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New Jersey Symphony Announces 2023–24 season
The New Jersey Symphony is thrilled to announce its 101st season highlighting Music Director Xian Zhang’s ambitious vision to explore the musical heritage of the American orchestral works.
Reflecting on the upcoming season, Zhang notes, “For many years, I’ve dreamed of an American-themed season. We begin with a great kickoff featuring Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony alongside the music of Duke Ellington, William Grant Still and contemporary composer Valerie Coleman. “The American Dream” in January celebrates the music of Leonard Bernstein, and we will also present the world premiere of Rob Kapilow’s We Came to America which reflects on the diverse experiences American immigrants. Our season finale will include Daniil Trifonov’s return to perform Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, plus music from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and a brand-new work by our Resident Artistic Catalyst, Daniel Bernard Roumain. It’s very meaningful as an American orchestra to frame our season around American voices highlighting our musical identity. We are proud that our commitment to diversity and inclusion spotlights many distinct performers, conductors, artists and composers with which we’re so privileged to work.”
President & CEO, Gabriel van Aalst says, “While exploring the works of the entire 2023–24 season, you’ll see what has become the signature of Xian’s artistic leadership of the New Jersey Symphony—exciting programs that blend treasured favorites and new discoveries, thrilling collaborations with arts organizations from across the state, and a commitment to presenting the world’s greatest musicians on our stages. I can’t wait for all of you to join us on our next musical adventure!”
Living Composers, Commissions and Premieres
“One of the most refreshing features of the New Jersey Symphony’s 2023–24 season is our presentation of 12 pieces by 11 living composers, many of whom are women and people of color” says Zhang. “We’ve commissioned new works from Jessie Montgomery, Daniel Bernard Roumain and Anna Clyne. Plus, we will finally premiere Tyshawn Sorey’s For Marcos Balter with Jennifer Koh, which was delayed due to the pandemic. We are also proud to feature music by Kevin Puts, Reena Esmail, Augusta Read Thomas, Gabriela Montero and David Ludwig, among others.”
The symphony embarks on this ambitious lineup starting with Valarie Coleman’s Umoja followed by a co-commissioned work by Jessie Montgomery. Time for Three will perform Kevin Puts’ Contact, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Classical Composition. Daniel Bernard Roumain who returns with two pieces—i am a white person who__black people and an untitled new work. Rob Kapilow will lead the symphony with the world premiere of his We Came to America. The Symphony will also perform two highly anticipated co-commissions; Anna Clyne’s Piano Concerto performed by Jeremy Denk and Tyshawn Sorey’s For Marco Balter performed with violinist Jennifer Koh. Xian will lead selections from Augusta Read Thomas’ Jubilee, which she premiered with the Juilliard Orchestra in 2010. Gabriela Montero performs her own piece Piano Concerto No. 1, “Latin”. Returning to the stage is David Ludwig’s NightVision which the New Jersey Symphony premiered in 2000 when his career was launched. Reena Esmail’s wildly colorful RE|Member celebrates the regathering of musicians following the pandemic.
Guest Conductors
“We’re very pleased to welcome a fantastic slate of guest conductors for the New Jersey Symphony’s 2023–24 season, including some debuts. Among them is conductor Ruth Reinhardt, who will be conducting an exciting program featuring Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. Also debuting on our podium this season is conductor Joseph Young, Music Director of the Berkley Symphony Orchestra. We are thrilled to welcome back conductors our musicians love to work with, including Robert Spano, Jun Märkl, and Markus Stenz,” says Xian Zhang.
Classical Highlights
This season underscores the talents of New Jersey Symphony musicians with some of the world’s most well-known and riveting pieces. “We are thrilled to announce a stellar cast of internationally-renowned soloists including Joshua Bell who leads the orchestra in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, Overture to a Midsummer Night’s Dream and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4.” says Zhang.
Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” fittingly kicks off the American-themed season with the piece being inspired by the music of Indigenous and Black people.
In January, violinist Augustin Hadelich returns to perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Xian conducts Pictures at an Exhibition, accompanied by projections of artwork from The Newark Museum of Art.
Named “the very definition of ‘one to watch’” International Piano Tom Borrow will take on Mozart’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 24, followed by Tchaikovsky’s beloved Symphony No. 5.
