Opening Weekend: Holst’s The Planets in HD
2019–20 Season
XIAN ZHANG conductor
Women of NEWARK VOICES
Heather J. Buchanan, conductor
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ELGAR Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
At the dawn of the 20th century, Elgar summed up the pride and power of the English with this march; its later use as a graduation theme made him a household name far beyond Britain.
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SARAH KIRKLAND SNIDER Hiraeth (with film by Mark DeChiazza) (NJSO Premiere)
The New Jersey-based composer was inspired by the Welsh word for nostalgia for this innovative work, touching music commissioned alongside an equally moving film.
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HOLST The Planets—An HD Odyssey (with film)
The myths and astrological meanings of our heavenly neighbors moved Holst to create his masterpiece. The work gathers a new depth accompanied by jaw-dropping NASA visuals. Produced by Duncan Copp.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ in Concert
2019–20 Season
Watch Harry become a wiz at potions, win Felix Felicis and uncover the meaning of Horcruxes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ in Concert! Relive the magic of Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts™ on the big screen in high definition as the NJSO performs Nicholas Hooper’s unforgettable score live.
Grieg’s Piano Concerto
MARKUS STENZ conductor
JUHO POHJONEN piano
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REBEL “Chaos” from Les élémens (NJSO Premiere)
Louis XIV’s favorite composer, Rebel stunned the king in the 1730s with this depiction of creation that incorporated harmonies 200 years ahead of their time.
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GRIEG Piano Concerto
Iconic opening chords herald an eternal favorite. Grieg poured the exquisite beauty of Norwegian fjords and folksongs into his only concerto.
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BRAHMS Symphony No. 2
Brahms’ symphonies are cherished for their expression of a profound depth of human feeling. His Second radiates warmth and joy, with soaring strings, singable melodies and a thrilling finale of blazing brass.
Handel’s Messiah
2019–20 Season
RODERICK COX conductor
AMANDA WOODBURY soprano
J’NAI BRIDGES mezzo-soprano
FREDERICK BALLENTINE tenor
DOUGLAS WILLIAMS bass-baritone
MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY SINGERS | Heather J. Buchanan, conductor
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HANDEL Messiah
The opening aria begins with, “Comfort ye …” In the rush of the holiday season, set aside time for glorious music that touches the soul.
Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto
2019–20 Season
XIAN ZHANG conductor
GEORGE LI piano
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ANNA CLYNE Within Her Arms (NJSO Premiere)
A defining work in this Brooklyn-based composer’s career. Written for strings alone, this tender piece is the song of loss and memory for her mother.
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RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 3
Rachmaninoff wrote this concerto to showcase his exceptional talent and blindingly fast technique. It starts with a deceptively simple melody that every beginner can play, but it quickly becomes the Everest of all piano concertos—one that few soloists attempt to conquer.
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DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 8
Dvořák’s Eighth poured out of him while he was surrounded by the cherished Bohemian countryside that was his inspiration. Close your eyes and you’ll see the colors of autumn, awash in sunlight.
Join us for Opening Night!
An evening to recognize friends for their significant contributions towards our shared goal—bringing live symphonic music to diverse communities throughout New Jersey.
Announcing A New Fellowship
2019–20 NJSO Colton Fellowship
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra announces its NJSO Colton Fellowship designed to support musicians from underrepresented communities. This initiative continues the NJSO’s commitment to being a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion in the orchestra field.
Hear the NJSO at NJPAC
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra brings world-class music to Newark. Experience the NJSO at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)!