Trenton’s  year-end celebration returns as the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey welcomes 2026 with its annual New Year’s Eve Celebration Concert at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, on Wednesday, December 31.

The 8 p.m. concert will offer a program of light classical repertoire, and will welcome back conductor Ruth Ochs to the podium. Ochs is widely respected for her two decades of leadership of the Princeton University Sinfonia, her frequent work with the Princeton University Orchestra, and her long tenure with the Westminster Community Orchestra. Musicologist Joel Phillips will return as master of ceremonies to introduce the program and guide the audience through the evening.

Music in the program includes Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, Leroy Anderson’s Blue Tango, Johann Strauss Jr.’s The Beautiful Blue Danube, and sections from Bizet’s Carmen, featuring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Barbara Rearick, and more.

The Philharmonic’s commitment to community partnerships includes the arts program of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, which will present artwork created by self-taught and emerging Trenton artists. The art program provides exhibition opportunities, donated supplies, cultural outings, open studio hours, and platforms for artists to share and sell their work. Much of the artwork will be displayed in the War Memorial’s Ballroom during the post-concert festivities.

After the concert, all ticket holders are invited to the Ballroom for a champagne toast and reception. The gathering will feature light sweet treats, and a change of sound as several orchestra musicians shift from classical repertoire to jazz. The reception offers  a warm setting for musicians, patrons, and community members to celebrate the new year together.

Tickets for the event are available at capitalphilharmonic.org.