Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Xian Zhang
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Gregory D. McDaniel conductor
Steven Banks saxophone
Felicia Moore soprano
Kelley O’Connor mezzo-soprano
Issachah Savage tenor
Reginald Smith Jr. baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
A lavish ball scene, the dashing hero and heroine twirling in splendor—a fun, festive dance lifted from Tchaikovsky’s opera.
- Billy Childs Diaspora
Inspired by Maya Angelou and other poets, Childs’ new concerto was written for the amazing Steven Banks, who says the music “follows the trajectory of the Black experience from Africa before slave trade to now, going forward in hope.”
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9, “Choral”
The sheer volcanic power of Beethoven’s music makes the Ninth’s message soar. “Brotherhood! Joy!”—our world needs these clarion calls now more than ever.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Xian Zhang
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Gregory D. McDaniel conductor
Steven Banks saxophone
Felicia Moore soprano
Kelley O’Connor mezzo-soprano
Issachah Savage tenor
Reginald Smith Jr. baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
A lavish ball scene, the dashing hero and heroine twirling in splendor—a fun, festive dance lifted from Tchaikovsky’s opera.
- Billy Childs Diaspora
Inspired by Maya Angelou and other poets, Childs’ new concerto was written for the amazing Steven Banks, who says the music “follows the trajectory of the Black experience from Africa before slave trade to now, going forward in hope.”
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9, “Choral”
The sheer volcanic power of Beethoven’s music makes the Ninth’s message soar. “Brotherhood! Joy!”—our world needs these clarion calls now more than ever.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Xian Zhang
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Gregory D. McDaniel conductor
Steven Banks saxophone
Felicia Moore soprano
Kelley O’Connor mezzo-soprano
Issachah Savage tenor
Reginald Smith Jr. baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
A lavish ball scene, the dashing hero and heroine twirling in splendor—a fun, festive dance lifted from Tchaikovsky’s opera.
- Billy Childs Diaspora
Inspired by Maya Angelou and other poets, Childs’ new concerto was written for the amazing Steven Banks, who says the music “follows the trajectory of the Black experience from Africa before slave trade to now, going forward in hope.”
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9, “Choral”
The sheer volcanic power of Beethoven’s music makes the Ninth’s message soar. “Brotherhood! Joy!”—our world needs these clarion calls now more than ever.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Xian Zhang
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Gregory D. McDaniel conductor
Steven Banks saxophone
Felicia Moore soprano
Kelley O’Connor mezzo-soprano
Issachah Savage tenor
Reginald Smith Jr. baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Polonaise from Eugene Onegin
A lavish ball scene, the dashing hero and heroine twirling in splendor—a fun, festive dance lifted from Tchaikovsky’s opera.
- Billy Childs Diaspora
Inspired by Maya Angelou and other poets, Childs’ new concerto was written for the amazing Steven Banks, who says the music “follows the trajectory of the Black experience from Africa before slave trade to now, going forward in hope.”
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 9, “Choral”
The sheer volcanic power of Beethoven’s music makes the Ninth’s message soar. “Brotherhood! Joy!”—our world needs these clarion calls now more than ever.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Thirty years after the defeat of the Empire, Luke Skywalker has vanished, and a new threat has risen: The First Order, led by the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke and his enforcer, Kylo Ren. General Leia Organa’s military force, the Resistance—and unlikely heroes brought together by fate—are the galaxy’s only hope. Experience the complete film with the New Jersey Symphony performing John Williams’ thrilling score live.
Performed in Red Bank, Morristown, Newark and New Brunswick
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Thirty years after the defeat of the Empire, Luke Skywalker has vanished, and a new threat has risen: The First Order, led by the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke and his enforcer, Kylo Ren. General Leia Organa’s military force, the Resistance—and unlikely heroes brought together by fate—are the galaxy’s only hope. Experience the complete film with the New Jersey Symphony performing John Williams’ thrilling score live.
Performed in Red Bank, Morristown, Newark and New Brunswick
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Thirty years after the defeat of the Empire, Luke Skywalker has vanished, and a new threat has risen: The First Order, led by the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke and his enforcer, Kylo Ren. General Leia Organa’s military force, the Resistance—and unlikely heroes brought together by fate—are the galaxy’s only hope. Experience the complete film with the New Jersey Symphony performing John Williams’ thrilling score live.
Performed in Red Bank, Morristown, Newark and New Brunswick
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Thirty years after the defeat of the Empire, Luke Skywalker has vanished, and a new threat has risen: The First Order, led by the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke and his enforcer, Kylo Ren. General Leia Organa’s military force, the Resistance—and unlikely heroes brought together by fate—are the galaxy’s only hope. Experience the complete film with the New Jersey Symphony performing John Williams’ thrilling score live.
Performed in Red Bank, Morristown, Newark and New Brunswick
Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
Two performances in one day! | Youth Orchestra Showcase
Diego García artistic director, The Anna P. Drago Chair
Terrence Thornhill associate conductor & curriculum specialist
New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, The Resident Youth Orchestra of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University
The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra will showcase 300 talented young musicians across two performances as part of their annual Spring Concert on Sunday, April 27 in Newark. Experience vibrant performances and celebrate the achievements of the 2024–25 season, including a special tribute to the graduating seniors.
Performed in Newark
Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
Two performances in one day! | Youth Orchestra Showcase
Diego García artistic director, The Anna P. Drago Chair
Terrence Thornhill associate conductor & curriculum specialist
New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra, The Resident Youth Orchestra of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University
The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra will showcase 300 talented young musicians across two performances as part of their annual Spring Concert on Sunday, April 27 in Newark. Experience vibrant performances and celebrate the achievements of the 2024–25 season, including a special tribute to the graduating seniors.
Performed in Newark
Haydn’s Creation
New Jersey Symphony at the Cathedral
John J. Miller conductor
Lorraine Ernest soprano
Theodore Chletsos tenor
Jorge Ocasio bass-baritone
The Archdiocesan Festival Choir
The Cathedral Choir
New Jersey Symphony
The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ invites all to experience the music of Franz Joseph Haydn’s The Creation, featuring The Archdiocesan Festival Choir, The Cathedral Choir, vocal soloists and the New Jersey Symphony with John J. Miller conducting.
Performed in Newark
The Music of Led Zeppelin
Featuring hits like “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Stairway to Heaven” and more!
Brent Havens conductor & arranger
Windborne Music Group
Justin Sargent vocalist
New Jersey Symphony
The New Jersey Symphony and Windborne Music Group bridge the gulf between classical music and rock n’ roll to present The Music of Led Zeppelin, celebrating the best of the legendary classic rock group. Amplified with full-on guitars and screaming vocals, sing and dance along as Led Zeppelin’s “sheer blast and power” is put on full display riff for riff with new musical colors. Timeless hits like “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Stairway to Heaven” and more will get you on your feet in this special concert you don’t want to miss!
Performed in Englewood and New Brunswick
The Music of Led Zeppelin
Featuring hits like “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Stairway to Heaven” and more!
Brent Havens conductor & arranger
Windborne Music Group
Justin Sargent vocalist
New Jersey Symphony
The New Jersey Symphony and Windborne Music Group bridge the gulf between classical music and rock n’ roll to present The Music of Led Zeppelin, celebrating the best of the legendary classic rock group. Amplified with full-on guitars and screaming vocals, sing and dance along as Led Zeppelin’s “sheer blast and power” is put on full display riff for riff with new musical colors. Timeless hits like “Kashmir,” “Black Dog,” “Stairway to Heaven” and more will get you on your feet in this special concert you don’t want to miss!
Performed in Englewood and New Brunswick
Xian Conducts Mozart
New Jersey Symphony musicians take the spotlight!
