Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
2019–20 Pops Season
In the spectacular climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet. Watch the complete film unfold as the NJSO performs John Williams’ legendary score live.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
2019–20 Pops Season
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 NJSO performing John Williams’ thrilling score live.
Classical Mystery Tour: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
2019–20 Pops Season
Beatlemania is back! Relive one of the most iconic albums in rock history as Classical Mystery Tour performs Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band with the NJSO. Hear classic songs from “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” to “When I'm Sixty-Four” to “A Day in the Life”—plus more of the greatest hits from The Beatles’ entire catalogue.
CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR
MARTIN HERMAN conductor
Lunar New Year Celebration
Festival & Concert
Celebrate the Year of the Rat with us! Join Music Director Xian Zhang and the NJSO for a joyful Lunar New Year concert blending Eastern and Western musical traditions—an unmissable celebration of community and cultural exchange. The evening begins with a pre-concert festival of entertainment and activities in the Prudential Hall lobby.
Beethoven’s Piano Concertos 1 & 5
2019–20 Season—Beethoven’s Birthday Bash
XIAN ZHANG conductor
LOUIS LORTIE piano
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BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 1
Beethoven was considered a great pianist in his time, and this early showcase for his own talent holds an affectionate nod to his hero, Haydn.
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BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”
Full of Beethoven’s most beautiful melodies and powerful rhythms, his final piano concerto more than earns its regal title.
Beethoven’s Piano Concertos 2, 3 & 4
2019–20 Season—Beethoven’s Birthday Bash
XIAN ZHANG conductor
LOUIS LORTIE piano
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BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 2
When Beethoven moved from his small-town home to the big city of Vienna, he used this music to impress the Viennese with his once-in-a-lifetime virtuosity at the piano.
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BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3
You know Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. His Third Piano Concerto has the same drama and impact, and it is a thrill to witness as it unfolds through a great pianist’s hands.
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BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4
The opening is Beethoven magic: a hushed piano solo brings you to the edge of your seat for what becomes his most joyous concerto.
NJSO in the spotlight
2020 Winter Festival
Music Director Xian Zhang’s love of music from opera and ballet inspires three weeks of epic works from the stage!
Hear Handel’s Messiah on WQXR
Listen to a recorded broadcast from this concert at the Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.