The 2023-24 season also features solo turns from New Jersey Symphony musicians. In February, Concertmaster Eric Wyrick will delight audiences with Vivaldi’s classic The Four Seasons, while Principal Oboe Robert Ingliss will star in Richard Strauss’ Oboe Concerto. New Jersey Symphony audiences will also get a rare treat in March—a performance of J.S. Bach’s Concerto for Oboe d’amore by Second Oboe and English Horn player Andrew Adelson.
Other highlights of the 2023–24 Classical series include Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica,” Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, Orff’s Carmina Burana and more.
Collaborations and Holiday Traditions
The Symphony triumphantly brings back popular traditions kicking off the holiday season in Princeton and Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Nicholas McGegan will conduct Handel’s incomparable classic Messiah joined by long-time symphony collaborator Montclair State University Singers and featuring soprano Sherezade Panthaki, countertenor Key’mon W. Murrah, tenor Thomas Cooley and baritone Tyler Duncan.
Celebrating artists from Newark and beyond, the New Jersey Symphony reprises the Gospel Holiday concert with the New Jersey Symphony Gospel Chorus.
Xian Zhang has invited guest conductor Yue Bao to lead the symphony for the sixth annual Lunar New Year Celebration. Bao will ring in the Year of the Dragon with pianist Tony Siqi Yun.
New Jersey Symphony will collaborate with The Newark Museum of Art. The museum will curate artwork projected during Mussorgsky/Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition.
The JCC Young People’s Chorus @ Thurnauer Young People’s Chorus of New York City® will join New Jersey Symphony for our world premiere of Rob Kapilow’s We Came to America.
Our longtime collaborators Montclair State University Chorale, led by director Heather J. Buchanan, joins New Jersey Symphony in Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana.
Introducing the Discover Series
Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s masterful way of putting young audiences at the center of music-making, the New Jersey Symphony welcomes families to discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. This interactive concert will feature inside tips, listening cues and fun facts that endeavor to introduce young ones to classical music through Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.”
Specialty Concerts
A tribute to the Queen of Soul, Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin features the effervescent Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy Award-nominee Ryan Shaw performing iconic hits like “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools” and many more.
In the spectacular climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert, the New Jersey Symphony will be performing John Williams Oscar-winning score live.
The symphony will also perform another iconic John Williams’ film, Jurassic Park, featuring the epic film with visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects—sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making conducted by Constantine Kitsopoulos.
New Jersey Symphony Everywhere Program
Fulfilling its mission as New Jersey’s statewide orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony offers mainstage concert programs in Newark, New Brunswick, Princeton, Red Bank and Morristown. Through the New Jersey Symphony Everywhere program, Symphony musicians perform original chamber music programs at more than 150 community events—many free—for nearly 35,000 young people and adults spanning the 21 counties of the state—in addition to programs presented virtually. The Symphony meets its audiences where they are—in schools, community centers, healthcare facilities, senior living communities, houses of worship, parks and performs a wide variety of music—from classical to Broadway to movie scores. The New Jersey Symphony is proud to be in and of its communities, and to create innovative programs that reflect and resonate with the richly diverse audiences of New Jersey.
Tickets
Classical subscriptions are now on sale for the 2023–24 season. Full information on ticket packages for each series and venue is available at njsymphony.org/subscribe. Subscriptions are available for purchase online at njsymphony.org/subscribe or by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476). Single tickets will go on sale in August.
Season Highlights
• Premieres & Commissions: Xian Zhang conducts the world premiere of a New Jersey Symphony commission from Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain (June 7–9); Rob Kapilow conducts the world premiere of We Came to America, commissioned by the Thurnauer School of Music at the Kaplan Jewish Community Center on the Palisades (We Came to America, January 20–21); Joseph Young conducts Jessie Montgomery’s newest co-commission (October 19–22); Jun Märkl conducts the premiere of Tyshawn Sorey’s co-commission (For Marcos Balter, May 4–5); Markus Stenz conducts Anna Clyne’s Piano Concerto (May 17–19).
• Opening Weekend with Robert Spano and Aaron Diehl: Aaron Diehl performs Still’s Out of the Silence and is joined by his trio on Ellington’s New World A-Comin’ with Robert Spano at the podium. The Symphony opens the program with a performance of Valerie Coleman’s Umoja before closing with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” (October 14–15).
• Season Finale with Daniil Trifonov: Daniil Trifonov joins Xian Zhang and the Symphony for Gershwin’s Concerto in F. Zhang leads Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture and the world premiere of a new work by Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain (June 7–9).
