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BROADWAY WORLD
VIOLINIST DR. EDWARD W. HARDY PERFORMS IN THREE NEW YORK FASHION WEEK EVENTS THIS MONTH
SEPTEMBER 13, 2026
The Tommy Hilfiger appearance marks the first of three NYFW engagements for Hardy this season. On September 14, he will perform at the Runway 7 Fashion Awards Gala at Sony Hall, including a 30-minute set and an additional performance during the awards ceremony. He will wear an original Sound Kulture gold suit hand-painted by fashion designer Marco Alexander. The following day, September 15, Hardy will perform alongside Ecuadorian pop artist Pia Vasquez at the 11th edition of Downtown Fashion Week New York at Volume Midtown. Their collaboration will accompany the runway presentation, with proceeds supporting humanitarian aid in Venezuela.
BROADWAY WORLD (NASHVILLE)
PHOTOS: DR. EDWARD W. HARDY VISITS STREET THEATER COMPANY’S FINAL PERFORMANCE OF THE WOODSMAN
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
On August 29, 2026, Street Theater Company presented the closing night performance of The Woodsman at Nashville's Barbershop Theater. Dr. Edward W. Hardy, the composer and co-creator of The Woodsman, traveled from New York City to Nashville to attend the final performance, joined by Kaitlyn Raitz, creator of Nashville's 615 Classical and a cellist, and Sarah Fazendin, recent concertmaster of the North American Broadway tour of The Sound of Music. Check out photos from the final performance below!
BROADWAY WORLD (CONNECTICUT)
CRUEL SUMMER: THE PLAYHOUSE PLAYLIST TO BRING POP HITS TO WESTPORT
AUGUST 28, 2026
The concert will feature Elyse Bell, Madge Dietrich, Angle Lozada, Mariah Lyttle, Morgan Reilly, Kat Rodriguez and Willa Shamie. Drew Wutke serves as creator, music director and pianist, with John-Andrew Morrison directing. Wutke previously served as music director at Westport Country Playhouse for From Broadway to Hollywood, A Night for Swifties and Me, Myself & Barbra. The band will feature Shawn Dustin on drums, JJ Alleyne on guitar, Skyler Volpe on bass, Madge Dietrich on guitar and Edward W. Hardy on violin.
INTERVIEW: DR. EDWARD W. HARDY OF THE WOODSMAN AT BARBERSHOP THEATRE
AUGUST 25, 2026
Creating a new work can be such an exciting journey, and being part of the team for a play like The Woodsman is quite the trip down the yellow brick road. I’ve already covered Street Theatre Company’s current production of the show, and I had since made contact with its composer after he had read my review. Dr. Edward W. Hardy was just a college undergraduate when he joined forces with James Ortiz and Jay Adana, and now the show is still thriving since its debut in 2012. The violinist and composer shared how he got involved with The Woodsman, the inspirations that shaped his work, and any challenges he faced while writing the music.
LIA CHANG TV (WORD PRESS)
MULTIMEDIA: THE ALMOST QUINTET TRIO PERFORM NY PREMIERE OF ‘BORN FREE’ SONG CYCLE BY DR. EDWARD W. HARDY
AUGUST 17, 2026
My latest adventure with Dr. Edward W. Hardy included a concert at Grace and St. Paul’s Church where his song cycle “BORN FREE” received its New York City premiere performed by the Almost Quintet Trio as part of their “Love, Earth, Death” concert tour celebrating the work of Black and Chinese composers followed by a scrumptious dinner of soul food favorites at Charles Pan Fried Chicken on August 15, 2026.
REVIEW: THE WOODSMAN AT BARBERSHOP THEATRE (REVIEW)
AUGUST 15, 2026
Street Theatre Company transforms the Barbershop Theatre into the Merry Old Land of Oz in their production of James Ortiz and Dr. Edward W. Hardy’s The Woodsman. With impressive puppetry and very little dialogue, the show explains how a man full of love becomes a heartless hunk of junk. Running August 14-29 at the Barbershop Theatre, Street Theatre Company’s The Woodsman is full of heart.
ALMOST QUINTET WILL PERFORM NYC PREMIERE OF DR. EDWARD W. HARDY’S BORN FREE
AUGUST 12, 2026
Almost Quintet will present the New York City premiere of composer and violinist Dr. Edward W. Hardy's BORN FREE on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 7:30 PM. at Saint John's in the Village, 218 W 11th St, New York, NY. The performance is part of Almost Quintet's 2026 New York City concert tour, Love, Earth, Death, a series exploring the universal themes of love, earth, and mortality through the music of Black and Chinese composers.
