Symphony Hall at 100
Legacy, Renewal and Fela! CEO Talia L. Young Looks Back — and Ahead
TPC: Newark Symphony Hall is marking its 100th anniversary. What does this centennial mean to you and to Newark?
Talia L. Young: This centennial is significant for so many reasons. Many know Newark Symphony Hall as Newark’s First Stage—we are the oldest operating historic stage in the city. We’re marking that history in a number of ways: through memorable events, a new brand identity, and a historic renovation that will transform the building, our neighborhood and the south downtown Newark corridor.
This renovation is a major undertaking, and our building remains open and active throughout the transition. Alongside it we’re introducing a new logo, website, and overall look and feel that reflect where we’re headed. This milestone is also a chance to reflect on the artists who walked these halls and on what this building has meant to Newark for over a century.
Over time, things will transform and will look different, but our commitment hasn’t changed. We’re here to serve the artists, students, and families who have been with us for generations. And we’re introducing new programs and legacy experiences designed to bring the entire community into the next chapter with us.
TPC: The Hall has been undergoing significant improvements. Can you share where the renovation stands and what people will notice?
TY: Our renovation is well underway, and we’re advancing a restoration vision that will safeguard and modernize this landmark. People will see construction in progress, but our doors stay open through every phase, and the Hall is still available for bookings.
Scaffolding is going up now as we prepare for a major restoration of the marquee this fall and winter. Visitors will notice upgrades that respect the building’s historic character while making it more welcoming, more functional, and ready for world-class productions. We’ll continue renovating this 220,000-square-foot space in phases through winter 2027. It’s an ambitious project, but one that will transform the Hall—one of the largest Black arts institutions in the country.
TPC: Tell us about Africa on Stage. Why this festival and why now?
TY: Africa on Stage reflects who we are and who we serve. Throughout October, we are transforming the campus into a gathering place for African and diaspora arts, including film, fashion, beauty, music, food, and hands-on learning, so culture is not just presented, but lived.
Newark Symphony Hall is Newark’s First Stage, and this October it becomes Africa’s Stage too. With so many organizations uniting under our roof to bring this programming to life, it naturally evolved into a festival designed to deepen cultural exchange, spark curiosity, and create experiences that bring people together across generations.
TPC: What are the must-see moments in the Africa on Stage lineup?
TY: The month opens with Bringing Ghana’s Damba Festival to Newark on October 3, an immersive celebration of drumming, dance, and ceremony presented with the North American Dagomba Community. On October 9, The Refill returns, and it will feature “Beats, Braids and Beauty” highlighting African beauty and cultural expression through live demos and conversations.
We will screen Amazing Grace: Yoruba World on October 10 with a live conversation, and on October 18 we host a free Arts Education Community Day with hands-on workshops, performances, and family activities. We’re also hosting an Arts Education School Day for Newark students and educators, in partnership with the Newark Board of Education. They are all incredible moments that you don’t want to miss but FELA! The Concert is generating a lot of excitement.
TPC: The festival culminates with FELA! The Concert. Why Fela and why this production?
TY: Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s life and music embody the intersection of art, activism, and African excellence, themes at the heart of our centennial. FELA! The Concert brings the energy and storytelling to Newark Symphony Hall for a one-night-only performance on October 22 with members of the cast from the Broadway musical.
The show captures Fela’s revolutionary spirit while inviting audiences to feel the power of Afrobeat and the urgency of his message. This is an experience we are proud to bring to Newark.
TPC: How does this programming connect to your work with students and workforce development?
TY: Everything we do is designed to educate, unite, and move us forward. Africa on Stage includes hands-on learning for students, artist-led demonstrations, and school-day experiences that inspire the next generation of creative leaders.
As Newark’s largest Black-led arts institution, we are building pathways for artists and residents through performances, cultural programming, and workforce development initiatives. These efforts connect young people to mentors, expose them to careers in the arts, and show them that their stories belong on this stage.
TPC: What do you want the community to take away from this centennial year?
TY: That this hall belongs to them and that its best chapters are still being written. We want people to come to our shows. Come for the culture and stay for the community.
Whether you join us for a family workshop, a film, a festival, or FELA!, we want you to experience an entire month of discovery, connection, and celebration that honors our past and where we’re going. We hope every visitor leaves with greater pride in Newark and a personal connection to this historic venue. Then we want you to come back again and again.
TPC: Any final words to the readers?
TY: Come join us at Newark Symphony Hall. We’re excited to welcome you and invite you to explore as we commemorate 100 years of history and start the next chapter together. Learn more about us and follow our event schedule at www.newarksymphonyhall.org.