• Contemporary Voices: Alongside the commissions from Daniel Bernard Roumain and Rob Kapilow and co-commissions by Jessie Montgomery, Anna Clyne and Tyshawn Sorey, the season features music by living composers including Roumain (i am a white person who __ Black people, January 12–14), Coleman (Umoja, October 14–15), Kevin Puts (Contact, November 9–11), Reena Esmail (RE|Member, February 22–25), Augusta Read Thomas (Selections from Jubilee, March 3–5), David Ludwig (NightVision, March 14–17) and Gabriela Montero, with Montero performing her own piece alongside the Symphony (Piano Concerto No. 1, “Latin”, May 30–June 2). Through the New Jersey Symphony Edward T. Cone Composition Institute, the orchestra premieres the work of four emerging composers under the baton of Case Scaglione (July 15, 2023).
• Star Guest Conductors: Robert Spano (October 14–15) kicks off the New Jersey Symphony season, with Joseph Young (October 19–22), Ruth Reinhardt (November 9–11), Jun Märkl (May 4–5) and Markus Stenz (May 17–19) joining for select performances.
• World-Class Soloists: The season features performances by guest artists including Joshua Bell (Mendelssohn’s Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Violin Concerto and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4, November 30–December 3), Aaron Diehl (Still’s Out of the Silence, October 14–15), Sterling Elliott (R. Schumann’s Cello Concerto, October 19–22), Augustin Hadelich (Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, January 12–14), Gil Shaham (Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ Violin Concerto No. 9 and J.S. Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1, March 22–24), Jennifer Koh (Tyshawn Sorey’s For Marcos Balter, May 4–5), Gabriela Montero (her own Piano Concerto No. 1, “Latin”, May 30–June 2) and Daniil Trifonov (Gershwin’s Concerto in F, June 7–9).
• Collaborations: Choirs from longtime choral partner Montclair State University join the orchestra for Orff’s Carmina Burana (March 1–3) and Handel’s Messiah (December 15–17). The JCC Young People’s Chorus @ Thurnauer with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City® to perform Rob Kapilow’s We Came to America with the orchestra (January 20–21). The Symphony welcomes the Aaron Diehl Trio for Ellington’s New World A-Comin’ (October 14–15) and classically trained string trio Time for Three for Kevin Puts’ Contact (November 9–11). The Newark Museum of Art will curate artwork during the Pictures at an Exhibition performances in Red Bank and Newark (January 13–14).
• Iconic Films Live to Picture: The Symphony performs Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (April 4–7) and Jurassic Park (October 27–29). State Theatre New Jersey co-presents the October 29 and April 7 performances.
• Cultural Celebrations & Family Concerts: The Symphony celebrates diverse traditions in family-friendly programs including the orchestra’s signature Lunar New Year Celebration (February 3). Family programs include a gospel music-inspired holiday extravaganza (December 9) and discovery of Beethoven’s “Eroica” (May 18).
• Statewide Performances: The New Jersey Symphony presents classical programming at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, Richardson Auditorium in Princeton, Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. The Symphony offers film concerts in Newark, New Brunswick, Red Bank and Morristown and presents family programs in Newark.
New Jersey Symphony
The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning New Jersey Symphony, celebrating its Centennial Season in 2022–23, is redefining what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. We are renewing our deeply rooted commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by championing new, and often local, artists; engaging audiences for whom the inspiring depth and breadth of classical music will be new; and incorporating the broadest possible representation in all aspects of our organization—all to better reflect and serve our vibrant communities. Since 2021, Music Director Xian Zhang has worked together with composer, violinist, educator and social-justice advocate Daniel Bernard Roumain, the orchestra’s resident artistic catalyst, to offer programming that connects with diverse communities in Newark and throughout New Jersey.
Internationally renowned Chinese-American conductor Xian Zhang began her tenure as the New Jersey Symphony’s current Music Director in 2016. Since her arrival at the New Jersey Symphony, Zhang has revitalized programming with an industry-leading commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in mainstage concerts. The centennial season opened in October with concerts featuring Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto with soloist Yefim Bronfman; Jessie Montgomery’s Banner; Nimbus Dance performing original choreography to Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite; Strauss’ Burleske for Piano and Orchestra with soloist Michelle Cann; Brahms’ Fourth Symphony; and Dorothy Chang’s Northern Star. The centennial season will conclude in June 2023 with Zhang leading the orchestra and violinist Joshua Bell in Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and a commissioned world premiere by Daniel Bernard Roumain.