JAZZ JOURNAL
REVIEWED: CHET BAKER | LIZ CRACCHIOLO | MILES DAVIS (REVIEW)
AUGUST 10, 2026
With perfect intonation and crystal-clear diction, she opens with No Doubt’s punk-inspired Just A Girl which in her hands becomes a subtle and very slinky ballad – worthy of a Nicki Parrott... Mr Brightside is a forgettable hit from The Killers transformed into a dramatic tango worthy of Astor Piazzolla. Edward W. Hardy’s violin here helps create one of the album’s highlights.
MUSIC CITY REVIEW
COMPOSING THE MAGIC OF OZ: DR. EDWARD W. HARDY ON HIS MUSIC FOR THE WOODSMAN (INTERVIEW)
AUGUST 5, 2026
"Writing for The Woodsman required me to think more like a filmmaker than a traditional theater composer. I conceived the score as a dramatic narrative rather than simply incidental music. The collaboration between the puppetry and pantomime helped me understand what each moment of this nearly silent production required and what my role was in guiding the audience’s emotional journey. Every musical phrase had to communicate intention, emotion, pacing, and transformation."
EP. 138: ON THE TOWN WITH VIOLINIST, COMPOSER AND ACTOR DR. EDWARD W. HARDY AIRS AUG. 2
JULY 31, 2026
Violinist, composer, and actor Dr. Edward W. Hardy gave a solo performance at Marcus Garvey Park’s Richard Rodgers Amphitheater in Harlem on July 23, ahead of the Classical Theatre of Harlem’s presentation of OTHELLO, as part of the company’s Partner Performances series. The appearance marked his fifth solo performance with the organization and his second consecutive year participating in the Partner Performances program. His set spanned multiple genres, including Gershwin, original contemporary classical music, pop, R&B, Latin music, funk, and hip-hop.
STYLE LUJO
THE HAMPTONS IS BECOMING AMERICA’S MONTE CARLO—AND THE ART AFFAIR PROVES THE WORLD IS TAKING NOTICE
JULY 21, 2026
The atmosphere gradually shifted as evening arrived. Live sets from Lee Kalt and JehiahSax carried the energy forward, while performances from Edward W. Hardy and Stephanie Babirak added another dimension to the program. Among the evening’s most compelling moments was a live charcoal drawing performance staged directly on the stone patio.
BROADWAY WORLD (OFF-BROADWAY)
DR. EDWARD W. HARDY TO MAKE FIFTH SOLO APPEARANCE WITH CLASSICAL THEATRE OF HARLEM
JULY 20, 2026
'It's truly an honor to be invited back to The Classical Theatre of Harlem's Partner Performances for a second consecutive year. This time, I'll be presenting my fifth public solo performance with the organization,' said Hardy. 'I've just come from a month immersed in Anna Deavere Smith's new play 'Basil Biggs,' for which I served as composer, violinist, and actor, performing music inspired by the 19th century. Now I get to return to the Harlem community with a program that spans many different genres and musical traditions. I hope audiences will come early, enjoy the performance, and celebrate a beautiful summer evening in Marcus Garvey Park with us. This performance will also mark my 51st free performance of the year.'
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
SEE IT, HEAR IT, FEEL IT: ALL THE PHILLY ART WE LOVED THIS WEEK (REVIEW)
JULY 4, 2026
[Anna Deavere] Smith crafted a riveting world that showcased fierce resilience, disarming humor, and profound empathy during a painfully divided time. The story is fueled by original music from actor/violinist Edward W. Hardy. It was an honor to experience one of the earliest presentations of this play, which will likely grow into a major production. It’s the kind of honest work about this nation’s bloody, conflicted history that feels like essential viewing for anyone who calls themself a patriot.
BROADWAY WORLD (PHILADELPHIA)
PHOTOS: BASIL BIGGS WORKSHOP PREMIERE CLOSES AT WILMA THEATRE
JULY 1, 2026
Directed by Leonard Foglia, with costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, and original music composed and performed by Dr. Edward W. Hardy, the play traces the life of Smith's great-great-grandfather, a farmer, veterinarian, and prominent Gettysburg figure who received the contract to disinter and rebury Union soldiers following the Civil War's bloodiest battle. Drawing on archival materials, the work imagines how Biggs, his family, and their community navigated the aftermath of the war.
FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF DENVER
WHERE SOUND SPEAKS: LISTENING FOR MEANING IN EVERYDAY LIFE
JUNE 19, 2026
Join us for Where Sound Speaks: Listening for Meaning in Everyday Life Service with Dr. Edward W. Hardy. Music has shaped the way I experience the world, not only as a violinist and composer, but as a person. Through stories from my life and career, I’ll explore how listening with our ears, our hearts, and our spirits can help us discover purpose, deepen our connections with one another, and open us to the idea of God’s presence in everyday life. Along the way, I’ll share brief violin performances that bring each idea to life, making the music part of the conversation rather than simply a performance.
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
EDWARD W. HARDY
Praised for “composing the omnipresent music and playing the violin superbly” (The New York Times) and recognized as a DownBeat Award–winning composer, violinist, and violist, Dr. Edward W. Hardy is a Black and Puerto Rican artist whose work bridges classical, contemporary, and Black musical traditions.
ARTIST EDDY BOGAERT AND VIOLINIST DR. EDWARD W. HARDY TO APPEAR AT ART CENTRAL EL DORADO GALLERIA
JUNE 17, 2026
Enhancing the evening's atmosphere, violinist and composer Dr. Edward W. Hardy will provide a live musical performance. Bridging classical tradition with contemporary and African American musical forms, Hardy is known for his genre-defying artistry and emotionally rich storytelling through sound. His performance will add a dynamic sonic dimension to the exhibition, creating a truly immersive artistic experience.
PHOTOS: ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS RECEIVES 2026 LEGEND AWARD AT LIVE OUT LOUD'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
MAY 22, 2026
He was joined by actors Amber Iman, Shereen Ahmed, John-Andrew Morrison, Madge Dietrich, Jason Veasey, Music Director Drew Wutke, Violinist and Composer Dr. Edward W. Hardy, Fashion Designer Patrick Cupid, and Multi-media Content Producer Lia Chang. André was nominated for a 2026 Drama League Distinguished Performance Award and garnered a fourth Tony nomination for his role as Old Deuteronomy in the critically-acclaimed revival of CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL, currently running on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre. The show has been nominated for 9 Tony Awards.
DO LOS ANGELES
THE ASCAP FOUNDATION MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP: THE WAITING
MAY 12, 2026
This performance of "The Waiting" takes place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM PT at the acclaimed Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Join us for a pre-show Golden Hour networking reception at 6pm in the Doris and Walter Marks Lobby, right outside of the Bram Goldsmith Theater. Writers and the creative community will come together to connect, collaborate, and spark what's next! Story: Maria Isabella Andreoli & EmmaLee Kidwell Music: Maria Isabella Andreoli Book & Lyrics: EmmaLee Kidwell Featuring Eric Betts, Megan Colton, Grace Lord, Bryan Munar, Falan Nuhring, Ariana Papaleo, and Shannon Purser, with musicians Cole Kidwell and Dr. Edward W. Hardy.
BOLD JOURNEY
STORY & LESSON HIGHLIGHTS WITH EDWARD W. HARDY OF MANHATTAN (INTERVIEW)
MAY 4, 2026
I think I used to wander, and I don’t say that as a weakness. For a long time, I followed opportunities, expectations, and versions of success that weren’t fully mine yet. I was learning, observing, listening, and trying on different identities as an artist and as a person. Now, I’m very clearly carving out my own path. It’s intentional. I know what I want my work to feel like, who I want to perform for, and how I want people to feel long after the music stops. Every performance—whether it’s a wedding, a corporate event, or a concert stage—is aligned with that vision. I’m no longer chasing validation; I’m building something meaningful, sustainable, and honest. That clarity didn’t arrive overnight. It came from experience, loss, reflection, and choosing to trust myself. Once that happened, the work stopped feeling scattered and started feeling purposeful.
PHOTOS: EDWARD W. HARDY BRINGS SUBWAY SERIES TO GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
MARCH 31, 2026
Hardy’s performances unfolded over three-hour sets, during which audiences gathered organically as the sound of the violin carried through the terminal. Spectators frequently stopped to watch, record, and participate, with some joining in to dance as the space took on the atmosphere of a live concert venue. His presentation combined performance with visual design, including a gold banner and custom concert attire blending classical formality with Motown and rock influences. The SUBWAY SERIES is an ongoing collection of public performances presented primarily at Grand Central Terminal in collaboration with MTA Arts & Design and Music Under New York.
