“Oh God… Beautiful Machine” Concert
Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey Premieres Groundbreaking Symphonic Jazz Work
Oh God…Beautiful Machine to Debut at Patriots Theater at Trenton’s War Memorial on October 25, 2025
Trenton, NJ – The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey proudly presents the world premiere of Oh God…Beautiful Machine, a monumental symphonic jazz work by Princeton University Composer-in-Residence, Vince di Mura with text by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa and commissioned by the Lawrence M. Hilton Foundation. This groundbreaking performance will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Patriots Theater at Trenton’s War Memorial.
Combining a full orchestra, jazz ensemble, traditional Chinese instrumentalists, and a diverse chorus, Oh God…Beautiful Machine is a genre-defying musical odyssey spanning ten movements and nearly 90 minutes. Featuring lyrics in multiple languages and influences from jazz, blues, samba, gospel, and folk traditions from around the world, this ambitious work bridges cultural and musical landscapes in a profound meditation on the environment, gratitude, and the human experience.
At the heart of this composition is Komunyakaa’s poetic vision—a reflection on environmental peril, resilience, and reverence for life on Earth. The collaboration between di Mura and Komunyakaa has resulted in a masterwork that does not preach but instead calls for gratitude and awareness. “The title,” di Mura explains, “is a recognition, an exhale, and a blessing. A love letter to the earth and all those who live on and in her.”
Blending the improvisational spirit of jazz with the structured grandeur of symphonic music, Oh God…Beautiful Machine challenges traditional musical boundaries. Each movement pays homage to visionaries such as Paul Robeson, Herbie Hancock, and Carlos Santana, and explores styles ranging from Native American and Afro-Caribbean influences to the swinging rhythms of Bossa Nova and the soul-stirring sounds of Mississippi Gospel.
“This piece is unlike anything else,” says di Mura. “It’s an immersive experience that invites the audience into a soundscape of both urgency and beauty. It’s a conversation between cultures, histories, and musical traditions—a celebration of what we have and a call to cherish it.”
This monumental performance, brought to life by nearly 100 musicians, will be a night of powerful artistry, innovative orchestration, and soul-stirring poetry.
Tickets and Information:
Tickets for Oh God…Beautiful Machine will be available soon. Visit [Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey’s website] ([Your Website]) for details.
About the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey
Founded to bring world-class orchestral music to Trenton, the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey is dedicated to musical excellence, education, and community engagement. By commissioning new works and collaborating with diverse artists, CPNJ continues to push artistic boundaries and expand access to classical music for all.
Join us on October 25, 2025, for an unforgettable evening of symphonic jazz, poetry, and visionary artistry!