For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit www.njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org. Tickets are available for purchase by phone 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or on the Orchestra’s website.
Connect with Us:
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@NewJerseySymphony on YouTube
Email: information@njsymphony.org
The New Jersey Symphony’s programs are made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, along with many other foundations, corporations and individual donors.
2023–24 Full Season Listing
Opening Weekend Ellington & Dvořák: New Worlds
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Robert Spano conductor
Aaron Diehl piano
Aaron Diehl Trio
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Saturday, October 14, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Brunswick → Sunday, October 15, 3 pm, State Theatre New Jersey
Valerie Coleman Umoja
Coleman starts the season with a whisper, then a gorgeous melody rises evoking the power and sweetness of umoja, the Swahili word for unity. The whole orchestra takes it up and you’re on the edge of your seat with this joyous, full-throated cry for community.
Still Out of the Silence
A wedding present for his bride, Still’s Out of the Silence, brought out of silence by Aaron Diehl and the New Jersey Symphony, is a gentle and ethereal little hymn written in the depths of the Great Depression. Still’s wife said of it: “Only in meditation does one discover beauties remote from the problems of Earth.”
Ellington New World A-Comin’
Ellington created this lush musical portrait of a “new world where there would be no war, no greed—where love was unconditional.” What better way to start the season than with the Aaron Diehl Trio and the genius of jazz, Sir Duke!
Dvořák Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”
A Czech visitor to America, Dvořák sought out and loved the songs of Indigenous and Black people. Blending their inspiration with his imagination, he created one of the most beloved concert works of all time.
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Schumann’s Cello Concerto
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joseph Young conductor
Sterling Elliott cello
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Thursday, October 19, 1:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Princeton → Friday, October 20, 8 pm, Richardson Auditorium
Red Bank → Saturday, October 21, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts
Newark → Sunday, October 22, 3 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Jessie Montgomery New Work (New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
The BBC called Jessie Montgomery “one of the most distinctive and communicative voices in the U.S.,” and the New Jersey Symphony gives the East Coast debut of her new work.
R. Schumann Cello Concerto
Heart-on-sleeve music, one gorgeous melody after another soaring from Sterling Elliott’s cello. The New Jersey Symphony backs him up with Schumann’s richest Romantic harmonies.
Elgar Enigma Variations
Edward Elgar loved to spend his evenings bashing away at his upright piano, chomping on a cigar, making up tunes. This is how he created a kaleidoscopic set of variations on a mysterious melody—all of which made him a household name across the land.
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Jurassic Park in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Red Bank → Friday, October 27, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts
Newark → Saturday, October 28, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Brunswick → Sunday, October 29, 3 pm, State Theatre New Jersey
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
This action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Welcome … to Jurassic Park!
October 29 concert presented in collaboration with State Theatre New Jersey.
© Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Ruth Reinhardt Conducts Bartók & Mendelssohn
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Ruth Reinhardt conductor
Time For Three
Ranaan Meyer double bass | Nick Kendall violin | Charles Yang violin
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Thursday, November 9, 1:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark → Friday, November 10, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Morristown → Sunday, November 12, 3 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center
Mendelssohn The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)
Breathing deep the bracing Atlantic salt air for the first time, 20-year-old Mendelssohn fell in love with the moody islands off Scotland’s west coast. He painted them in music, full of sweeping melodies, quick-shifting swells and dramatic energy.
Kevin Puts Contact
Time for Three call themselves “a classically trained garage band” and they wow audiences with limitless virtuosity across every kind of music. They join the New Jersey Symphony for this joyous, Grammy Award-nominated masterpiece by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kevin Puts.
Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
Written on what many thought was his deathbed, Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra gave the composer new life. Every section of the orchestra gets the spotlight to dazzling effect, and the Concerto’s last moments are some of the most thrilling in all classical music.
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Joshua Bell Leads the New Jersey Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joshua Bell conductor and violin
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Thursday, November 30, 1:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark → Friday, December 1, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Brunswick → Sunday, December 3, 3 pm, State Theatre New Jersey
Mendelssohn Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream
When needing an example of “genius,” look no further than this astounding product of a 17-year-old boy. Here are the lovers, the silliness and the quicksilver humor of Shakespeare’s comedy delivered in a dozen minutes of utter brilliance.
