NJSO debuts on the mobile sound stage at Princeton University. The stage was purchased for the NJSO with a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Jr. Charitable Trust. Members of the NJSO strike for eight days. 1979 NJSO revises its performance schedule moving into New Jersey communities with better concert halls and larger audiences. Sites include New Brunswick, Trenton, Red Bank, Cherry Hill, Hackensack, Denville and Atlantic City.
Musicians strike for six days.
Harold E. Grotta becomes chairman and Lowell Broomall president. Kenneth R. Meine resigns as General Manager. John Hyer is appointed Executive Director. A gala Gershwin concert at Newark Symphony Hall becomes the first nationwide Public Broadcasting program. Sarah Vaughan wins an Emmy award for her appearance with the orchestra.