NJ Orchestra Hosts Piano Recital in Millburn

The Metropolitan Orchestra of New Jersey will host a piano fundraiser recital in support of the orchestra with featured soloist Mark Yolleck on Sunday, Jan. 6, at the Millburn Library.

The concert starts 2 p.m. with doors opening at 1:30. Following the concert, guests are invited to stay for a reception at 3 p.m. All profits will support the non-profit orchestra, which is dependent on donations.

"I like the orchestra very much," Yolleck, of Montclair, said. "I'd like to help them out in this way and I have the opportunity to play which I love to do."

The concert will feature piano works by Mozart, Liszt, Kodály, Taub and others.

Yolleck is a member of the Metropolitan Orchestra of NJ and also performs with the Plainfield Symphony and the New Sussex Symphony. He is an adjunct professor at Felician College in Lodi, where he accompanies the college's choir and student soloists.

He has been a piano soloist with the Metropolitan Orchestra (MONJ) on two occasions and has recently played 'Hummel Piano Concerto in A Minor' with the New Sussex Symphony (of New Jersey, Karen Pinoci, Music Director). He is an orchestral pianist with the MONJ and the Plainfield (NJ) Symphony. 

"I'm an old man with relatively young children so that keeps me busy too," Yolleck said with a laugh. 

The recital supports the volunteer orchestra to help with its operating
expenses. The Metropolitan Orchestra of NJ is all-volunteer group with about 50 to 60 member.