The Newark Central School District will once again host a wonderful evening of holiday music with the incomparable Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in the Newark High School auditorium on Friday, December 5th at 7 p.m.
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The event is being hosted by the Newark Central School District in conjunction with Wegmans, Lyons National Bank and the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce.
“This is the 24th year we have hosted the RPO in our community. These holiday concerts in Newark are a wonderful annual holiday tradition that so many of us look forward to,’’ said Cynthia Briggs, NCSD Music Department Leader and Kelley School instrumental music teacher.
“The Newark Central School District would also again like to thank the many sponsors who have enabled us to present this performance at such a great price,’’ Briggs continued. “We are especially grateful for all of our donors for their generous support of this event.”
Gerard Floriano, an accomplished conductor and music educator whose passions include conducting orchestral, operatic, and choral repertoire, will conduct the concert this year.
Maestro Floriano maintains a busy schedule as artistic director, music director, music educator, and guest conductor, having led performances and productions throughout Europe and the United States.
As Distinguished Professor of Conducting and Ensembles in the School of the Performing Arts at SUNY Geneseo, Floriano serves as Music Director/Conductor of the Geneseo Symphony Orchestra and Director of Choral Activities/Conductor of the Geneseo Chamber Singers. Additionally, Maestro Floriano served as the founding Artistic Director and visionary force of Finger Lakes Opera. Under his artistic leadership, Finger Lakes Opera garnered the enviable reputation as the premier summer opera experience for audiences in upstate New York.
FLO’s recent production of Verdi’s Aida under Floriano’s leadership was named the “2023 Best Professional Opera Production” by Broadway World magazine.
Floriano’s 2025-2026 highlights include guest conducting appearances with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in their holiday pops concerts, William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony and Dvorak’s New World Symphony with Geneseo Symphony Orchestra, as well as a two-week eastern European concert tour with the Geneseo Chamber Singers.
Recent notable engagements include guest conducting the Orchestra and Chorus of the Cappella Musicale di San Franceso in performances of both the Mozart and Salieri Requiems as part of the 2024 Ravenna Festival, as well as the world premiere of a new opera by composer B.E. Boykin and librettist Jarrod Lee entitled Two Corners at Finger Lakes Opera.
Baritone Joshua Conyers, who has earned critical acclaim for his commanding performances in both contemporary and traditional operatic repertoire, as well as on concert stages throughout North America and internationally will be the guest soloist.
Guided by an unwavering dedication and vision as an artist, educator, and advocate, Conyers is committed to shaping and advancing the future of the performing arts.
Currently on the voice faculty at the Eastman School of Music, Conyers, in the 2025-26 season, returned to Finger Lakes Opera as the title role in Rigoletto, portrayed Tonio in Pagliacci with Buffalo Opera Unlimited and made several concert appearances with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for Handel’s Messiah, the Rochester Society for Chamber Music, the North Carolina Master Chorale for the Brahms Requiem, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Admission to the RPO concert is $9 for students, $14 for senior citizens and $16 for adults. Advance sale tickets are available at the Newark and Lyons branches of Lyons National Bank. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Before the concert at 6 p.m. music will be provided by the NHS Jazz Band and Fusion Ensemble in the gymnasium.
They will be directed by NHS instrumental music teacher Robert Humphrey.
Anyone with questions may call Briggs at 332-3200 ext. 3140.