BROADWAY WORLD (CLASSICAL)
VIDEO: VIOLINIST EDWARD W. HARDY PERFORMS ARIANA GRANDE, QUEEN, PUCCINI & MORE AT HIS SUBWAY SERIES
MARCH 27, 2026
New footage from Backstage Pass with Lia Chang also includes an interview with Dr. Hardy. Dr. Edward W. Hardy recently performed, in order of appearance, his original composition "Evolution - Inspired by the Evolution of Black Music," and sections from "Colors of My Life" from Barnum alongside Andre De Shields and Drew Wutke, "7 Rings" (Ariana Grande), Nessun Dorma from Turandot (Giacomo Puccini), and Oblivion (Astor Piazzolla)...
PATCH
"SUBWAY SERIES" - EDWARD W. HARDY
MARCH 3, 2026
A “Subway Series” of public solo violin performances at Grand Central Terminal presented in collaboration with MTA Arts & Design and Music Under New York. Drawing from classical repertoire, jazz, Latin music, rock, and contemporary popular works, Dr. Edward W. Hardy presents a wide-ranging multi-genre program that reflects the versatility of the modern violin. Each performance is approached with the same level of preparation, professionalism, and presentation as his formal concert engagements, reinforcing his commitment to artistic excellence in both traditional and nontraditional performance spaces. These performances are intended to make high-level live music accessible to a broad public audience, fostering an inclusive environment in which the boundaries between performer and listener are intentionally dissolved.
DO NYC
SUBWAY SERIES (LIVE AT GRAND CENTRAL)
FEBRUARY 26, 2026
A “Subway Series” of public solo violin performances at Grand Central Terminal presented in collaboration with MTA Arts & Design and Music Under New York. Drawing from classical repertoire, jazz, Latin music, rock, and contemporary popular works, Dr. Hardy presents a wide-ranging multi-genre program that reflects the versatility of the modern violin. Each performance is approached with the same level of preparation, professionalism, and presentation as his formal concert engagements, reinforcing his commitment to artistic excellence in both traditional and nontraditional performance spaces. These performances are intended to make high-level live music accessible to a broad public audience, fostering an inclusive environment in which the boundaries between performer and listener are intentionally dissolved.
VALENTINE'S NIGHT - DR. EDWARD W. HARDY
FEBRUARY 14, 2026
Celebrate love in an intimate, sultry setting at Drai's Supper Club! Dim lights, elevated ambiance, and live violin performances set the perfect Valentine’s mood. Limited seating — make your night even more special!
FEBRUARY 12, 2026
A “Subway Series” of public solo violin performances at Grand Central Terminal presented in collaboration with MTA Arts & Design and Music Under New York. Drawing from classical repertoire, jazz, Latin music, rock, and contemporary popular works, Dr. Edward W. Hardy presents a wide-ranging multi-genre program that reflects the versatility of the modern violin.
MEET EDWARD W. HARDY (INTERVIEW)
FEBRUARY 11, 2026
I always knew I was born to entertain and perform music on stage. However, after several life-altering chapters in my story, I stopped searching for perfection and instead let music become my form of therapy. That freedom began offering my audience reflections of their own lives... Through this discovery, I found clarity in my purpose: to bring happiness to people who need a moment of escape, to be a beacon of light during difficult times, and to remind listeners that anything is possible. Regardless of the artistic space I’m fortunate to perform in, my goal is always the same—to help people feel, reflect, and remember what truly matters.
CARNEGIE HALL TO FEATURE AMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA IN HELLO, AMERICA
FEBRUARY 4, 2026
Led by conductor Carolyn Kuan, this program is performed by the American Composers Orchestra, including musicians Deborah Buck, Edward W. Hardy, and Nick Revel, and features ACO commissions developed through EarShot CoLABoratory Residencies, which advance the work of composers whose work is experimental and/or rooted in musical traditions underrepresented in the orchestral repertoire. Over the course of a year, CoLABoratory provides a generative environment for composers from any and all musical backgrounds to create definition-expanding works for orchestra.
PHOTOS: ALMOST QUINTET TRIO PERFORMS BORN FREE BY DR. EDWARD W. HARDY IN NEW YORK CITY
AUGUST 29, 2026
The Almost Quintet Trio brought BORN FREE, a song cycle by composer and violinist Dr. Edward W. Hardy, back to New York City on August 15 for an encore performance at Grace and St. Paul's Church. The performance was part of the ensemble's LOVE, EARTH, DEATH concert tour, celebrating the music of Black and Chinese composers, and featured Dr. Zhengyingue 'Elaine' Huang (soprano), Dr. Peiyao Yu (piano), and Dr. Xenia Deviatkina-Loh (violin). Originally commissioned by the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, BORN FREE sets poetry by Margaret Walker and features four movements: 'Sorrow Home,' 'Lineage,' 'The Struggle Staggers Us,' and 'Southern Song.'
