Press preview NJSO’s season opener
Broadway World previews the NJSO’s season-opening concerts with saxophonist Branford Marsalis under the baton of Music Director Jacques Lacombe:
Lacombe says: "I had a great collaboration with Branford Marsalis at the Cincinnati Symphony a few seasons ago, and we've been wanting to work together again, so we built this program on his repertoire. Milhaud's Scaramouche for alto saxophone is a piece I have a special relationship with, going back to my early career in Trois-Rivières; I've played the version for saxophone and piano a lot, but this is the first time I will be conducting the orchestral version. For my finale season with the NJSO, French music has a more significant presence, starting with the opening program and closing program as well. "
The New York Times has hailed Marsalis' classical appearances, writing of a 2011 engagement with the New York Philharmonic, praising the "gracious poise and supple tone" and "insouciant swagger" he brought to the classical works on the program.
Of the NJSO’s Opening Night honoree, luminary opera singer Marilyn Horne, Broadway World writes:
Opera News once wrote that "Marilyn Horne -- whose face and song have been in the light -- in so many places, in so many styles, through so many media, for so many years -- may be the most influential singer in American history."
NJSO Board Co-Chairs Ruth C. Lipper and Stephen Sichak Jr. say the Orchestra is proud to celebrate her influence on the NJSO, the arts and beyond: "It is our distinct honor to present Marilyn Horne with the NJSO-Victor Parsonnet, M.D., Leadership Award and recognize her exceptional professional accomplishments and her dedication to the arts to enliven, expand and better the condition of humankind. Her connection to our Orchestra goes back more than 40 years, and she has left an indelible mark on the NJSO and our concertgoers who heard her thrilling and moving performances for decades."