Xian Zhang conductor
Eric Wyrick violin
Francine Storck violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Mozart may have tossed this off for a Viennese party one evening, but there is no piece more charming and beguiling than his “a little night music.”
- Johann Sebastian Bach Double Concerto for Two Violins
The spotlight’s on our two superstar principal violins, Eric Wyrick and Francine Storck, in perhaps the most beautiful duet ever created.
- Michael Abels Delights and Dances
Delight in this imaginative, bluesy work for solo string quartet and string orchestra, with New Jersey Symphony’s own musicians taking the spotlight in a series of captivating solos.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 35, “Haffner”
Mozart had intended to jot down a little occasional piece, but brilliant music kept pouring out of his pen until he’d made a dazzling full-fledged symphony, one of his best.
Performed in Princeton and Newark
Discover Mozart & Bach
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert:
A Music Discovery Zone
Xian Zhang conductor
Gregory D. McDaniel conductor
Bill Barclay host
Eric Wyrick violin
Francine Storck violin
Annamaria Witek cello
New Jersey Symphony
Discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. We’ll take a deep dive into works by Mozart, as well as J.S. Bach’s incredibly famous Double Concerto for Two Violins. Also featured on the program is 2024 Henry Lewis Concerto Competition winner, cellist Annamaria Witek. 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!
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Selection from Eine kleine Nachtmusik
- Camille Saint-Saëns Selection from Cello Concerto No. 1
- Johann Sebastian Bach Double Concerto for Two Violins
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 35, “Haffner”
Performed in Newark
Xian Conducts Mozart
New Jersey Symphony musicians take the spotlight!
Xian Zhang conductor
Eric Wyrick violin
Francine Storck violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Mozart may have tossed this off for a Viennese party one evening, but there is no piece more charming and beguiling than his “a little night music.”
- Johann Sebastian Bach Double Concerto for Two Violins
The spotlight’s on our two superstar principal violins, Eric Wyrick and Francine Storck, in perhaps the most beautiful duet ever created.
- Michael Abels Delights and Dances
Delight in this imaginative, bluesy work for solo string quartet and string orchestra, with New Jersey Symphony’s own musicians taking the spotlight in a series of captivating solos.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 35, “Haffner”
Mozart had intended to jot down a little occasional piece, but brilliant music kept pouring out of his pen until he’d made a dazzling full-fledged symphony, one of his best.
Performed in Princeton and Newark
Xian Conducts Mozart
New Jersey Symphony musicians take the spotlight!
Xian Zhang conductor
Eric Wyrick violin
Francine Storck violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Mozart may have tossed this off for a Viennese party one evening, but there is no piece more charming and beguiling than his “a little night music.”
- Johann Sebastian Bach Double Concerto for Two Violins
The spotlight’s on our two superstar principal violins, Eric Wyrick and Francine Storck, in perhaps the most beautiful duet ever created.
- Michael Abels Delights and Dances
Delight in this imaginative, bluesy work for solo string quartet and string orchestra, with New Jersey Symphony’s own musicians taking the spotlight in a series of captivating solos.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 35, “Haffner”
Mozart had intended to jot down a little occasional piece, but brilliant music kept pouring out of his pen until he’d made a dazzling full-fledged symphony, one of his best.
Performed in Princeton and Newark
2025 Spring into Music Gala & Auction
Gala Reception and Dinner, Concert and Auction
Join the New Jersey Symphony and an array of cultural, social, business and civic leaders for an unforgettable evening of fine dining and entertainment as we honor former Governor Thomas H. Kean and his dedication to the performing arts industry in New Jersey. The event will feature a lavish cocktail reception with a few dazzling surprises, a dinner with a private performance featuring members of the New Jersey Symphony and students of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra and a silent auction.
Presented in West Orange
Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich
Season Finale | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Conrad Tao piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
No piece has introduced and won more people to classical music than Rachmaninoff’s magnificent work for piano and orchestra.
- Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
When Shostakovich’s Fifth received a half-hour standing ovation at its premiere, the world knew that a classic was born—and it remains a landmark work for the virtuoso orchestra.
Performed in Morristown, Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich
Season Finale | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Conrad Tao piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
No piece has introduced and won more people to classical music than Rachmaninoff’s magnificent work for piano and orchestra.
- Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
When Shostakovich’s Fifth received a half-hour standing ovation at its premiere, the world knew that a classic was born—and it remains a landmark work for the virtuoso orchestra.
Performed in Morristown, Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich
Season Finale | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Conrad Tao piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
No piece has introduced and won more people to classical music than Rachmaninoff’s magnificent work for piano and orchestra.
- Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
When Shostakovich’s Fifth received a half-hour standing ovation at its premiere, the world knew that a classic was born—and it remains a landmark work for the virtuoso orchestra.
Performed in Morristown, Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich
Season Finale | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Conrad Tao piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2
No piece has introduced and won more people to classical music than Rachmaninoff’s magnificent work for piano and orchestra.
- Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
When Shostakovich’s Fifth received a half-hour standing ovation at its premiere, the world knew that a classic was born—and it remains a landmark work for the virtuoso orchestra.
Performed in Morristown, Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Lawrence Loh conductor
New Jersey Symphony
DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating and original story about a young Viking named Hiccup, who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes—a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Featuring John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert is a thrilling experience for all ages.
Performed in Morristown, New Brunswick and Newark
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Lawrence Loh conductor
New Jersey Symphony
DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating and original story about a young Viking named Hiccup, who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes—a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Featuring John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert is a thrilling experience for all ages.
Performed in Morristown, New Brunswick and Newark
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Lawrence Loh conductor
New Jersey Symphony
DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a captivating and original story about a young Viking named Hiccup, who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes—a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Featuring John Powell’s Oscar-nominated score performed live to picture, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert is a thrilling experience for all ages.
Performed in Morristown, New Brunswick and Newark
TwoSet Violin with the New Jersey Symphony
Part of the TwoSet Violin World Tour
TwoSet Violin
New Jersey Symphony
World-famous YouTube classical music comedy duo TwoSet Violin take the stage with the New Jersey Symphony for a wide-ranging night of musical fun! Violinists Eddy Chen and Brett Yang will take their unique brand of earnest and silly musical comedy to a new level in this performance, with the backing of a full symphony orchestra.
Performed in Newark
Opening Night Celebration
Dinner Prelude, Concert and After-Party
You are invited to the New Jersey Symphony’s 2025 Season Opening Celebration honoring Xian Zhang’s 10th season as Music Director. Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner prelude, the season opening concert featuring Music Director Xian Zhang, guest artist Joyce Yang and the New Jersey Symphony and a dessert after-party.
Presented in Newark
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
Opening Weekend | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Joyce Yang piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Jessie Montgomery Hymn for Everyone
We launch the season with Montgomery’s open-arms musical welcome. In her Hymn for Everyone you’ll hear an echo of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black National Anthem.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
Slammed as a flop at its premiere, Tchaikovsky more than had the last laugh: here’s jaw-dropping virtuosity for the soloist, sweeping melodies for the orchestra, and an audience favorite around the world.
- Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 8
Dvořák’s pen might as well have been a paint brush. In his tuneful Eighth you can practically see autumn’s most vivid colors and the heart-melting glow of an October sunset.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
Opening Weekend | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Joyce Yang piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Jessie Montgomery Hymn for Everyone
We launch the season with Montgomery’s open-arms musical welcome. In her Hymn for Everyone you’ll hear an echo of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black National Anthem.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
Slammed as a flop at its premiere, Tchaikovsky more than had the last laugh: here’s jaw-dropping virtuosity for the soloist, sweeping melodies for the orchestra, and an audience favorite around the world.
- Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 8
Dvořák’s pen might as well have been a paint brush. In his tuneful Eighth you can practically see autumn’s most vivid colors and the heart-melting glow of an October sunset.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
Opening Weekend | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Joyce Yang piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Jessie Montgomery Hymn for Everyone
We launch the season with Montgomery’s open-arms musical welcome. In her Hymn for Everyone you’ll hear an echo of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black National Anthem.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1
Slammed as a flop at its premiere, Tchaikovsky more than had the last laugh: here’s jaw-dropping virtuosity for the soloist, sweeping melodies for the orchestra, and an audience favorite around the world.
- Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 8
Dvořák’s pen might as well have been a paint brush. In his tuneful Eighth you can practically see autumn’s most vivid colors and the heart-melting glow of an October sunset.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Disney’s Fantasia in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Experience Disney’s groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Beloved repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the New Jersey Symphony while Disney’s stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Enjoy iconic moments and childhood favorites like never before!
Performed in Morristown, Red Bank and New Brunswick
Disney’s Fantasia in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Experience Disney’s groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Beloved repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the New Jersey Symphony while Disney’s stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Enjoy iconic moments and childhood favorites like never before!
Performed in Morristown, Red Bank and New Brunswick
Disney’s Fantasia in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Experience Disney’s groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Beloved repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the New Jersey Symphony while Disney’s stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Enjoy iconic moments and childhood favorites like never before!
Performed in Morristown, Red Bank and New Brunswick
Rhapsody in Blue
Plus works by Florence Price & Carlos Simon!
Tito Muñoz conductor
Michelle Cann piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Florence Price Piano Concerto in One Movement
An American genius, Florence Price mixes luscious lyricism with ragtime stomp. This recently unearthed gem won Cann—the leading interpreter of Price’s piano music—a 2023 GRAMMY.
- George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
United Airlines knows a good tune when it hears one, and that melody is the heartbeat of Gershwin’s classic. But not before the famous swooping clarinet solo gets this piece of the Roaring Twenties underway.
- Carlos Simon Zodiac (Northeast Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Carlos Simon is one of America’s leading contemporary composers, and in his latest music, a proud co-commission of the New Jersey Symphony, Simon gives voice to all 12 zodiac signs—the music at turns fiery, ethereal, and soaring.
- Aaron Copland Suite from Billy the Kid
Cowboy songs, folk tunes, and a visionary composer—all the ingredients that made Copland’s wild-west ballet a hit in the ‘30s and a favorite still.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and New Brunswick
Rhapsody in Blue
Plus works by Florence Price & Carlos Simon!
Tito Muñoz conductor
Michelle Cann piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Florence Price Piano Concerto in One Movement
An American genius, Florence Price mixes luscious lyricism with ragtime stomp. This recently unearthed gem won Cann—the leading interpreter of Price’s piano music—a 2023 GRAMMY.
- George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
United Airlines knows a good tune when it hears one, and that melody is the heartbeat of Gershwin’s classic. But not before the famous swooping clarinet solo gets this piece of the Roaring Twenties underway.
- Carlos Simon Zodiac (Northeast Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Carlos Simon is one of America’s leading contemporary composers, and in his latest music, a proud co-commission of the New Jersey Symphony, Simon gives voice to all 12 zodiac signs—the music at turns fiery, ethereal, and soaring.
- Aaron Copland Suite from Billy the Kid
Cowboy songs, folk tunes, and a visionary composer—all the ingredients that made Copland’s wild-west ballet a hit in the ‘30s and a favorite still.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and New Brunswick
Discover Rhapsody
in Blue
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert
Tito Muñoz conductor
Michelle Cann piano
New Jersey Symphony
Discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. We’ll take a deep dive into one of the greatest American piano concertos, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, followed by Copland’s lively Suite from Billy the Kid.
Performed in Newark
Rhapsody in Blue
Plus works by Florence Price & Carlos Simon!
Tito Muñoz conductor
Michelle Cann piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Florence Price Piano Concerto in One Movement
An American genius, Florence Price mixes luscious lyricism with ragtime stomp. This recently unearthed gem won Cann—the leading interpreter of Price’s piano music—a 2023 GRAMMY.
- George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
United Airlines knows a good tune when it hears one, and that melody is the heartbeat of Gershwin’s classic. But not before the famous swooping clarinet solo gets this piece of the Roaring Twenties underway.
- Carlos Simon Zodiac (Northeast Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Carlos Simon is one of America’s leading contemporary composers, and in his latest music, a proud co-commission of the New Jersey Symphony, Simon gives voice to all 12 zodiac signs—the music at turns fiery, ethereal, and soaring.
- Aaron Copland Suite from Billy the Kid
Cowboy songs, folk tunes, and a visionary composer—all the ingredients that made Copland’s wild-west ballet a hit in the ‘30s and a favorite still.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and New Brunswick
Rhapsody in Blue
Plus works by Florence Price & Carlos Simon!
Tito Muñoz conductor
Michelle Cann piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Florence Price Piano Concerto in One Movement
An American genius, Florence Price mixes luscious lyricism with ragtime stomp. This recently unearthed gem won Cann—the leading interpreter of Price’s piano music—a 2023 GRAMMY.
- George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
United Airlines knows a good tune when it hears one, and that melody is the heartbeat of Gershwin’s classic. But not before the famous swooping clarinet solo gets this piece of the Roaring Twenties underway.
- Carlos Simon Zodiac (Northeast Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Carlos Simon is one of America’s leading contemporary composers, and in his latest music, a proud co-commission of the New Jersey Symphony, Simon gives voice to all 12 zodiac signs—the music at turns fiery, ethereal, and soaring.
- Aaron Copland Suite from Billy the Kid
Cowboy songs, folk tunes, and a visionary composer—all the ingredients that made Copland’s wild-west ballet a hit in the ‘30s and a favorite still.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and New Brunswick
Elf in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Conner Gray Covington conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf in Concert!
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Elf in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Conner Gray Covington conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season, relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is played live to picture in: Elf in Concert!
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Handel’s Messiah
New Jersey Symphony Holiday Tradition
Anthony Parnther conductor
Caitlin Gotimer soprano
Maria Dominique Lopez mezzo-soprano
Orson Van Gay II tenor
Shyheim Selvan Hinnant bass-baritone
Montclair State University Singers | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
Handel’s Messiah embraces every emotion, from the first voice singing “Comfort ye,” inviting you to step aside from the season’s frenzy, to the riveting Amen Chorus at the end. In between are moments of transcendence, loss, and deeply-felt awe—what makes a classic a classic.
Performed in Princeton and Newark
Handel’s Messiah
New Jersey Symphony Holiday Tradition
Anthony Parnther conductor
Caitlin Gotimer soprano
Maria Dominique Lopez mezzo-soprano
Orson Van Gay II tenor
Shyheim Selvan Hinnant bass-baritone
Montclair State University Singers | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
Handel’s Messiah embraces every emotion, from the first voice singing “Comfort ye,” inviting you to step aside from the season’s frenzy, to the riveting Amen Chorus at the end. In between are moments of transcendence, loss, and deeply-felt awe—what makes a classic a classic.
Performed in Princeton and Newark
Handel’s Messiah
New Jersey Symphony Holiday Tradition
Anthony Parnther conductor
Caitlin Gotimer soprano
Maria Dominique Lopez mezzo-soprano
Orson Van Gay II tenor
Shyheim Selvan Hinnant bass-baritone
Montclair State University Singers | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
Handel’s Messiah embraces every emotion, from the first voice singing “Comfort ye,” inviting you to step aside from the season’s frenzy, to the riveting Amen Chorus at the end. In between are moments of transcendence, loss, and deeply-felt awe—what makes a classic a classic.