NEW YORK CONCERT REVIEW
LOVE, EARTH, DEATH: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN BLACK AND CHINESE VOICES IN REVIEW
AUGUST 20, 2026
BORN FREE (NYC premiere) by Dr. Edward W. Hardy (b. 1992), a song cycle (Sorrow Home, Lineage, The Struggle Staggers Us, and Southern Song) for soprano, violin, and piano, is the work of a promising and talented composer. There are languorous blues, “fire-in-the belly” storms, plaintive despair, and a stately dignity of voice and purpose that all figure prominently in these songs. I’m certain that if Dr. Hardy were present, he would have been thrilled with the outstanding performance from the Almost Quintet Trio. Sorrow Home was the favorite of this listener, and the one that showed the individual talents of the musicians to the maximum advantage.
NASHVILLE SCENE
CRITIC'S PICK — STREET THEATRE: 'THE WOODSMAN'
You can revisit this beloved character’s haunting backstory as Street Theatre opens its 21st season with the acclaimed 2012 stage work The Woodsman. Written by James Ortiz (with music by Edward W. Hardy, and lyrics by Jay Adana), The Woodsman follows the dark tale of Nick Chopper — a solitary mortal who falls in love with a Munchkin named Nimmee, and is cursed by the Wicked Witch of the East. Told almost entirely through movement, music and bunraku puppetry, this fascinating work takes on timeless themes of love, loss and transformation.
TAVERN NIGHTS TO BE HOSTED AT THE FERRY HOUSE AT VAN CORTLANDT MANOR
AUGUST 9, 2026
Hardy says, 'This is such an exciting opportunity to bring some of my music to Historic Hudson Valley's 18th-century tavern. I love that this opportunity brings me back to my roots of performing solo violin music without any accompaniment. Guests and families will hear new and recent compositions throughout the evening, and I'm thrilled to be the sole live musical entertainment. I'm always grateful and amazed by the places music takes me and the history I'm given the chance to be a part of. I can't wait to make music at the Ferry House Tavern this weekend.'
PHOTOBOOK MAGAZINE
INSIDE THE ART AFFAIR: HOW ONE NIGHT IN SOUTHHAMPTON BECAME THE HAMPTONS’ MOST TALKED-ABOUT ART GATHERING
JULY 27, 2026
The exhibitions were only half the night. As early guests arrived, a harp-and-guitar duo performed on the estate's grounds, easing the crowd from daylight into evening. Live sets from Lee Kalt, Haley Grace and JehiahSax carried the energy from there, alongside performances by Edward W. Hardy and Stephanie Babirak, including a live charcoal drawing performance staged directly on the patio floor.
DR. EDWARD W. HARDY TO KICK OFF NYC DCAS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
JULY 7, 2026
Taking place on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will kick off its 2026 Summer Concert Series with performances by composer-violinist Dr. Edward W. Hardy. Known for his dynamic and engaging approach to live performance, Dr. Hardy presents a program featuring classical favorites, jazz standards, Latin music, rock, film music, and contemporary popular works.
BASIL BIGGS WORLD PREMIERE TO STAR JOHN CLARENCE STEWART AT ARTPHILLY'S WHAT NOW: 2026
JUNE 22, 2026
The play traces the life of Smith's great-great-grandfather, a farmer, veterinarian and prominent Gettysburg figure who received a contract to disinter and rebury Union soldiers after the Civil War's bloodiest battle, drawing on archival materials to imagine how Biggs, his family and their community navigated the era. The cast also includes Kristolyn Lloyd as Lucinda, Kalyne Coleman as Mary Biggs, Laëtitia Hollard as Hannah Biggs, and Edward W. Hardy as Cuffy/Violinist, with direction by Leonard Foglia, costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, and original music composed and performed by Hardy.
SKOPE MAG
LIZ CRACCHIOLO PRESENTS ‘JUST A GIRL I’M A WOMAN’ RELEASE DATE SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 (REVIEW)
JUNE 18, 2026
One of the more unusual experiments on this record is “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” a complete inversion of the Guns N’ Roses classic delivered as a smoky blues performance that reveals an entirely different emotional core. One of the album’s greatest strengths is its supporting cast, as violinist Edward W. Hardy brings unexpected textures to Cracchiolo’s tango-inspired interpretation of “Mr. Brightside.”