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
The violin leads the drama from the first bar of Mendelssohn’s masterpiece, but here too are moments of hold-your-breath beauty. These shimmer like moonlight on water when played by Joshua Bell, one of the world’s finest violinists.
Beethoven Symphony No. 4
He could stir up musical storm clouds like a god, but Beethoven also could part them to let the most brilliant sunlight warm the soul. The Fourth is the composer at his sunniest, and Joshua Bell, violin still in hand, leads the New Jersey Symphony from the concertmaster’s seat.
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A Gospel Holiday
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert
Newark → Saturday, December 9, 2 pm & 3:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Jersey Symphony
Spotlighting celebrated artists from Newark and beyond, the New Jersey Symphony lauds the power of the first instrument—the human voice—with a gospel music-inspired holiday extravaganza. Come ready to sing, dance and clap along! New Jersey Symphony Family Concert: Fun for All Ages is presented in NJPAC's Victoria Theater.
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Handel’s Messiah
New Jersey Symphony Special Concert
Princeton → Friday, December 15, 8 pm, Richardson Auditorium
Newark → Sunday, December 17, 7 pm, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Nicholas McGegan conductor
Sherezade Panthaki soprano
Key’mon Murrah countertenor
Thomas Cooley tenor
Tyler Duncan baritone
Montclair State University Singers | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
Join us as the Symphony performs this great holiday tradition! Nicholas McGegan will conduct Handel’s incomparable classic Messiah. Joining McGegan and the musicians will be the talented singers of Montclair State University, who will delight audiences as they sing the glorious “Hallelujah Chorus.”
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Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with Augustin Hadelich
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Augustin Hadelich violin
New Jersey Symphony
Princeton → Friday, January 12, 8 pm, Richardson Auditorium
Red Bank → Saturday, January 13, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts
Newark → Sunday, January 14, 3 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Daniel Bernard Roumain i am a white person who __ Black people
This provocative piece for strings and percussion opens the concert with the feeling of a tender hymn, then it quickens with an edgy energy. Another vital contribution by our Resident Artistic Catalyst.
Beethoven Violin Concerto
When Augustin Hadelich performs, time stands still. It is his own brand of magic, how he makes a classic like Beethoven’s serenely beautiful Violin Concerto sound as if it was written yesterday, just for him.
Mussorgsky/Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition
Mussorgsky poured out his feeling at the loss of a brilliant artist-friend in pieces originally meant for piano, and Ravel transferred these to an epic orchestral canvas using every imaginable color. The Newark Museum of Art will curate the artwork projected during the Pictures at an Exhibition performances in Red Bank and Newark.
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The American Dream
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Rob Kapilow conductor
JCC Young People’s Chorus @ Thurnauer
Young People’s Chorus of New York City®
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Saturday, January 20, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Morristown → Sunday, January 21, 3 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center
Still Darker America
Still wrote this in the 1920s to depict the struggles of his fellow African Americans, ultimately aiming to show “the triumph of a people over their sorrows through fervent prayer.” Tenderness and toughness mark this moving testament to resilience.
Rob Kapilow We Came to America (World Premiere, Commissioned by the Thurnauer School of Music at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades)
In this nation of immigrants, we all have our stories. Inspired by in-depth source research, interviews with generations of immigrants, and melodies from many countries, composer Rob Kapilow has crafted an instant classic of compelling music for chorus and orchestra.
Bernstein Three Dances Episodes from On the Town
The musical that gave the world “New York, New York,” On the Town was a hit from its wartime premiere. The story of three sailors on leave in Manhattan is filled with Bernstein’s signature restless energy, and made huge waves of its own in the 1940s with a racially diverse cast.
Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
The tragedy of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet set on Manhattan’s fire escapes and sidewalks. These Symphonic Dances from West Side Story are a fountain of songs you love, from “Tonight” to “Maria” and the manic shout of “Mambo!”
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Lunar New Year Celebration
New Jersey Symphony Special Concert
Newark → Saturday, February 3, 7:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Yue Bao conductor
Tony Siqi Yun piano
New Jersey Symphony
Join us for this evening of community and cultural exchange that is wonderful for families and children as we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Music Director Xian Zhang ignited the first Lunar New Year Celebration six years ago, and this festive tradition continues with conductor Yue Bao and pianist Tony Siqi Yun.