Performed in Princeton and Newark
Randall Goosby Returns
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Randall Goosby violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Jean Sibelius Finlandia
Eight minutes that saved a nation. When Finland wrestled itself free from the Russian bear, Sibelius’ music was the Finns’ call to courage.
- Samuel Barber Violin Concerto
The most gorgeous violin concerto of the 20th century: the first two movements exquisitely touching, and the third a wild sprint for only the bravest of soloists.
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, “Ukrainian”
Three Ukrainian folksongs were all Tchaikovsky needed for inspiration. From them, he spun his most joyful symphony.
Performed in New Brunswick, Princeton, Newark and Morristown
Randall Goosby Returns
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Randall Goosby violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Jean Sibelius Finlandia
Eight minutes that saved a nation. When Finland wrestled itself free from the Russian bear, Sibelius’ music was the Finns’ call to courage.
- Samuel Barber Violin Concerto
The most gorgeous violin concerto of the 20th century: the first two movements exquisitely touching, and the third a wild sprint for only the bravest of soloists.
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, “Ukrainian”
Three Ukrainian folksongs were all Tchaikovsky needed for inspiration. From them, he spun his most joyful symphony.
Performed in New Brunswick, Princeton, Newark and Morristown
Randall Goosby Returns
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Randall Goosby violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Jean Sibelius Finlandia
Eight minutes that saved a nation. When Finland wrestled itself free from the Russian bear, Sibelius’ music was the Finns’ call to courage.
- Samuel Barber Violin Concerto
The most gorgeous violin concerto of the 20th century: the first two movements exquisitely touching, and the third a wild sprint for only the bravest of soloists.
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, “Ukrainian”
Three Ukrainian folksongs were all Tchaikovsky needed for inspiration. From them, he spun his most joyful symphony.
Performed in New Brunswick, Princeton, Newark and Morristown
Randall Goosby Returns
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Randall Goosby violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Jean Sibelius Finlandia
Eight minutes that saved a nation. When Finland wrestled itself free from the Russian bear, Sibelius’ music was the Finns’ call to courage.
- Samuel Barber Violin Concerto
The most gorgeous violin concerto of the 20th century: the first two movements exquisitely touching, and the third a wild sprint for only the bravest of soloists.
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 2, “Ukrainian”
Three Ukrainian folksongs were all Tchaikovsky needed for inspiration. From them, he spun his most joyful symphony.
Performed in New Brunswick, Princeton, Newark and Morristown
Romeo & Juliet
Featuring The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Xian Zhang conductor
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
New Jersey Symphony
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Tchaikovsky gives you all the passion and drama of Shakespeare’s two young lovers, as the New Jersey Symphony becomes a storyteller in real time.
- Sergei Prokofiev Selections from Romeo and Juliet
Considered too difficult, even undanceable at its unveiling, Prokofiev’s ballet with scene after scene of strikingly original music soon became the treasure of every ballet house the world over.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Romeo & Juliet
Featuring The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Xian Zhang conductor
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
New Jersey Symphony
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Tchaikovsky gives you all the passion and drama of Shakespeare’s two young lovers, as the New Jersey Symphony becomes a storyteller in real time.
- Sergei Prokofiev Selections from Romeo and Juliet
Considered too difficult, even undanceable at its unveiling, Prokofiev’s ballet with scene after scene of strikingly original music soon became the treasure of every ballet house the world over.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Romeo & Juliet
Featuring The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Xian Zhang conductor
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
New Jersey Symphony
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Tchaikovsky gives you all the passion and drama of Shakespeare’s two young lovers, as the New Jersey Symphony becomes a storyteller in real time.
- Sergei Prokofiev Selections from Romeo and Juliet
Considered too difficult, even undanceable at its unveiling, Prokofiev’s ballet with scene after scene of strikingly original music soon became the treasure of every ballet house the world over.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Romeo & Juliet
Featuring The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
Xian Zhang conductor
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
New Jersey Symphony
- Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
Tchaikovsky gives you all the passion and drama of Shakespeare’s two young lovers, as the New Jersey Symphony becomes a storyteller in real time.
- Sergei Prokofiev Selections from Romeo and Juliet
Considered too difficult, even undanceable at its unveiling, Prokofiev’s ballet with scene after scene of strikingly original music soon became the treasure of every ballet house the world over.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
2026 Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebration of the Year of the Horse
Sunny Xia conductor
Haochen Zhang piano
Peking University Alumni Chorus
New Jersey Symphony
Enjoy an evening of community and cultural exchange that is wonderful for families and children, as we celebrate the Year of the Horse. Seattle Symphony Associate Conductor Sunny Xia and Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Winner Haochen Zhang make their New Jersey Symphony debuts in this festive concert that celebrates music from East and West.
Performed in Newark
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Time for Three Performs Contact
Markus Stenz conductor
Time for Three
Ranaan Meyer double bass | Nick Kendall violin | Charles Yang violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Richard Wagner Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin
It begins with the strings alone playing a whisperquiet passage of holy serenity. Soon the whole orchestra joins and builds in a full-throated cry. Wagner’s operatic stage is set for the arrival of the knight Lohengrin sent on a mission from God.
- Kevin Puts Contact
Time for Three, a self-described “classically trained garage band,” brings you the GRAMMY Award-winning concerto written for them by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. Created during the isolation of the early pandemic, Contact is “an expression of yearning for the fundamental need” of human connection.
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Four notes—dah, dah, dah, DAH—launched Beethoven’s Fifth in 1808 and have stamped all of western classical music since.
Performed in Morristown and Newark
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Time for Three Performs Contact
Markus Stenz conductor
Time for Three
Ranaan Meyer double bass | Nick Kendall violin | Charles Yang violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Richard Wagner Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin
It begins with the strings alone playing a whisperquiet passage of holy serenity. Soon the whole orchestra joins and builds in a full-throated cry. Wagner’s operatic stage is set for the arrival of the knight Lohengrin sent on a mission from God.
- Kevin Puts Contact
Time for Three, a self-described “classically trained garage band,” brings you the GRAMMY Award-winning concerto written for them by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. Created during the isolation of the early pandemic, Contact is “an expression of yearning for the fundamental need” of human connection.
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Four notes—dah, dah, dah, DAH—launched Beethoven’s Fifth in 1808 and have stamped all of western classical music since.
Performed in Morristown and Newark
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Time for Three Performs Contact
Markus Stenz conductor
Time for Three
Ranaan Meyer double bass | Nick Kendall violin | Charles Yang violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Richard Wagner Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin
It begins with the strings alone playing a whisperquiet passage of holy serenity. Soon the whole orchestra joins and builds in a full-throated cry. Wagner’s operatic stage is set for the arrival of the knight Lohengrin sent on a mission from God.
- Kevin Puts Contact
Time for Three, a self-described “classically trained garage band,” brings you the GRAMMY Award-winning concerto written for them by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts. Created during the isolation of the early pandemic, Contact is “an expression of yearning for the fundamental need” of human connection.
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Four notes—dah, dah, dah, DAH—launched Beethoven’s Fifth in 1808 and have stamped all of western classical music since.
Performed in Morristown and Newark
Bartók’s Concerto
for Orchestra
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Ruth Reinhardt conductor
Eva Gevorgyan piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Béla Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Informed by his numerous research trips across Hungary, this short and spry set of folk dances bursts with Transylvanian flavor and energy.
- Frédéric Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2
There are moments here that make time, and your breath, stand still. If ever you need evidence of the human spirit’s capacity for beauty, look to this remarkable creation of 20-year-old Chopin.
- Béla Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
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.
Performed in Newark, Princeton, Red Bank and New Brunswick
Bartók’s Concerto
for Orchestra
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Ruth Reinhardt conductor
Eva Gevorgyan piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Béla Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Informed by his numerous research trips across Hungary, this short and spry set of folk dances bursts with Transylvanian flavor and energy.
