Xian Zhang and the New Jersey Symphony deliver two explosive performances of Carmina Burana
Music Director Xian Zhang and the New Jersey Symphony came together to deliver two incredible performances of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana at NJPAC on Friday, March 1 & Sunday, March 3, with vocal accompaniment by Jana McIntyre, Andrew Morstein, Hugh Russell and the Montclair State University Chorale. James C. Taylor of NJ Advance Media reviewed the Friday performance.
... under the baton of Zhang, “Carmina Burana” felt like classical music as bloodsport. She simply tore into the score, going for full sonic effect and impact. Her soloists also joined in. Jana McIntyre let her powerful soprano wail and baritone Hugh Russell sang his part as if he was the nastiest Verdi villain ever written. It wasn’t subtle, but it was fast, furious and fun.
James C. Taylor of NJ Advance Media
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Courtney Smith of NJArts.net would review the second performance of the weekend on Sunday.
Central to the work’s narrative is the mixed-voice choir, sung here by the MSU chorale under the direction of Heather J. Buchanan. They sang flexibly and mastered clear contrasts between moods and voices from a staccatissimo “In taberna quando sumus” to a meltingly legato “Ecce gratum” ... Zhang tapped the vibrant, complex pulse at the heart of the piece and took it to the next level, leading the musicians sure-handedly, with an impeccable sense of ensemble ... Zhang’s architecture was more cohesive and symphonic than episodic, and shaped with sensitivity, cunning and vigor. Melodic richness was at a high level and dynamics were full.
Courtney Smith of NJArts.net
» Read the full review from NJArts.net
Jersey Shore Style also reviewed the Sunday performance at NJPAC.
... audience members were swept away as the rapturous sounds of the New Jersey Symphony, paired with the melodic tones and harmonies of the Montclair State University Chorale, made it an evening of splendor ... At the performance, concert-goers were treated to the captivating duo of baritone Hugh Russell and soprano Jana McIntyre as the two exchanged dialog. Average Joes like us may have had no idea what they were saying, but we somehow understood what the characters were thinking and what the lovers were wanting.
Jersey Shore Style