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Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
New Jersey Symphony Special Concert
Red Bank → Friday, February 16, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts
Newark → Saturday, February 17, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Brunswick → Sunday, February 18, 3 pm, State Theatre New Jersey
Capathia Jenkins vocalist
Ryan Shaw vocalist
New Jersey Symphony
A tribute to the Queen of Soul, this program features symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy Award-nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as “Respect,” “Think,” “A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools,” “Amazing Grace,” and many others.
February 18 concert presented in collaboration with State Theatre New Jersey.
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Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Robert Ingliss oboe
Eric Wyrick violin
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Thursday, February 22, 1:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Red Bank → Saturday, February 24, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts
New Brunswick → Sunday, February 25, 3 pm, State Theatre New Jersey
Reena Esmail RE|Member
Reena Esmail’s wildly colorful overture RE|Member came to life during the pandemic. What a joy, as it celebrates the regathering of musicians and has a fun bit of stage wizardry for oboe.
R. Strauss Oboe Concerto
In the days right after World War II, with his beloved German homeland in rubble, many thought Richard Strauss’ composing pen had dried up. What a surprise when he created this gorgeous masterpiece for oboe, played here by our magnificent principal Robert Ingliss.
Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Every mood and movement of the seasons is here, from sticky summer heat to slip-slidin’ on winter’s ice. Concertmaster Eric Wyrick’s virtuoso violin shines throughout.
* * *
Xian Conducts Carmina Burana
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Andrew Adelson oboe d’amore
Jana McIntyre soprano
Barry Banks tenor
Hugh Russell baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Friday, March 1, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark → Sunday, March 3, 3 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Augusta Read Thomas Selections from Jubilee
The New Yorker called this 2010 orchestral suite “joyous and electric.” Thomas’ concert-opener is perfectly titled and a superb way to help you shake off late winter.
J.S. Bach Oboe d'Amore Concerto
Your first time to hear the oboe d’amore? This duskier cousin of the modern oboe has a soulful, sweet sound that Bach adored and placed at the center of this piece of reverence and reflection.
Orff Carmina Burana
Medieval monks had more on their minds than scripture–women, beer and the ever-turning wheel of fate most prominent. Orff set their words to dramatically colorful music in his iconic Carmina Burana.
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Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Tom Borrow piano
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Thursday, March 14, 1:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Princeton → Friday, March 15, 8 pm, Richardson Auditorium
Newark → Saturday, March 16, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Morristown → Sunday, March 17, 3 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center
David Ludwig NightVision
The New Jersey Symphony premiered this fantastic music in 2000, catching Ludwig at the launch of a career that now finds him Dean of Juilliard. Hear again, or for the first time, the promise of a young artist in full command of a virtuoso orchestra.
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24
You can say you heard him when, because young pianist Tom Borrow has been named “the very definition of ‘one to watch’” (International Piano). He brings his jaw-dropping technique and poet’s soul to Mozart’s most dramatic concerto.
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
Brass choruses will make the hall ring in this most beloved of Tchaikovsky’s six symphonies. The composer wrestled with fate in his Fifth, and filled it from start to finish with musical electricity and hope.
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Gil Shaham and Xian Zhang
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Gil Shaham violin
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Friday, March 22, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Red Bank → Saturday, March 23, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts
Newark → Sunday, March 24, 3 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Mozart Serenade No. 11
A little suite for winds meant as background music to a Viennese party. Mozart never did anything halfway, though, and this Serenade is a jewel box holding his most touching melodies.
Chevalier de Saint-Georges Violin Concerto No. 9
Finally getting its due, this French-Creole composer’s violin writing is a high-water mark of 18th-century grace. And there is no more graceful violinist to make these lines sing than the soulful Gil Shaham.
J.S. Bach Violin Concerto No. 1
Every bar bristles with brilliance, leaps of melody and delicious new harmonies. Bach wrote hundreds of pieces, but none more beautiful than this, seemingly tailor-fit for the gifts of our guest Gil Shaham.
Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik
In the century before recorded sound, Mozart made dinner music like this. But every minute of this serenade for strings is so full of unbridled joy—no wonder it is his greatest hit.
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Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Morristown → Thursday, April 4, 7:30 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center
Red Bank → Friday, April 5, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts
New Brunswick → Saturday, April 6, 8 pm, State Theatre New Jersey
Newark → Sunday, April 7, 3 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Jersey Symphony
Coming to New Jersey from a galaxy far, far away—experience Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like never before as your New Jersey Symphony performs John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live to the entire film. “You must feel the Force around you...” In the spectacular climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. Watch the complete film unfold as the New Jersey Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score live.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd. And Warner/Chappell Music. © 1980 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY.