- Frédéric Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2
There are moments here that make time, and your breath, stand still. If ever you need evidence of the human spirit’s capacity for beauty, look to this remarkable creation of 20-year-old Chopin.
- Béla Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
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.
Performed in Newark, Princeton, Red Bank and New Brunswick
Bartók’s Concerto
for Orchestra
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Ruth Reinhardt conductor
Eva Gevorgyan piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Béla Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Informed by his numerous research trips across Hungary, this short and spry set of folk dances bursts with Transylvanian flavor and energy.
- Frédéric Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2
There are moments here that make time, and your breath, stand still. If ever you need evidence of the human spirit’s capacity for beauty, look to this remarkable creation of 20-year-old Chopin.
- Béla Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
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.
Performed in Newark, Princeton, Red Bank and New Brunswick
Bartók’s Concerto
for Orchestra
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Ruth Reinhardt conductor
Eva Gevorgyan piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Béla Bartók Romanian Folk Dances
Informed by his numerous research trips across Hungary, this short and spry set of folk dances bursts with Transylvanian flavor and energy.
- Frédéric Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2
There are moments here that make time, and your breath, stand still. If ever you need evidence of the human spirit’s capacity for beauty, look to this remarkable creation of 20-year-old Chopin.
- Béla Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
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.
Performed in Newark, Princeton, Red Bank and New Brunswick
Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Juan Esteban Martinez clarinet
New Jersey Symphony
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Divertimento in D Major, K. 136
The spotlight opens on the New Jersey Symphony’s virtuoso strings playing the sunniest music Mozart ever created.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Principal Clarinet Juan Esteban Martinez will shine in this sunny crown jewel of the clarinet repertoire, which was written for an earlier iteration of the modern clarinet.
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
His greatest inspiration came from long walks in nature, score paper, and pencil stuffed in his pocket. Beethoven takes us with him in his Sixth, his music full of open-air melodies, and the drama of a ferocious storm.
Performed in Newark and Morristown
Discover Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert
Xian Zhang conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Discover the storytelling power of classical music! Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony was one of his only works that depicts very specific scenes and storylines, which we’ll dive into measure by measure in this concert.
Performed in Newark
Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Juan Esteban Martinez clarinet
New Jersey Symphony
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Divertimento in D Major, K. 136
The spotlight opens on the New Jersey Symphony’s virtuoso strings playing the sunniest music Mozart ever created.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Principal Clarinet Juan Esteban Martinez will shine in this sunny crown jewel of the clarinet repertoire, which was written for an earlier iteration of the modern clarinet.
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
His greatest inspiration came from long walks in nature, score paper, and pencil stuffed in his pocket. Beethoven takes us with him in his Sixth, his music full of open-air melodies, and the drama of a ferocious storm.
Performed in Newark and Morristown
Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Juan Esteban Martinez clarinet
New Jersey Symphony
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Divertimento in D Major, K. 136
The spotlight opens on the New Jersey Symphony’s virtuoso strings playing the sunniest music Mozart ever created.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Principal Clarinet Juan Esteban Martinez will shine in this sunny crown jewel of the clarinet repertoire, which was written for an earlier iteration of the modern clarinet.
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
His greatest inspiration came from long walks in nature, score paper, and pencil stuffed in his pocket. Beethoven takes us with him in his Sixth, his music full of open-air melodies, and the drama of a ferocious storm.
Performed in Newark and Morristown
Xian Conducts
Prokofiev & Strauss
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Francesca Dego violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Anton Webern Im Sommerwind
A lovingly lush hymn to the charms of summer, written just before Webern helped stand traditional classical music on its head.
- Sergei Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2
It opens with a wisp of melancholy Russian folksong and closes with castanets and Spanish flair, creating fireworks for a world-class violinist and orchestra.
- Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben
Orchestras love this ode to “A Hero’s Life” for its bold, voluptuous sweep, created by Strauss as a musical pat on his own back.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Xian Conducts
Prokofiev & Strauss
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Francesca Dego violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Anton Webern Im Sommerwind
A lovingly lush hymn to the charms of summer, written just before Webern helped stand traditional classical music on its head.
- Sergei Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2
It opens with a wisp of melancholy Russian folksong and closes with castanets and Spanish flair, creating fireworks for a world-class violinist and orchestra.
- Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben
Orchestras love this ode to “A Hero’s Life” for its bold, voluptuous sweep, created by Strauss as a musical pat on his own back.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Xian Conducts
Prokofiev & Strauss
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Francesca Dego violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Anton Webern Im Sommerwind
A lovingly lush hymn to the charms of summer, written just before Webern helped stand traditional classical music on its head.
- Sergei Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2
It opens with a wisp of melancholy Russian folksong and closes with castanets and Spanish flair, creating fireworks for a world-class violinist and orchestra.
- Richard Strauss Ein Heldenleben
Orchestras love this ode to “A Hero’s Life” for its bold, voluptuous sweep, created by Strauss as a musical pat on his own back.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Mozart’s Requiem
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Mei Gui Zhang soprano
Taylor Raven mezzo-soprano
Eric Ferring tenor
Dashon Burton bass-baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
- Gabriel Fauré Pavane
A slowly winding melody that started as a simple little five-minute piano solo. But when Fauré orchestrated his Pavane and added the rich sound of a chorus, he made magic and his greatest hit.
- Gustav Mahler Songs of a Wayfarer
Come enjoy one of the finest voices in America: bass-baritone Dashon Burton sings the suite of beautiful songs Mahler wrote as he took solace in nature after being spurned in love.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Requiem
A swansong full of fire, grace, and a transcendent prayer that the human spirit will live on. Mozart’s Requiem was left maddeningly incomplete at his all-too-early death, but is nevertheless his final masterpiece.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Mozart’s Requiem
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Mei Gui Zhang soprano
Taylor Raven mezzo-soprano
Eric Ferring tenor
Dashon Burton bass-baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
- Gabriel Fauré Pavane
A slowly winding melody that started as a simple little five-minute piano solo. But when Fauré orchestrated his Pavane and added the rich sound of a chorus, he made magic and his greatest hit.
- Gustav Mahler Songs of a Wayfarer
Come enjoy one of the finest voices in America: bass-baritone Dashon Burton sings the suite of beautiful songs Mahler wrote as he took solace in nature after being spurned in love.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Requiem
A swansong full of fire, grace, and a transcendent prayer that the human spirit will live on. Mozart’s Requiem was left maddeningly incomplete at his all-too-early death, but is nevertheless his final masterpiece.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Mozart’s Requiem
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Mei Gui Zhang soprano
Taylor Raven mezzo-soprano
Eric Ferring tenor
Dashon Burton bass-baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
- Gabriel Fauré Pavane
A slowly winding melody that started as a simple little five-minute piano solo. But when Fauré orchestrated his Pavane and added the rich sound of a chorus, he made magic and his greatest hit.
- Gustav Mahler Songs of a Wayfarer
Come enjoy one of the finest voices in America: bass-baritone Dashon Burton sings the suite of beautiful songs Mahler wrote as he took solace in nature after being spurned in love.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Requiem
A swansong full of fire, grace, and a transcendent prayer that the human spirit will live on. Mozart’s Requiem was left maddeningly incomplete at his all-too-early death, but is nevertheless his final masterpiece.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Joshua Bell Leads Mendelssohn’s “Italian”
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joshua Bell conductor & violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Felix Mendelssohn The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)
The music swells and surges just as the waves off Scotland’s coast carried the young Mendelssohn past moody cliffs and caves and sent him reaching for his score paper.
