor history topics along the way.

“What used to be the trolley line is now a pedestrian walking path, and not many people know about its history,” said Paul Ligeti, who is vice president of the historical society. “We thought people would like to know.”

Saturday’s tours are just one part of a year-long series of events commemorating West Windsor’s history. They began in January with a lecture by author and historian Larry Kidder on “Ten Crucial Days,” about West Windsor’s role in the Revolutionary War; and conclude in December at the West Windsor History Museum. Numerous events are planned for this summer, including a cemetery tour and lecture, an antique car show, a cricket tournament, a history and culture parade, a Revolutionary War Colonial reenactment, open space tours, and more.

“The historical society, local government, and other municipal groups are collaborating on a whole variety of events,” said Ligeti. “There are ongoing projects, including the installation of historic markers in different historic villages; and beautifying the cemetery at Princeton Baptist Church [on Route 1], on which we are working a bit with Princeton University.” more

Yom HaShoah Remembrance Is Focused on Painter’s Journey

FACES THAT SPEAK: Artist Debra Kapnek’s painting of Holocaust survivors, titled “18 Enduring Voices,” is the subject of a short film followed by a talk at The Jewish Center Princeton.

By Anne Levin

It has been 77 years since the end of the Holocaust. Like numerous other religious organizations throughout the world, The Jewish Center Princeton will memorialize the six million Jews who were murdered, and honor those who survived, to mark Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) on Wednesday, April 27 starting at 6 p.m.

The program begins with a short film about 18 Enduring Voices, a painting of Holocaust survivors by Philadelphia area artist Debra Kapnek. Marcel Groen, son of one of the survivors in the painting, will speak, and Kapnek will talk about her experiences painting her subjects. A Q&A and evening service will follow.

Kapnek, who earned degrees in art at Temple and George Washington universities, started painting portraits after her brother returned from working in Mali, Africa, with slides of some of the people he encountered. “He encouraged me to paint them, to try to raise money for people there who were suffering from a drought,” Kapnek said. “That was my first series of portraits from photographs.”

Trained to work from life rather than photographs, Kapnek was reluctant at first. “But it went better than I expected,” she said. “I had a show, and that led to a commission from the American Association for Ethiopian Jews to paint Jews in Ethiopia who were under house arrest at that time. That led me later to paint portraits [from photographs] of the people of Darfur. They were used to raise awareness about the genocide that was happening to them. And probably still is.” more

Hollywood Celebrities Come to IAS, PU For Filming of “Oppenheimer”

By Donald Gilpin

The first indication for some residents of the western part of town in the area around the Institute for Advanced Study was a letter from the assistant location manager for Gadget Films LLC. 

She wrote to inform them that a feature film — no details provided — “plans to film in your neighborhood this April” and that most of the filming would take place at IAS and on Olden Lane between Newlin and Battle Road. 

“As always,” the letter read, “we will do our utmost to be respectful to the surrounding community and thank you in advance for having us in your neighborhood.” There was also a number and email address listed in case there were any questions.

Indications that this might be more than a minor film arose about two weeks ago as black and yellow signs went up in the IAS area with arrows indicating the direction for “crew parking” and for “catering.”  And then vintage 1940s cars were spotted parked outside of the main buildings on the IAS campus.

On Monday, April 11, the movie crews, actors — including Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and other celebrities — and five-time Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter Christopher Nolan arrived to shoot scenes for their upcoming movie Oppenheimer. 

The film is based on the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, theoretical physicist and IAS director from 1947 to 1966. He is among those credited as creator of the atomic bomb and a controversial leader in the World War II Manhattan Project that developed the first nuclear weapons. more

Looking Behind the Facade — Thomas Mann in Princeton

By Stuart Mitchner

The way that history has taken has been so filthy, such a carrion-strewn path of lies and baseness, that no one need be ashamed of refusing to travel along it, even if it should lead to goals we might commend if reached by other paths.

   —Thomas Mann, from a letter (1938)

… grave, genial, aloof, a little shy still because of his English, [Mann] was silent most of the time: but his deep feeling in the reading of his paper on democracy impressed everyone: at one point he could hardly keep back his tears.

