The History of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony • Jed Gaylin, Music Director
The Bay-Atlantic Symphony was founded as the Bridgeton Symphony in 1983 in Bridgeton, New Jersey by its first Music Director, Russell Meyer, and a group of dedicated music lovers. In 1993, the Symphony was named "Orchestra in Residence" at the Stockton Performing Arts Center at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Pomona (20 miles west of Atlantic City).
In 1995 the orchestra launched a national search for its next Music Director, and selected Jed Gaylin in 1997 to lead the orchestra into its next phase. The power of classical music is the cornerstone of the Bay-Atlantic Symphony's programs. In addition, the Bay-Atlantic Symphony also strives to add to the region’s cultural life by linking itself with important institutions and populations within the community. In 1998, the Symphony changed its name to the Bay-Atlantic Symphony to reflect the artistic growth and regionalization of the orchestra.
In 1999, the Symphony was named "The Resident Symphony at the Guaracini Fine and Performing Arts Center" located on the campus of Cumberland County College in Vineland, New Jersey. BAS was named “Orchestra in Residence” at the prestigious Cape May Music Festival starting in 2003. Through active membership in the South Jersey Cultural Alliance, Jersey Arts Communicators, American Symphony Orchestra League, Art Pride New Jersey, Arts and Business Partnership of Southern New Jersey, as well as various local Chambers of Commerce and community-based groups, the Symphony serves as an arts ambassador throughout southern New Jersey. Under Jed Gaylin, the orchestra has grown to an impressive ensemble with national recognition. BAS has been broadcast repeatedly on National Public Radio, including a segment on “Weekend Edition 2004” reaching 4 million listeners throughout the United States. This feature was also broadcast by Voice of America in English and translated throughout Europe and the former Soviet Union.
BAS has collaborated with such renowned soloists as Hilary Hahn, Eugenia Zuckerman, the Eroica Trio, Stefan Jackiw, Awadagin Pratt, Shai Wosner, Chee-Yun, and Adam Neiman among others. Both BAS and its Music Director have received extensive accolades in the press and from their enthusiastic audiences.
If you would like to browse through our past seasons, find <Past Seasons> under the <About Us> section on the top menu.