- Édouard Lalo Symphonie espagnole
Though called a “symphony,” this is where superstar Joshua Bell stands and lets his Stradivarius violin sing the silvery songs of Spain.
- Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, “Italian”
“The jolliest piece I’ve ever done,” wrote an ecstatic young Mendelssohn to his parents back in Berlin, after arriving in Italy and falling in love with its sunshine, sidewalk tunes, coast, and effervescent colors—all of which he poured into his Fourth Symphony.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and Morristown
Joshua Bell Leads Mendelssohn’s “Italian”
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joshua Bell conductor & violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Felix Mendelssohn The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)
The music swells and surges just as the waves off Scotland’s coast carried the young Mendelssohn past moody cliffs and caves and sent him reaching for his score paper.
- Édouard Lalo Symphonie espagnole
Though called a “symphony,” this is where superstar Joshua Bell stands and lets his Stradivarius violin sing the silvery songs of Spain.
- Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, “Italian”
“The jolliest piece I’ve ever done,” wrote an ecstatic young Mendelssohn to his parents back in Berlin, after arriving in Italy and falling in love with its sunshine, sidewalk tunes, coast, and effervescent colors—all of which he poured into his Fourth Symphony.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and Morristown
Joshua Bell Leads Mendelssohn’s “Italian”
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joshua Bell conductor & violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Felix Mendelssohn The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)
The music swells and surges just as the waves off Scotland’s coast carried the young Mendelssohn past moody cliffs and caves and sent him reaching for his score paper.
- Édouard Lalo Symphonie espagnole
Though called a “symphony,” this is where superstar Joshua Bell stands and lets his Stradivarius violin sing the silvery songs of Spain.
- Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, “Italian”
“The jolliest piece I’ve ever done,” wrote an ecstatic young Mendelssohn to his parents back in Berlin, after arriving in Italy and falling in love with its sunshine, sidewalk tunes, coast, and effervescent colors—all of which he poured into his Fourth Symphony.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and Morristown
Joshua Bell Leads Mendelssohn’s “Italian”
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joshua Bell conductor & violin
New Jersey Symphony
- Felix Mendelssohn The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)
The music swells and surges just as the waves off Scotland’s coast carried the young Mendelssohn past moody cliffs and caves and sent him reaching for his score paper.
- Édouard Lalo Symphonie espagnole
Though called a “symphony,” this is where superstar Joshua Bell stands and lets his Stradivarius violin sing the silvery songs of Spain.
- Felix Mendelssohn Symphony No. 4, “Italian”
“The jolliest piece I’ve ever done,” wrote an ecstatic young Mendelssohn to his parents back in Berlin, after arriving in Italy and falling in love with its sunshine, sidewalk tunes, coast, and effervescent colors—all of which he poured into his Fourth Symphony.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and Morristown
Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Don’t miss this big-screen battle with the score performed live by the New Jersey Symphony. The Resistance is in desperate need of help when they find themselves impossibly pursued by the First Order. While Rey travels to a remote planet called Ahch-To to recruit Luke Skywalker to the Resistance, Finn and Rose, a mechanic, go on their own mission in the hopes of helping the Resistance finally escape the First Order. But everyone finds themselves on the salt-planet of Crait for a last stand.
Performed in Red Bank, Newark and New Brunswick
Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Don’t miss this big-screen battle with the score performed live by the New Jersey Symphony. The Resistance is in desperate need of help when they find themselves impossibly pursued by the First Order. While Rey travels to a remote planet called Ahch-To to recruit Luke Skywalker to the Resistance, Finn and Rose, a mechanic, go on their own mission in the hopes of helping the Resistance finally escape the First Order. But everyone finds themselves on the salt-planet of Crait for a last stand.
Performed in Red Bank, Newark and New Brunswick
Star Wars: The Last Jedi in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Don’t miss this big-screen battle with the score performed live by the New Jersey Symphony. The Resistance is in desperate need of help when they find themselves impossibly pursued by the First Order. While Rey travels to a remote planet called Ahch-To to recruit Luke Skywalker to the Resistance, Finn and Rose, a mechanic, go on their own mission in the hopes of helping the Resistance finally escape the First Order. But everyone finds themselves on the salt-planet of Crait for a last stand.
Performed in Red Bank, Newark and New Brunswick
Symphonie fantastique
Season Finale | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Emanuel Ax piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Allison Loggins-Hull New Work (World Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Commission)
You may have seen her performing with Lizzo at the GRAMMYs, or heard her on the soundtrack to The Lion King, or loved her Can You See? performed by the New Jersey Symphony last fall. Be the first to hear our Resident Artistic Partner’s latest creation.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22
Mozart in his late 20s took a tune he wrote when he was eight and turned it into this half-hour masterpiece, the second of its three movements so moving that its first audience demanded a repeat.
- Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique
Smitten with unrequited love, Berlioz funneled all his frustrations and utter mind-blowing genius into a whirlwind of orchestral color.
Performed in New Brunswick, Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
Symphonie fantastique
Season Finale | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Emanuel Ax piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Allison Loggins-Hull New Work (World Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Commission)
You may have seen her performing with Lizzo at the GRAMMYs, or heard her on the soundtrack to The Lion King, or loved her Can You See? performed by the New Jersey Symphony last fall. Be the first to hear our Resident Artistic Partner’s latest creation.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22
Mozart in his late 20s took a tune he wrote when he was eight and turned it into this half-hour masterpiece, the second of its three movements so moving that its first audience demanded a repeat.
- Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique
Smitten with unrequited love, Berlioz funneled all his frustrations and utter mind-blowing genius into a whirlwind of orchestral color.
Performed in New Brunswick, Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
Symphonie fantastique
Season Finale | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Emanuel Ax piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Allison Loggins-Hull New Work (World Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Commission)
You may have seen her performing with Lizzo at the GRAMMYs, or heard her on the soundtrack to The Lion King, or loved her Can You See? performed by the New Jersey Symphony last fall. Be the first to hear our Resident Artistic Partner’s latest creation.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22
Mozart in his late 20s took a tune he wrote when he was eight and turned it into this half-hour masterpiece, the second of its three movements so moving that its first audience demanded a repeat.
- Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique
Smitten with unrequited love, Berlioz funneled all his frustrations and utter mind-blowing genius into a whirlwind of orchestral color.
Performed in New Brunswick, Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
Symphonie fantastique
Season Finale | New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Emanuel Ax piano
New Jersey Symphony
- Allison Loggins-Hull New Work (World Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Commission)
You may have seen her performing with Lizzo at the GRAMMYs, or heard her on the soundtrack to The Lion King, or loved her Can You See? performed by the New Jersey Symphony last fall. Be the first to hear our Resident Artistic Partner’s latest creation.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22
Mozart in his late 20s took a tune he wrote when he was eight and turned it into this half-hour masterpiece, the second of its three movements so moving that its first audience demanded a repeat.
- Hector Berlioz Symphonie fantastique
Smitten with unrequited love, Berlioz funneled all his frustrations and utter mind-blowing genius into a whirlwind of orchestral color.
Performed in New Brunswick, Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
Ben Folds with the New Jersey Symphony
Ben Folds performs his greatest hits!
Ben Folds guest artist
New Jersey Symphony
Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer Ben Folds joins the New Jersey Symphony for a unique and unforgettable performance of music from across his career. Widely regarded as one of the major musical influences of our generation, Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. His latest album, 2023’s What Matters Most, is a blend of piano-driven pop rock songs, while his 2015 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra soared to #1 on both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts. He released his first Christmas album in 2024 and last Fall recorded a live album slated for release in 2025 with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where he served for eight years as the first artistic advisor to the NSO.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Ben Folds with the New Jersey Symphony
Ben Folds performs his greatest hits!