ANDRE DE SHIELDS (WORD PRESS)
MULTIMEDIA: TONY, GRAMMY AND EMMY AWARD WINNER, BROADWAY ICON AND CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL STAR ANDRÉ DE SHIELDS RECEIVES 2026 LIVE OUT LOUD LEGEND AWARD
MAY 19, 2026
Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner, Broadway Icon and CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL star André De Shields was honored last night with the 2026 Live Out Loud Legend Award at Live Out Loud’s 25th Anniversary Gala at The Lighthouse, Pier 61 Chelsea Piers. He was joined by actors Amber Iman, Shereen Ahmed, John-Andrew Morrison, Madge Dietrich, Jason Veasey, Music Director Drew Wutke, Violinist and Composer Dr. Edward W. Hardy, Fashion Designer Patrick Cupid, and Multi-media Content Producer Lia Chang.
BROADWAY WORLD (LOS ANGELES)
ASCAP FOUNDATION 2026 MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP RETURNS TO THE WALLIS
APRIL 29, 2026
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 - The Waiting by Maria Isabella Andreoli and EmmaLee Kidwell, featuring Eric Betts, Megan Colton, Grace Lord, Bryan Munar, Falan Nuhring, Ariana Papaleo, and Shannon Purser, with musicians Cole Kidwell (guitar) and Dr. Edward W. Hardy (violin). Deep in the woods of Vermont there exists a space between two worlds. There lies “The InBetween” — a timeless purgatory where those who were taken from life too soon wait, tethered to a lost life they can't remember. The story unfolds as these characters learn that the love and loss from their past lives may be the thing keeping them from moving forward. Woven through haunting folk melodies and earthly poetry, the musical explores how we keep those that we have lost in our hearts, in our memories, and in the land forever.
GIRLS INC. OF NYC TO HOST JUNIOR BOARD SOIRÉE AT MRIYA GALLERY
MARCH 5, 2026
Girls Inc. of NYC will host its Junior Board and Ambassador Network Annual Soirée at Mriya Gallery, bringing together art, music, and community in support of programs for girls and young women across New York City. The evening will feature live entertainment by composer and violinist Edward W. Hardy, who will perform a solo pop violin set from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hardy serves as the event’s Entertainment Sponsor. Guests will experience art-inspired activations, an open bar, and light bites while celebrating creativity, self-expression, and the energy of New York City. Creative, vibrant semi-formal attire is encouraged.
NJPAC TO HOST A WICKED EVENING WITH THE WIZARD: STEPHEN SCHWARTZ & FRIENDS WITH POPS ORCHESTRA
FEBRUARY 21, 2026
The one-night-only concert will pay symphonic tribute to Schwartz's five-decade career and the enduring legacy of Wicked, which recently marked its 22nd year on Broadway and will soon return to the big screen with Wicked: For Good. A lineup of Broadway stars-featuring Liz Callaway, Debbie Gravitte, Kelli Rabke, Shaleah Adkisson, Michael McCorry Rose, Scott Coulter, John Boswell, and Evan Roider-will join a twelve-piece pops orchestra, with Edward W. Hardy (The Woodsman), Jen Herman (Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends), and Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf (The Great Gatsby), to perform selections from Schwartz's celebrated catalogue, including Godspell, Pippin, Wicked, Children of Eden, and The Prince of Egypt.
STORIES & LESSONS FOR FINDING YOUR PURPOSE (INTERVIEW)
I always knew I was born to entertain and perform music on stage. However, after several life-altering chapters in my story, I stopped searching for perfection and instead let music become my form of therapy. That freedom began offering my audience reflections of their own lives.
"SUBWAY SERIES" (LIVE AT GRAND CENTRAL)
JANUARY 6, 2026
Experience Edward W. Hardy's “Subway Series” of public solo violin performances at Grand Central Terminal, presented in collaboration with MTA Arts & Design and Music Under New York. Blending classical favorites with jazz, Latin music, rock, and today’s popular hits, Hardy delivers a wide-ranging program that highlights the versatility of the modern violin. Each performance is approached with the same preparation, professionalism, and artistry as his formal concert and wedding engagements. These free concerts invite commuters and visitors to experience high-level live music in one of New York City’s most iconic public spaces.
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