Xian Zhang and the New Jersey Symphony reach big heights with their performance of Holst’s The Planets—An HD Odyssey
The New Jersey Symphony took their audience on an intergalactic adventure, performing Holst’s The Planets—An HD Odyssey with images of each of Earth’s fellow planets from NASA and vocals from the Montclair State University Prima Voce in a program that also included Caroline Shaw’s The Observatory and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending featuring guest violinist Nancy Zhou. Courtney Smith of NJArts.net reviewed the performance.
Dreamy, tranquil melodies by principal horn Chris Komer and associate concertmaster Brennan Sweet played up the warm lullabies of the “Venus” movement alongside two harps and the celestial harmonies of the celesta. Melting strings of the second violins ended the movement quietly, with a sense of loss that contrasted nicely against the playful “Mercury” scherzo. Principal percussionist David Fein captured Mercury’s swift spirit through nimble, skipping passages on the bells.
Courtney Smith of NJArts.net