Ben Folds guest artist
New Jersey Symphony
Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter-composer Ben Folds joins the New Jersey Symphony for a unique and unforgettable performance of music from across his career. Widely regarded as one of the major musical influences of our generation, Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. His latest album, 2023’s What Matters Most, is a blend of piano-driven pop rock songs, while his 2015 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra soared to #1 on both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts. He released his first Christmas album in 2024 and last Fall recorded a live album slated for release in 2025 with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where he served for eight years as the first artistic advisor to the NSO.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
New Jersey Symphony announces 2022–23 centennial season, extends Xian Zhang’s music director contract through 2027–28
NEWARK, NJ—The New Jersey Symphony and Music Director Xian Zhang announce the Symphony’s landmark 2022–23 centennial season—and an extension of Zhang’s music director contract through the 2027–28 season.
President & CEO Gabriel van Aalst says: “Xian’s transformative artistic leadership over the past six years has led us to this milestone centennial, and we are so proud to announce that she will continue to lead the Symphony through our 2027–28 season.”
The new season features a centennial gala and concert with Yo-Yo Ma; world premieres of commissions by Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain, Steven Mackey, Chen Yi and New Jersey Symphony violinist Darryl Kubian; and appearances by Joshua Bell, Yefim Bronfman, Michelle Cann, Hilary Hahn and Daniil Trifonov. The centennial sees former Music Directors Jacques Lacombe, Neeme Järvi and Hugh Wolff; former Assistant Conductor Gemma New and former Interim Music Director George Manahan return to the New Jersey Symphony podium. The Symphony presents a trio of blockbuster film concerts, a Lunar New Year Celebration and family programs including a gospel-inspired holiday concert and a celebration of the music of Bollywood.
Zhang says: “The centennial season will be a great celebration at a much higher magnitude than anything our audience has previously experienced in our concerts. We will honor our traditions, but at the same time, do new pieces that excite our audience and our orchestra. This season, we’re featuring outstanding artists from all backgrounds, an amazing variety of music and spectacular performances that bring in visuals, film and dance. There will also be wonderful opportunities for our orchestra musicians to show off how brilliant they are.”
Centennial Gala & Special Events
Yo-Yo Ma headlines the Symphony’s Centennial Gala & Concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, performing Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dancers from New Jersey Ballet join Zhang and the orchestra for Ginastera’s Four Dances from Estancia. The gala concert opens with Wynton Marsalis’ Herald, Holler and Hallelujah, a work the Symphony co-commissioned and premiered in January 2022.
The subscription season opens with Yefim Bronfman performing Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto with Zhang at the podium. The Symphony performs the complete ballet score of Copland’s Appalachian Spring; dancers from Nimbus Dance add original choreography to two of the weekend’s performances. The program opens with a new co-commission from Jessie Montgomery.
Zhang and the Symphony close the season with Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Joshua Bell plays Bruch’s First Violin Concerto on the program, which opens with the world premiere of a new commission from Daniel Bernard Roumain.
Returning Guest Stars
After serving as the Symphony’s artist-in-residence for the 2021–22 season, Daniil Trifonov returns for Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto. Other returning guest stars include Hilary Hahn, who performs Sibelius’ Violin Concerto; Michelle Cann, who performs Strauss’ Burleske for Piano and Orchestra, and George Li, who performs Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
World Premieres, Commissions & Works by Living Composers
To celebrate the centennial and the orchestra’s New Jersey roots, the Symphony has commissioned a new work from leading New Jersey composer and frequent Symphony collaborator Steven Mackey; RIOT incorporates original texts by former US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith. The work will feature the Princeton University Glee Club, mezzo-soprano Alica Olatuja and Mackey playing an obligato electric guitar part.
Other world premieres include commissions from Chen Yi and Darryl Kubian. The new work from Kubian, who is also a New Jersey Symphony violinist, is a triple concerto for horn, trumpet and cello that will feature his Symphony colleagues—Principal Horn Chris Komer, Principal Trumpet Garth Greenup and Assistant Principal Cello Nayoung Baek.
Other living composers featured on the season include Sarah Gibson (warp & weft), Arvo Pärt (Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten), Aaron Jay Kernis (Symphony No. 2) and Dorothy Chang (Northern Star). The orchestra performs Montgomery’s Rounds for Piano and String Orchestra with guest Awadagin Pratt.
Returning Conductors
Beloved past music directors return to New Jersey Symphony stages with signature programs. Neeme Järvi conducts Pärt’s Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten; Still’s Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American,” and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. Jacques Lacombe leads Fauré’s Requiem, Walker’s Lilacs and Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin. Hugh Wolff returns for Kernis’ Second Symphony—a work he premiered with the Symphony in 1992—on a program that also features Ravel’s La valse, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25—with pianist Richard Goode—and Beethoven’s Egmont Overture.
Former Assistant Conductor Gemma New returns for Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Gibson’s warp & weft. Past Interim Music Director George Manahan leads Mozart’s Symphony No. 38, “Prague,” Montgomery’s Rounds for Piano and String Orchestra and Strauss’ Suite from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme.
Classical Highlights
The season highlights the talents of the orchestra’s musicians. In addition to Kubian’s Triple Concerto, the season features Concertmaster Eric Wyrick and Principal Bass Ha Young Jung performing Bottesini’s Gran Duo Concertante.
Zhang conducts Mahler’s Third Symphony—her favorite piece of music—with mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor and Montclair State University Prima Voce. Classical season highlights also include Brahms’ Fourth Symphony, Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with Randall Goosby, Bruckner’s Te Deum and Strauss’ Don Juan and Suite from Der Rosenkavalier.
Continuing a New Jersey Symphony tradition, the orchestra hosts a festive Lunar New Year Celebration in Newark to ring in the Year of the Rabbit. Another tradition returns—Zhang conducts Handel’s Messiah with the Symphony’s longtime choral partners from Montclair State University and a quartet of vocal soloists at Richardson Auditorium in Princeton and the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.
Blockbuster Films
The Symphony performs blockbuster films with Oscar-winning John Williams scores live to picture—Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Jaws. The orchestra also presents a “Best of John Williams” concert featuring iconic themes from the composer’s most legendary film scores.
The Symphony and New Jersey Performing Arts Center cap a multi-season partnership presenting the Harry Potter Film Concert Series with the series finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert.
Cone Composition Institute
The New Jersey Symphony Edward T. Cone Composition Institute—a partnership between the Edward T. Cone Foundation, Princeton University and the Symphony—takes place in July. Four composers will have their work rehearsed by the New Jersey Symphony and guest conductor David Robertson, participate in masterclasses with Institute Director Steven Mackey, receive feedback from Symphony musicians and participate in professional-development sessions with industry leaders. It concludes with a New Jersey Symphony performance of the participants’ works at Richardson Auditorium in Princeton.
Family & Education Programs
The Symphony presents a pair of family programs at the Victoria Theater at NJPAC. “A Joyful Noise!” spotlights celebrated artists from Newark and beyond in a gospel music-inspired holiday concert. “Hooray for Bollywood!” features signature music from the Indian Hindi-language film industry.
The New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra gives qualified middle- and high-school students—especially Black and Latinx youth in the Greater Newark area—unparalleled opportunities to achieve personal and musical excellence. In the 2021–22 season, the program expanded to a hybrid in-person/virtual design, introducing new dimensions to the program, from composition and rhythm courses to an eclectic array of electives. In 2020–21, nearly 200 students collaborated on a yearlong creative composition project—a uniquely engaging opportunity to explore their own musical voices and shape new works drawing from all the genres that inspire them.
Concert Access
The Symphony introduces “Celebrate 100” a new free-ticket community program for residents of Newark, guaranteeing 100 tickets for each of its classical concerts at NJPAC.
The New Jersey Symphony Young Friends free membership program offers special ticket pricing for young adults between the ages of 21 and 40.