April 6 performance presented in collaboration with State Theatre New Jersey.
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Jennifer Koh and Jun Märkl Return!
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Jun Märkl conductor
Jennifer Koh violin
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Saturday, May 4, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Morristown → Sunday, May 5, 3 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center
Liszt Prometheus
Liszt was a fire-breather of a composer, perhaps inspired by the Greek god himself who gave humans fire. His Prometheus lets the orchestra tell the riveting ancient story of theft, punishment and triumph.
Tyshawn Sorey For Marcos Balter (New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Newark’s own Tyshawn Sorey has a dozen surprises up his sleeve in his new work, especially as he makes superstar soloist Jennifer Koh “disappear” into the orchestra. The effect is singularly haunting and beautiful.
Brahms/Schoenberg Piano Quartet No. 1 (Orchestrated)
The composer of four magnificent symphonies, Brahms also wrote reams of gorgeous chamber pieces. His Piano Quartet is arranged so vividly for orchestra that it could be Brahms' Fifth.
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Jeremy Denk, Anna Clyne, Beethoven’s “Eroica”
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Markus Stenz conductor
Jeremy Denk piano
New Jersey Symphony
Princeton → Friday, May 17, 8 pm, Richardson Auditorium
Newark → Saturday, May 18, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark → Sunday, May 19, 3 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture
Berlioz exploded every idea of what an orchestra could do and be, and his Roman Carnival Overture was his calling card. It shows the New Jersey Symphony in all its full-throated glory.
Anna Clyne Piano Concerto (New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Having written for every top-flight orchestra in America, Anna Clyne’s latest is for us and with the extraordinary Jeremy Denk as soloist. Find out why The New York Times chose Anna Clyne for their feature “Five Minutes that Will Make You Love Classical Music.”
Beethoven Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”
Fifty minutes that made Beethoven’s name. His Third was so bold and unconventional, that it still sounds new 200-plus years after its premiere.
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Discover Beethoven’s Eroica
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert: A Music Discovery Zone
Newark → Saturday, May 18, 2 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Jersey Symphony
Discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. We’ll take a deep dive into Beethoven’s “Eroica”—his breakout Third Symphony that broke all the rules and forged a new future for the symphonic form. Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s masterful way of putting young audiences at the center of music-making, this interactive concert will feature inside tips, listening cues and fun facts that make for the perfect Saturday afternoon family outing! New Jersey Symphony Family Concert: A Music Discovery Zone is presented in NJPAC's Prudential Hall.
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Montero Performs Montero plus Bizet’s Carmen
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Gabriela Montero piano
New Jersey Symphony
Newark → Thursday, May 30, 1:30 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Newark → Friday, May 31, 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
New Brunswick → Sunday, June 2, 3 pm, State Theatre New Jersey
Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4
Blend Brazilian soul with Bach’s inspiration and you have this gorgeous 15-minute mini-symphony, Villa-Lobos’ joyous homage to his beautiful South American home.
Gabriela Montero Piano Concerto No. 1, “Latin”
Famed for her one-of-a-kind technique and stunning jazzy improvisations as encores, Montero puts it all together in her First Concerto, filled with Venezuelan heart and get-on-your-feet dance.
Bizet Selections from Carmen
A Frenchman obsessed with Spain, Bizet brought the smoldering Spanish anti-heroine Carmen to life for the stage and the opera world was never the same. One instantly recognizable tune follows another in this brilliant orchestral suite crafted from the opera.
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Season Finale Daniil Trifonov Plays Gershwin
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Daniil Trifonov piano
New Jersey Symphony
Princeton → Friday June 7, 8 pm, Richardson Auditorium
Red Bank → Saturday June 8, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts
Newark → Sunday June 9, 3 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Daniel Bernard Roumain New Work (World Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Commission)
The New Jersey Symphony premieres an all-new commission from Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain. A master storyteller, DBR will continue to wow New Jersey audiences with his genre-bending music.
Gershwin/arr. Bennett Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture
Gershwin’s landmark opera spun off so many great tunes—“Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So” and a dozen others will have you singing your way into summer.
Gershwin Concerto in F
Proving he was way more than a one-hit wonder after his Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin poured the energy of Manhattan on a Saturday night into this sparkler for piano and orchestra. Superstar Daniil Trifonov wraps up our season with a bang.
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