—Lewis Mumford (1940)

The passages above appear in Stanley Corngold’s The Mind in Exile: Thomas Mann in Princeton (Princeton University Press 2022). The first is from a letter Mann wrote on his September 1938 arrival in Princeton; the second is from an account of his appearance at the City of Man conference in Atlantic City, May 1940. I added this glimpse of Mann writing and speaking to supplement the cover image, shown here, in which he eyes the reader with a look that seems to say “Who are you, why are you here, and what do you want?”

What a contrast is the cover of The Magician, Colm Tóibín’s 2021 novel about Mann and his family — a treat for the eyes, the packaging bold and bright, with Mann nowhere to be seen, unless you count the dark figure in the foreground gazing at a Venetian fantasia, San Marco in a mist. The dust jacket hooks are all about Tóibín, “the bestselling author of The Master and Brooklyn, one of today’s most brilliant and beloved novelists.”

Unfortunately Tóibín ran into problems when attempting to “saturate himself in the dense intellectual world of Mann,” as D.T. Max reports in the September 20, 2021 New Yorker. Tóibín knew that he could “capture Mann’s erotic yearnings and his conflicts with his children; but could he make repartee about abstract ideas come alive on the page?” Apparently not. His editors told him that ideas “stopped the novel in its tracks,” and he agreed. more

PU Orchestra’s Stuart B. Mindlin Memorial Concerts Return to Richardson Auditorium

By Nancy Plum

Each year, the Princeton University Orchestra designs its final concert of the season as both a tribute to former Orchestra percussionist Stuart Mindlin and a send-off to the ensemble’s graduating seniors. Over the years, these performances have often presented a single massive orchestral work, but as with many musical events these past months, things are a little different. Led by conductor Michael Pratt, the University Orchestra performed four pieces which may have looked as though they had little in common but were in fact interconnected through their themes of common struggles against tyranny, racism, and intolerance toward diverse backgrounds. The four works of Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlos Chavez, William Grant Still and Leonard Bernstein spoke to both liberty and loss, as well as hope and love, with messages the graduating seniors can take with them as they launch their new lives outside the University.

The Orchestra opened Friday night’s concert at Richardson Auditorium (the performance was repeated Saturday night) with a classic well-known to the ensemble. Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3, Opus 72a was intended for an 1806 production of Beethoven’s opera Fidelio. In a single movement, this work travels from the despair of the prisoner Florestan to energetic fire and finally to victory through Beethoven’s trademark symphonic joy. From the solid opening chords, the Orchestra was always responsive to Pratt’s musical leadership, with the drama of the music building slowly through the introductory passages. Flutist Christine Deng’s chipper playing aided in a smooth transition to the overture’s familiar themes, with a trio of trombones and pair of trumpets adding subtle brass color, as well as a dramatic offstage trumpet. Dynamic swells were well-executed, and drama was maintained through effective sforzandi and the precise playing of timpanist Elijah Shina. Flutist Deng and oboist Jeremy Chen were paired in expressive musical passages, and the Orchestra was effective in creating a fast and furious musical swirl to the closing coda. more

Paddington Bear on Stage At State Theatre New Jersey

BELOVED BEAR: Paddington is the subject of a musical, based on Michael Bond’s books, coming to New Brunswick this weekend.

The family-oriented comedy Paddington Gets in a Jam comes to State Theatre New Jersey, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick on Saturday, April 23 at 1 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$65.

The show was created and directed by Jonathan Rockefeller. The production has garnered a Drama Desk and Off-Broadway Alliance nomination for Best Family Show. The production brings the famous bear to the stage for the first time with a new adventure inspired by Britsh-born Michael Bond’s book series. For over 60 years, Bond has written stories about Paddington, the bear from Darkest Peru, famous for his love of marmalade. Paddington is popular with both children and adults. His adventures have been adapted several times for television, with his debut onto the big screen in 2014. A second film, Paddington 2, followed in 2017 and a third film is in the works.     

