NJ.com: ‘vibrant and relevant’ music at NJSO opener
NJ Advance Media praised the NJSO’s opening-weekend performances of works by Beethoven, Whitley and Walker.
NJ.COM Credit Zhang, who is now starting her third year leading the NJSO, with smart programing. There was no way for her to know when this concert was planned months ago how topical it would be this weekend to hear women's voices; and Zhang, in her brief remarks from the podium, only spoke of their recently departed colleague. She let the music of Whitley, Beethoven and Walker -- and even Francis Scott Key, as the concert opened with the "Star Spangled Banner" -- speak for itself. Under her baton, Zhang made both lasting music, from the "Ode to Joy" to the national anthem, as well as Whitley's new piece, sound vibrant and relevant right now.