New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Best Of... Series

The Best of… is the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s fun and innovative series, which offers a unique perspective on the music you know and love. Don’t worry about knowing what to wear or when to clap; the Best of… is a fun, not formal, introduction to some of the greatest themes in music. These four 75-minute concerts include speaking from the stage, theatrical elements and plenty of music you’ll recognize.

When you choose the Best of… you’ll experience a fun concert that’s perfect for the entire family, in four venues throughout New Jersey.

Browse the programs and music examples below then choose your favorite location and reserve your seats today!

Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn	War Memorial in Trenton	Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank	bergenPAC in Englewood

Commonly asked questions regarding the Best of … series.

BEST OF BEETHOVEN

	Thursday, October 23 at 2 pm Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn
	Friday, October 24 at 7:30 pm War Memorial in Trenton
	Sunday, October 26 at 3 pm bergenPAC in Englewood
	Saturday, November 1 at 8 pm Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank

ALASTAIR WILLIS conductor

BART FELLER flute

JUDY KANG violin

ROBERT WAGNER bassoon

DI WU piano

Program Highlights

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5, Movement 1
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7, Movement 4
BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto, Movement 3

Beethoven’s story of personal triumph over tragedy still captivates us today. As he struggled with hearing loss and eventual deafness, his musical voice grew ever stronger and more influential. You’ll hear selections from several of his symphonies, including the “Eroica,” (originally dedicated to Napoleon) and his famous Fifth, which is best known for its distinctive four-note opening, often called “fate knocking at the door.” Additional selections from his piano and violin concertos, overtures and other symphonies create a picture of this musical genius.

BEST OF VIENNA

	Thursday, January 1 at 2 pm Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn
	Friday, January 2 at 7:30 pm War Memorial in Trenton
	Saturday, January 3 at 8 pm Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank
	Sunday, January 4 at 3 pm bergenPAC in Englewood

EDWIN OUTWATER conductor

Program Highlights

STRAUSS, JR Die Fledermaus Overture
STRAUSS, SR Radetzky March
STRAUSS, JR Voices of Spring

Ring in 2009 with a traditional Viennese celebration. Imagine the elegant ball gowns, crystal chandeliers and dancing all night to the royal court orchestra. Now imagine being part of the festivities, with the rousing sounds of Strauss waltzes, polkas and more, including Pizzacato Polka, Radetzky March and Emperor Waltzes. A wonderful introduction to the rhythms of dance and the history of this grand holiday.

BEST OF SHAKESPEAREAN ROMANCE

	Thursday, February 19 at 2 pm Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn
	Friday, February 20 at 7:30 pm War Memorial in Trenton
	Saturday, February 21 at 8 pm Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank
	Sunday, February 22 at 3 pm bergenPAC in Englewood

THOMAS WILKINS conductor

Program Highlights

MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night's Dream—Dance of the Clowns

MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night's Dream—Wedding March
TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet

Friends, Romans, New Jerseyans—lend us your ears for a musical tour through the Bard’s most romantic works. With Valentine’s Day in the air, this is the perfect opportunity to treat your sweetheart to an evening of music from Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Works by Mendelssohn, Prokofiev and Berlioz illuminate these tales of love in different styles, each highlighting a different musical point of view. As Shakespeare himself proclaimed, “If music be the food of love, play on!”

BEST OF NATURE

	Thursday, May 28 at 2 pm Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn
	Friday, May 29 at 7:30 pm War Memorial in Trenton
	Saturday, May 30 at 8 pm Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank
	Sunday, May 31 at 3 pm bergenPAC in Englewood

EMIL DE COU conductor

JONATHAN SPITZ cello

BETTY ZHOU violin

Program Highlights

BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, Movement 1
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS The Lark Ascending
SMETANA The Moldau

From the first blossoms of spring to the vivid colors of autumn, the glittering frost of winter to the bright sunshine of summer, nature inspires art and artists of all kinds. Hear birdcalls, rushing water, playful animals and rustling leaves—all expertly depicted by the Orchestra. Selections including Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons, Smetana’s The Moldau, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending will send your imagination soaring and your spirit craving a little corner of nature all for yourself.