Visit STNJ.org for tickets and further information.

Guitarist Stanley Jordan Leads Master Class at Lewis Center

BACK ON CAMPUS: Famed guitarist Stanley Jordan, who graduated from Princeton University in 1981, leads a master class Thursday, April 21. (Photo courtesy of Stanley Jordan)

On April 21 at 4:30 p.m., Princeton University welcomes back alumnus Stanley Jordan ’81, considered one of the greatest living jazz guitarists, back to campus to share his knowledge and experience with the Princeton community. The public is invited to observe an open master class where Jordan will work and perform with current students from the Department of Music’s Jazz Program at Lee Music Performance and Rehearsal Room in the Lewis Arts complex.

Jordan is a guitarist and composer who has made a major impact on the music scene since his rise to fame in the mid-1980s. He is widely regarded as the foremost expert of the touch, or tapping technique, in which a guitarist uses both hands on the neck of the instrument, allowing him to play simultaneous melodies with a degree of independence previously possible only on the piano. Today this technique is common among guitarists, however, when Jordan started it was virtually unheard of. While at Princeton, Jordan’s technique caught the eye of visiting jazz lecturer Benny Carter, who invited Jordan to join himself and Dizzy Gillespie in a performance at Princeton’s Alexander Hall in 1979. more

Concert Presents Works Expressing Efforts for Peace

LONGING FOR PEACE: A concert by Voices Chorale NJ, with the Berks Sinfonietta, is centered around music focused on peace. Artistic Director David A. McConnell directs.

On Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m., Voices Chorale NJ presents an in-person and live-streamed concert that was originally planned for the spring of 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. At Trinity Church, 33 Mercer Street, the chorale will be accompanied by pianist Akiko Hosaki and the 16-piece Berks Sinfonietta, an intergenerational chamber orchestra co-founded and directed by Voices Artistic Director David A. McConnell.

The chorale will perform various pieces from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. These works express the longing for peace through distinct approaches. Though little known, Handel’s rarely performed Anthem on the Peace contains musical themes echoing his other works. Selections by Mendelssohn and Haydn reflect peace within the context of Christian musical traditions. Contemporary pieces include And for a Breath by Ryan Main, A Prayer of Compassion by Gwyneth Walker, and 1000 Beautiful Things by Annie Lennox of the Eurhythmics.

Voices Chorale NJ originally planned to perform this selection of music in the spring of 2020. That makes performing together in person even more relevant, especially due to current world events. “We will accomplish something good if we have people thinking about their role in creating peace,” said McConnell. “If they leave comforted and challenged by the texts, we will have made the words speak more clearly through the music.”

McConnell added, “The idea of peace is something I think about a great deal. These days I can barely stand to listen to the news, because at its core, most of the stories we hear are about an inability or unwillingness to get along with others. People have disagreed with one another surely since the beginning of time, certainly as long as I have been alive. And yet, I cannot recall another time where the idea of disagreeing led to viewing the other side as the enemy.” more

Spring Solo Exhibitions at Contemporary Art Center

“THEDA SANDIFORD: JOYFUL RESISTANCE”: Works by award-winning, self-taught fiber and installation artist Sandiford are featured in a new exhibit at The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster. The Center will also host solo exhibits by Lily Colman, Jennifer Croson, and Debra Samdperil from April 22 through June 4.

The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster has announced the opening of four solo exhibitions beginning April 22 and remaining on view through June 4. The opening reception will be held on Friday, April 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

“Lily Colman: The Knots on the Underside of the Carpet” presents the work of Lily Madeleine Colman a film-based photographer from Philadelphia, where she currently lives and works. Colman was most recently featured in the 2021 International Juried Exhibition at The Center for Contemporary Art, where she was awarded First Prize and a Solo Exhibition. She also won Second Place for the 2021 Foto Forum Santa Fe Photography Award, and had a virtual solo exhibition featured on their website. She completed her master’s degree in photography from the Rhode Island School of Design in May 2020, as well as a Certificate in Collegiate Teaching in Art and Design. She earned her BA in fine art portrait photography and curatorial studies in May 2013 from Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass.  more

Covered Bridge Artisans Host Spring Studio Tour

“FISH CAR”: Works by artist Jeanine Pennell are among those featured in the self-guided Covered Bridge Artisans Studio Tour to be held on April 30 and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Delaware River Valley of lower Hunterdon and Bucks counties.

