Opening Night Celebration
Dinner Prelude, Concert and After-Party
Join us for the start of the New Jersey Symphony’s enthralling 2023–24 season in an event that will celebrate the pathbreaking art of Black composers past and present. Guests will enjoy a dinner prelude, concert with Robert Spano and Aaron Diehl and a fun after-party.
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.
Schumann’s Cello Concerto
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Joseph Young conductor
Sterling Elliott cello
New Jersey Symphony
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Jessie Montgomery Snapshots (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, Snapshots.
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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.
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!
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.
New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker with New Jersey Symphony
52nd Anniversary - Presented by New Jersey Ballet
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Ballet
New Jersey Symphony
The 52nd annual rendition of a seasonal favorite that enchants youngsters and grown-ups alike, including splendid dancing, live orchestra, eye-popping special effects and a touch of holiday magic.
Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker
Based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman
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.”
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 American Dream
New Jersey Symphony Classical
Xian Zhang conductor
Rob Kapilow conductor (Jan 20 & 21 only)
JCC Young People’s Chorus @ Thurnauer | Emma Brondolo, artistic director (Jan 20 & 21 only)
Young People’s Chorus of New York City® | Francisco J. Núñez, artistic director and founder (Jan 20 & 21 only)
Ember Choral Arts | Deborah Simpkin King, artistic director (Jan 20 & 21 only)
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) (Jan 20 & 21 only)
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. The concert on January 18 does not include Rob Kapilow and his piece We Came to America.
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Bernstein Three Dance 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!”
2024 Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebration of the Year of the Dragon
Yue Bao conductor
Tony Siqi Yun piano
New Jersey Symphony
The Symphony’s 2024 Lunar New Year celebration continues our tradition, first developed by Music Director Xian Zhang, of blending music from East and West in a celebration of cultural collaboration. This year under the baton of conductor Yue Bao, the Symphony will perform selections from Huang Ruo’s Folk Songs for Orchestra and Zhou Tian’s Gift, plus tried-and-true favorites like Spring Festival Overture. Rising star Tony Siqi Yun joins at the piano to perform selections from the Yellow River Concerto and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G. You won’t want to miss this celebration to ring in the Year of the Dragon!
Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin
New Jersey Symphony Special Concert - Symphony Celebration
Lucas Waldin conductor
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.
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.
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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Kodály Dances of Galánta
Kodály’s love for his native Hungary is evident in this sparkling and tuneful dance suite, inspired by the folk songs he heard in the small market town where he spent part of his childhood.
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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.
Batman in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
New Jersey Symphony
We’re sending out a Bat Signal… you’re invited to Batman in Concert. Watch Tim Burton’s 1989 film (PG-13) on the big screen as the New Jersey Symphony performs Danny Elfman’s iconic score, live.
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.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
New Jersey Symphony at the Movies
Nicholas Hersh conductor
New Jersey Symphony
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.
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 ATLAS (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.
Discover
Beethoven’s Eroica
New Jersey Symphony Family Concert: A Music Discovery Zone
Markus Stenz conductor
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!
Epic Scores of John Williams and More!
New Jersey Symphony Special Concert - Symphony Celebration
Xian Zhang conductor
New Jersey Symphony
Celebrate epic film scores with your New Jersey Symphony, from unforgettable themes composed by John Williams, to the golden age of cinema, to famous classical music moments in movies. Enjoy familiar favorites from Harry Potter and Star Wars alongside monumental musical moments from Apocalypse Now and Cast Away, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this love letter to film music!
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.