Season Events
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Ellington & Dvořák: New Worlds
Opening Weekend! New Jersey Symphony Classical
Robert Spano conductor
Aaron Diehl piano
Aaron Diehl Trio
New Jersey Symphony
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Valerie Coleman Umoja
Coleman starts the season with a whisper, then a gorgeous melody rises evoking the power and sweetness of Umoja, the Swahili word for unity. The whole orchestra takes it up and you’re on the edge of your seat with this joyous, full-throated cry for community.
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Still Out of the Silence
A wedding present for his bride, Still’s Out of the Silence, brought out of silence by Aaron Diehl and the New Jersey Symphony, is a gentle and ethereal little hymn written in the depths of the Great Depression. Still’s wife said of it: “Only in meditation does one discover beauties remote from the problems of Earth.”
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Ellington New World A-Comin’
Ellington created this lush musical portrait of a “new world where there would be no war, no greed—where love was unconditional.” What better way to start the season than with the Aaron Diehl Trio and the genius of jazz, Sir Duke!
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Dvořák Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”
A Czech visitor to America, Dvořák sought out and loved the songs of Indigenous and Black people. Blending their inspiration with his imagination, he created one of the most beloved concert works of all time.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
Schumann’s Cello Concerto
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joseph Young conductor
Sterling Elliott cello
New Jersey Symphony
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Jessie Montgomery New Work (New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
The BBC called Jessie Montgomery “one of the most distinctive and communicative voices in the U.S.,” and the New Jersey Symphony gives the East Coast debut of her new work.
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R. Schumann Cello Concerto
Heart-on-sleeve music, one gorgeous melody after another soaring from Sterling Elliott’s cello. The New Jersey Symphony backs him up with Schumann’s richest Romantic harmonies.
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Elgar Enigma Variations
Edward Elgar loved to spend his evenings bashing away at his upright piano, chomping on a cigar, making up tunes. This is how he created a kaleidoscopic set of variations on a mysterious melody—all of which made him a household name across the land.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and Red Bank
Jurassic Park in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Symphony
This action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making.
Welcome … to Jurassic Park!
Performed in Red Bank, Newark and New Brunswick
Ruth Reinhardt Conducts Bartók & Mendelssohn
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Ruth Reinhardt conductor
Time For Three
Ranaan Meyer double bass | Nick Kendall violin | Charles Yang violin
New Jersey Symphony
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Mendelssohn The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave)
Breathing deep the bracing Atlantic salt air for the first time, 20-year-old Mendelssohn fell in love with the moody islands off Scotland’s west coast. He painted them in music, full of sweeping melodies, quick-shifting swells and dramatic energy.
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Kevin Puts Contact
Time for Three call themselves “a classically trained garage band” and they wow audiences with limitless virtuosity across every kind of music. They join the New Jersey Symphony for this joyous, Grammy Award-winning masterpiece by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kevin Puts.
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Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
Written on what many thought was his deathbed, Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra gave the composer new life. Every section of the orchestra gets the spotlight to dazzling effect, and the Concerto’s last moments are some of the most thrilling in all classical music.
Performed in Newark and Morristown
Joshua Bell Leads the New Jersey Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joshua Bell conductor and violin
New Jersey Symphony
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Mendelssohn Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream
When needing an example of “genius,” look no further than this astounding product of a 17-year-old boy. Here are the lovers, the silliness and the quicksilver humor of Shakespeare’s comedy delivered in a dozen minutes of utter brilliance.
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Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
The violin leads the drama from the first bar of Mendelssohn’s masterpiece, but here too are moments of hold-your-breath beauty. These shimmer like moonlight on water when played by Joshua Bell, one of the world’s finest violinists.
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Beethoven Symphony No. 4
He could stir up musical storm clouds like a god, but Beethoven also could part them to let the most brilliant sunlight warm the soul. The Fourth is the composer at his sunniest, and Joshua Bell, violin still in hand, leads the New Jersey Symphony from the concertmaster’s seat.
Performed in Newark and New Brunswick
A Gospel Holiday
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert: Fun for All Ages
New Jersey Symphony Gospel Chorus
New Jersey Symphony
Spotlighting celebrated artists from Newark and beyond, the New Jersey Symphony lauds the power of the first instrument—the human voice—with a gospel music-inspired holiday extravaganza. Come ready to sing, dance and clap along!
Performed in Newark
Handel’s Messiah
New Jersey Symphony Holiday Tradition
Nicholas McGegan conductor
Sherezade Panthaki soprano
Key’mon W. Murrah countertenor
Thomas Cooley tenor
Tyler Duncan baritone
Montclair State University Singers | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
Join us as the Symphony performs this great holiday tradition! Nicholas McGegan will conduct Handel’s incomparable classic Messiah. Joining McGegan and the musicians will be the talented singers of Montclair State University, who will delight audiences as they sing the glorious “Hallelujah Chorus.”
Performed in Princeton and Newark
Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with Augustin Hadelich
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Augustin Hadelich violin
New Jersey Symphony
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Daniel Bernard Roumain i am a white person who __ Black people
This provocative piece for strings and percussion opens the concert with the feeling of a tender hymn, then it quickens with an edgy energy. Another vital contribution by our Resident Artistic Catalyst.