The Covered Bridge Artisans Studio Tour is a self-guided tour located in the Delaware River Valley of lower Hunterdon and Bucks counties. The studio tour takes place in seven professional artists’ studios in Lambertville, Stockton, New Hope, and Sergeantsville areas with 14 additional artists at the Sergeantsville Firehouse Events Center.  All studios are located within 5 miles of Stockton.

For 27 years the Covered Bridge Artisans have hosted an annual Thanksgiving weekend tour, but decided to introduce a spring event this year on April 30 and May 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in alliance with the Hunterdon Art Tour.  The weekend will provide a rare opportunity to see so many open studios regionally. Visitors can have the opportunity to visit the workshops, shop for distinctive gifts, and learn from each artist about how and where they create their work. 

The Covered Bridge Artisans Studio Tour is an introduction to a varied group of professional artists creating work throughout the year.  The group features a variety of artisans working in glass, jewelry, ceramics, photography, cast bronze, painting, weaving, bookbinding, woodworking, quilting and more. 

For more information, and a map connected to GPS links, visit coveredbridgeartisans.com.

“Kingston: On the Map” Highlights Historical Maps

MAPPING HISTORY: “A Map of the Trenton to New Brunswick Turnpike-road,” circa early 1800s, is featured in “Kingston: On the Map,” on view at the D&R Canal Locktender’s House through November. (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division)

“Kingston: On The Map” is now on exhibit in the History Room at the D&R Canal Locktender’s House, on old Lincoln Highway (off Route 27) in Kingston on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November. Masks and distancing are requested. 

The village of Kingston has hosted colonial taverns, armies during the American Revolution, canal boats, railroad trains, and travelers on the Lincoln Highway. One of the oldest settlements in central New Jersey, Kingston evolved with America over its 340-year history. 

The display uses journal entries and prints of a dozen historical maps to illustrate Kingston’s evolution, from settlement to commercial center to modern community.  One map shows how Kingston moved between the colonies of East and West New Jersey. Another shows both Kingston and Princeton divided by county lines. Railroads appeared in the 19th century, disappearing by the 20th. The Delaware and Raritan Canal was built for commerce, but is now a recreation destination. more

American Modernist

Works from the estate of Peter Miller, shown in her studio, will be on view in “Peter Miller — Forgotten Woman of American Modernism,” running April 23 through May 31 at Gratz Gallery and Conservation Studio in Doylestown, Pa. A 40th anniversary party for the gallery and preview of the exhibit are on April 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit gratzgallery.com. (Julien Levy Gallery Records, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library and Archive)

Full Range of Services, Including Instruction, Available at Princeton Airport and Flying School

FAIR SKIES AHEAD: “In 1985, when we moved here, we had no idea we were carrying forward the torch of aviators from 1911 at this site. We think those early aviators would be very pleased with the expansion of the runway, taxiway, lighting system, hangars, and all the navigational aids that have come into being.” Ken Nierenberg, right, manager of Princeton Airport, is also very proud that his son Jack, left, is now the third generation of the Nierenberg family to help guide and maintain the airport’s highest professional standards. They are shown beside a Cessna-172, one of the instruction planes.

By Jean Stratton

“Come fly with me,

“Let’s fly, let’s fly away!”

And as the song continues,

“Once I get you up there, where the air is rarefied,

“We’ll just glide starry-eyed…..”

If that sounds intriguing, you don’t have to fight the traffic to Newark Liberty, Kennedy, or even Trenton-Mercer Airport. Princeton Airport and Flying School is just around the corner at 41 Airpark Road.

And the opportunities are equally intriguing: flying lessons, rentals, hangars in which to park your own plane, and an extraordinary history. more