An all-American season finale from the New Jersey Symphony garners heavy praise
The New Jersey Symphony wrapped up its 101st season with performances of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture and his Piano Concerto in F featuring Daniil Trifonov in a program that also featured the world premiere of Daniel Bernard Roumain’s Autumn Days and Nights. James C. Taylor of NJ Advance Media reviewed the finale at NJPAC.
In its now 101 complete seasons, the New Jersey Symphony has put on concerts ranging from conventionally classical to impressively ambitious. But it’s hard to think of a more thoroughly satisfying concert program than the one the group performed this past weekend.
James C. Taylor of NJ Advance Media
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Courtney Smith of NJArts.net was also at NJPAC to review the performance.
Music director Xian Zhang brought out deep feelings and humanity with the grand, operatic “Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture” while “Concerto in F Major for Piano and Orchestra,” with pianist Daniil Trifonov, crossed into the joyfulness of Gershwin’s artistry ... At 101 years old, the orchestra is no spring chicken. But imaginative programming like the Gershwin finale keeps it young.
Courtney Smith of NJArts.net
» Read the full review from NJArts.net
Nancy Plum of Town Topics would review the performance in Princeton.
Snippets of instrumental solos were clear from throughout the orchestra, and repeating rhythms built power within the music ... Trifonov and New Jersey Symphony ended this concert tribute to Americana and the season in a jubilant manner, as the Symphony celebrated its long relationships with both composer Roumain and pianist Trifonov.
Nancy Plum of Town Topics