Class Pass returns for college students looking for season-long tickets. The $25 membership allows for the member and another student guest to attend most concerts at no additional cost. Additional student ticket opportunities for single concerts will be available.
The Symphony continues to offer reduced admission to its concerts for active military, veterans, first responders and employees of corporate sponsors.
Celebrating New Jersey
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 New Jersey Symphony Everywhere, Symphony musicians perform original chamber music programs at more than 165 community events for nearly 35,000 young people and adults spanning the 21 counties of the state—in addition to programs presented virtually.
Zhang says: “This season highlights the talents within our orchestra and New Jersey. It will be very meaningful to present new works by Daniel Bernard Roumain, Steven Mackey, Jessie Montgomery, Wynton Marsalis, Chen Yi and our own Darryl Kubian—fantastic composers whose works will surely delight our audiences. Over our 100-year history, this orchestra has been shaped by wonderful conductors, and I am so happy to welcome some of my predecessor New Jersey Symphony music directors to the podium during the centennial season. This season is full of works that showcase our incredible Symphony musicians. I am so looking forward to welcoming dancers from Nimbus Dance and New Jersey Ballet and singers from Montclair State University and Princeton University to our stages this season.”
Van Aalst says: “Our centennial programming highlights how we continue to expand our commitment to representing our state in all its diversity. We’re thrilled to be showcasing many exciting collaborations this season, which provides an extra sense of poetry. We’re especially focused on dance, and on interdisciplinary performances that subtly add new dimensions to our performances and demonstrate the ways that classical music intertwines with different aspects of our lives, what it does for us, and how it uplifts us and connects us to the world. I’m thrilled that we will partner with the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival to bring poets to the stage as well.”
Centennial Fund
To help support this momentous season and to create a foundation that advances the Symphony’s commitments to access, diversity and excellence well into its next 100 years, the institution is launching the Centennial Fund. This fund will offer donors the opportunity to increase their giving with a special one-time gift to commemorate this special occasion, as well as support the Symphony’s mission for years to come.
Joshua Bell will serve as the honorary chair of the New Jersey Symphony’s 2022–23 Annual Fund and will also serve as a member of the Symphony’s Centennial Committee.
New Jersey Symphony Board Co-Chair Ann Borowiec says: “This is an incredibly exciting time for the Symphony. The artistic excellence of Xian and our musicians is at an all-time level and we are making meaningful inroads to secure our future, attracting new audiences and continuing to advance our efforts around diversity equity and inclusion. The Centennial Fund is the perfect complement to our Annual Fund to generate the resources needed to meet our mission goals and propel us long into the future.”
The world premiere by Steven Mackey is sponsored by Linda K. and William T. Walker.
Tickets
Classical subscriptions are now on sale for the 2022–23 season. Full information on ticket packages for each series and venue is available at njsymphony.org/subscribe. Subscriptions are available for purchase online or by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476). Single tickets will go on sale in August.
Centennial Season Highlights
- Centennial Gala & Concert with Yo-Yo Ma: Ma performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto under the baton of Music Director Xian Zhang. Dancers from New Jersey Ballet join the orchestra for Ginastera’s Four Dances from Estancia. Wynton Marsalis’ Herald, Holler and Hallelujah—a New Jersey Symphony commission—opens the celebratory program. (November 12.)
- Premieres & Commissions: Zhang conducts world premieres of New Jersey Symphony commissions from Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain (June 9–11), Steven Mackey (RIOT, April 21–23), Chen Yi (June 1–4) and Darryl Kubian (Triple Concerto, March 16–19). She leads performances of co-commissions by Jessie Montgomery (October 7–9) and Wynton Marsalis (Herald, Holler and Hallelujah; November 12).
- Opening Weekend with Yefim Bronfman: Bronfman performs Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto with Zhang at the podium. The Symphony performs the complete ballet score of Copland’s Appalachian Spring; dancers from Nimbus Dance add original choreography to two of the weekend’s performances. The program opens with a new co-commission from Jessie Montgomery. (October 7–9.)
- Season Finale with Joshua Bell: Bell joins Zhang and the Symphony for Bruch’s First Violin Concerto. Zhang leads Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and the world premiere of a new work by Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain. (June 9–11.)
- Contemporary voices: Alongside the commissions from Daniel Bernard Roumain, Steven Mackey, Chen Yi) and Darryl Kubian and co-commissions by Jessie Montgomery and Wynton Marsalis, the season features music by living composers including Montgomery (Rounds for Piano and String Orchestra, November 17–20), Dorothy Chang (Northern Star, October 20–23), Aaron Jay Kernis (Symphony No. 2, December 2–4), Arvo Pärt (Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten, March 25–26) and Sarah Gibson (warp & weft, April 27–30). Through the New Jersey Symphony Edward T. Cone Composition Institute, the orchestra premieres the work of four emerging composers under the baton of David Robertson (July 23, 2022).
- Returning Symphony conductors: Former Music Directors Neeme Järvi (March 25–26), Jacques Lacombe (March 30–April 2) and Hugh Wolff (December 2–4) return to New Jersey Symphony stages, as do former Assistant Conductor Gemma New (April 27–30) and former Interim Music Director George Manahan (November 17–20).
- World-class soloists: The season features performances by guest artists including Joshua Bell (Bruch’s First Violin Concerto, June 9–11), Yefim Bronfman (Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, October 7–9), Michelle Cann (Strauss’ Burleske for Piano and Orchestra, October 20–23), Richard Goode (Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25, Dec 2–4), Randall Goosby (Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, June 1–4), Hilary Hahn (Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, January 28–29), Yo-Yo Ma (Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, November 12) and Daniil Trifonov (Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto, January 6–8).
- Collaborations: Choirs from longtime choral partner Montclair State University join the orchestra for Mahler’s Third Symphony (March 3–5), Fauré’s Requiem (March 30–April 2) and Handel’s Messiah (December 16–18). The Princeton University Glee Club performs Steven Mackey’s RIOT and Bruckner’s Te Deum with the orchestra (April 21–23). The Symphony welcomes dancers from Nimbus Dance for performances of Copland’s Appalachian Spring (October 7 & 9) and dancers from New Jersey Ballet for Ginastera’s Four Dances from Estancia (November 12). The Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival shares dynamic contemporary poets offering dramatic readings between orchestral works by Dorothy Chang, Strauss and Brahms (October 20 & 23).
- Iconic films live to picture: The Symphony performs Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (May 18–21), Jaws (October 28–30) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert (February 4). NJPAC co-presents the February 4 performance; State Theatre New Jersey co-presents the May 21 performance.
- Cultural celebrations & family concerts: The Symphony celebrates diverse traditions in family-friendly programs including the orchestra’s signature Lunar New Year Celebration (January 21). Family programs include a gospel music-inspired holiday extravaganza (December 3) and Bollywood celebration (May 13).
- 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 New Jersey Symphony will redefine what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. Through adventurous performances, hands-on educational experiences, and robust community programming, we encourage everyone to enjoy the power and creativity of orchestral music in all its forms. Across genres and venues, for audiences of all walks of life, we strive to bring music that’s meaningful to you, to you.
As we look toward celebrating our centennial, 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.
Our expansive educational offerings—including our youth orchestra, masterclasses and virtual learning opportunities—will build the next generation of listeners and musicians and help students grow, both musically and personally. And we will continue to seek new ways to connect with all New Jerseyans, through programs that resonate with a variety of cultural and musical backgrounds, as well as digital innovations that make our orchestra accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
We’re your New Jersey Symphony, and we’ll be here for you.
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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.
Press Contact
Victoria McCabe, New Jersey Symphony Director of Public Relations & Communications | 973.735.1715 | vmccabe@njsymphony.org
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