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Beethoven Violin Concerto
When Augustin Hadelich performs, time stands still. It is his own brand of magic, how he makes a classic like Beethoven’s serenely beautiful Violin Concerto sound as if it was written yesterday, just for him.
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Mussorgsky/Ravel Pictures at an Exhibition
Mussorgsky poured out his feeling at the loss of a brilliant artist-friend in pieces originally meant for piano, and Ravel transferred these to an epic orchestral canvas using every imaginable color. The Newark Museum of Art will curate the artwork projected during the Pictures at an Exhibition performances in Red Bank and Newark.
Performed in Princeton, Red Bank and Newark
The American Dream
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Rob Kapilow conductor
JCC Young People’s Chorus @ Thurnauer
Young People’s Chorus of New York City®
New Jersey Symphony
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Still Darker America
Still wrote this in the 1920s to depict the struggles of his fellow African Americans, ultimately aiming to show “the triumph of a people over their sorrows through fervent prayer.” Tenderness and toughness mark this moving testament to resilience.
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Rob Kapilow We Came to America (World Premiere, Commissioned by the Thurnauer School of Music at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades)
In this nation of immigrants, we all have our stories. Inspired by in-depth source research, interviews with generations of immigrants, and melodies from many countries, composer Rob Kapilow has crafted an instant classic of compelling music for chorus and orchestra.
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Bernstein Three Dances Episodes from On the Town
The musical that gave the world “New York, New York,” On the Town was a hit from its wartime premiere. The story of three sailors on leave in Manhattan is filled with Bernstein’s signature restless energy, and made huge waves of its own in the 1940s with a racially diverse cast.
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Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
The tragedy of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet set on Manhattan’s fire escapes and sidewalks. These Symphonic Dances from West Side Story are a fountain of songs you love, from “Tonight” to “Maria” and the manic shout of “Mambo!”
Performed in Newark and Morristown
2024 Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebration of the Year of the Dragon
Yue Bao conductor
Tony Siqi Yun piano
New Jersey Symphony
Join us for this evening of community and cultural exchange that is wonderful for families and children as we celebrate the Year of the Dragon.
Music Director Xian Zhang ignited the first Lunar New Year Celebration six years ago, and this festive tradition continues with conductor Yue Bao and pianist Tony Siqi Yun.
Performed in Newark
Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
New Jersey Symphony Special Concert
Capathia Jenkins vocalist
Ryan Shaw vocalist
New Jersey Symphony
A tribute to the Queen of Soul, this program features symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy Award-nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as "Respect," "Think," "A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "Amazing Grace," and many others.
Performed in Red Bank, Newark and New Brunswick
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Robert Ingliss oboe
Eric Wyrick violin
New Jersey Symphony
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Reena Esmail RE|Member
Reena Esmail’s wildly colorful overture RE|Member came to life during the pandemic. What a joy, as it celebrates the regathering of musicians and has a fun bit of stage wizardry for oboe.
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R. Strauss Oboe Concerto
In the days right after World War II, with his beloved German homeland in rubble, many thought Richard Strauss’ composing pen had dried up. What a surprise when he created this gorgeous masterpiece for oboe, played here by our magnificent principal Robert Ingliss.
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Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Every mood and movement of the seasons is here, from sticky summer heat to slip-slidin’ on winter’s ice. Concertmaster Eric Wyrick’s virtuoso violin shines throughout.
Performed in Newark, Red Bank and New Brunswick
Xian Conducts
Carmina Burana
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Andrew Adelson oboe d’amore
Jana McIntyre soprano
Barry Banks tenor
Hugh Russell baritone
Montclair State University Chorale | Heather J. Buchanan, director
New Jersey Symphony
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Augusta Read Thomas Selections from Jubilee
The New Yorker called this 2010 orchestral suite “joyous and electric.” Thomas’ concert-opener is perfectly titled and a superb way to help you shake off late winter.
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J.S. Bach Oboe d'Amore Concerto
Your first time to hear the oboe d’amore? This duskier cousin of the modern oboe has a soulful, sweet sound that Bach adored and placed at the center of this piece of reverence and reflection.
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Orff Carmina Burana
Medieval monks had more on their minds than scripture–women, beer and the ever-turning wheel of fate most prominent. Orff set their words to dramatically colorful music in his iconic Carmina Burana.
Performed in Newark
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Tom Borrow piano
New Jersey Symphony
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David Ludwig NightVision
The New Jersey Symphony premiered this fantastic music in 2000, catching Ludwig at the launch of a career that now finds him Dean of Juilliard. Hear again, or for the first time, the promise of a young artist in full command of a virtuoso orchestra.
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Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24
You can say you heard him when, because young pianist Tom Borrow has been named “the very definition of ‘one to watch’” (International Piano). He brings his jaw-dropping technique and poet’s soul to Mozart’s most dramatic concerto.
