Warren County, New Jersey's Community Orchestra

George Akehurst, Director

History of the Stone Soup Symphony

When Bob Pomicter and I founded the Stone Soup Symphony in 1998, we were faced with many challenges: finding musicians and rehearsal space, funding, legal issues, music purchasing, advertising, public relations and more.  We faced an uphill battle for a group whose goal is to provide local musicians a fun, non-competitive environment where the trials of organization would be transparent to our members.  We have been able to do this because of help from our members, the community and friends.  I would like to thank everyone who has helped us through the years.  With a group like ours any help from the smallest to the largest is appreciated.  We return the favor by providing you with music from the world’s greatest composers that we hope you enjoy as much as we do. Our hope for the future is to continue to bring pride to our community through our concerts and through our ability to bring people together to make great music.

My sincerest thanks to the following people and organizations that continue to provide support. This list cannot possibly list all the folks who have helped. 

 Linda, Al and Alex Bauldowski  - for their generous financial support

 Robert Pomicter  - for organization, and providing an alternative view

 The Seventh Day Adventist Church– for their donation of the rehearsal space

 WNTI-Freeform Radio -- for support

 Centenary College – for supporting our group in various ways

 Hackettstown Chamber of Commerce -  for community relations

 The Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission – for their financial support

 Ed and Muriel Mathez -  for their financial support

 Mary Ellen Bathgate – for providing all the graphic design and programs

And  --- All the wonderful musicians who dedicate their time and efforts without whom this would not be possible.

George Akehurst -- Conductor