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Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
Brass choruses will make the hall ring in this most beloved of Tchaikovsky’s six symphonies. The composer wrestled with fate in his Fifth, and filled it from start to finish with musical electricity and hope.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and Morristown
Gil Shaham and Xian Zhang
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Gil Shaham violin
New Jersey Symphony
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Mozart Serenade No. 11
A little suite for winds meant as background music to a Viennese party. Mozart never did anything halfway, though, and this Serenade is a jewel box holding his most touching melodies.
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Chevalier de Saint-Georges Violin Concerto No. 9
Finally getting its due, this French-Creole composer’s violin writing is a high-water mark of 18th-century grace. And there is no more graceful violinist to make these lines sing than the soulful Gil Shaham.
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J.S. Bach Violin Concerto No. 1
Every bar bristles with brilliance, leaps of melody and delicious new harmonies. Bach wrote hundreds of pieces, but none more beautiful than this, seemingly tailor-fit for the gifts of our guest Gil Shaham.
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Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik
In the century before recorded sound, Mozart made dinner music like this. But every minute of this serenade for strings is so full of unbridled joy—no wonder it is his greatest hit.
Performed in Newark and Red Bank
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
New Jersey Symphony
Coming to New Jersey from a galaxy far, far away—experience Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like never before as your New Jersey Symphony performs John Williams’ Oscar-winning score live to the entire film. “You must feel the Force around you...”
Performed in Morristown, Red Bank, New Brunswick and Newark
Jennifer Koh and Jun Märkl Return!
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Jun Märkl conductor
Jennifer Koh violin
New Jersey Symphony
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Liszt Prometheus
Liszt was a fire-breather of a composer, perhaps inspired by the Greek god himself who gave humans fire. His Prometheus lets the orchestra tell the riveting ancient story of theft, punishment, and triumph.
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Tyshawn Sorey For Marcos Balter (New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Newark’s own Tyshawn Sorey has a dozen surprises up his sleeve in his new work, especially as he makes superstar soloist Jennifer Koh “disappear” into the orchestra. The effect is singularly haunting and beautiful.
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Brahms/Schoenberg Piano Quartet No. 1 (Orchestrated)
The composer of four magnificent symphonies, Brahms also wrote reams of gorgeous chamber pieces. His Piano Quartet is arranged so vividly for orchestra that it could be Brahms' Fifth.
Performed in Newark and Morristown
Jeremy Denk, Anna Clyne, Beethoven’s “Eroica”
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Markus Stenz conductor
Jeremy Denk piano
New Jersey Symphony
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Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture
Berlioz exploded every idea of what an orchestra could do and be, and his Roman Carnival Overture was his calling card. It shows the New Jersey Symphony in all its full-throated glory.
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Anna Clyne Piano Concerto (New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)
Having written for every top-flight orchestra in America, Anna Clyne’s latest is for us and with the extraordinary Jeremy Denk as soloist. Find out why The New York Times chose Anna Clyne for their feature “Five Minutes that Will Make You Love Classical Music.”
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Beethoven Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”
Fifty minutes that made Beethoven’s name. His Third was so bold and unconventional, that it still sounds new 200-plus years after its premiere.
Performed in Princeton and Newark
Discover Beethoven’s Eroica
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert: A Music Discovery Zone
New Jersey Symphony
Discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. We’ll take a deep dive into Beethoven’s “Eroica”–his breakout Third Symphony that broke all the rules and forged a new future for the symphonic form. Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s masterful way of putting young audiences at the center of music-making, this interactive concert will feature inside tips, listening cues and fun facts that make for the perfect Saturday afternoon family outing!
Performed in Newark
Montero Performs Montero plus Bizet’s Carmen
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Gabriela Montero piano
New Jersey Symphony
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Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4
Blend Brazilian soul with Bach’s inspiration and you have this gorgeous 15-minute mini-symphony, Villa-Lobos’ joyous homage to his beautiful South American home.
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Gabriela Montero Piano Concerto No. 1, “Latin”
Famed for her one-of-a-kind technique and stunning jazzy improvisations as encores, Montero puts it all together in her First Concerto, filled with Venezuelan heart and get-on-your-feet dance.
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Bizet Selections from Carmen
A Frenchman obsessed with Spain, Bizet brought the smoldering Spanish anti-heroine Carmen to life for the stage and the opera world was never the same. One instantly recognizable tune follows another in this brilliant orchestral suite crafted from the opera.
Performed in Newark, Princeton and New Brunswick
Daniil Trifonov Plays Gershwin
Season Finale! New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Daniil Trifonov piano
New Jersey Symphony
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Daniel Bernard Roumain New Work (World Premiere, New Jersey Symphony Commission)
The New Jersey Symphony premieres an all-new commission from Resident Artistic Catalyst Daniel Bernard Roumain. A master storyteller, DBR will continue to wow New Jersey audiences with his genre-bending music.
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Gershwin/arr. Bennett Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture
Gershwin’s landmark opera spun off so many great tunes – “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So” and a dozen others will have you singing your way into summer.
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Gershwin Concerto in F
Proving he was way more than a one-hit wonder after his Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin poured the energy of Manhattan on a Saturday night into this sparkler for piano and orchestra. Superstar Daniil Trifonov wraps up our season with a bang.