The New Jersey Symphony ends Xian Zhang’s 10th season as Music Director on a high
Music Director Xian Zhang concluded her 10th season at the New Jersey Symphony with four consecutive performances of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 featuring Emanuel Ax, in a program that also included the world premiere of Resident Artistic Partner Allison Loggins-Hull’s Doublespeak, conducted by Gregory D. McDaniel in his final appearance as the Symphony’s Colton Conducting Fellow. James C. Taylor of NJ Advance Media reviewed the final classical performance of the season at NJPAC.
Ax was in fine form; the esteemed pianist producing clean, articulate notes and firm, resounding phrasing. But it was how Zhang responded to Ax’s assurance with a reading of Mozart’s score that was both lively, beautiful and atmospheric. Ax and Zhang played this same piece seven years ago, and it bounced with energy then. As before, heads were bobbing and toes were tapping in the audience this time around too, but the sound was richer, had more texture. This rendition of Mozart was one of the best New Jersey Symphony has performed of late, and proof of Zhang’s longstanding efforts here.
James C. Taylor of NJ Advance Media
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Nancy Plum of Town Topics reviewed the performance in Princeton.
Both conductor and soloist took a courtly tempo with the playful opening theme of the final movement. Dramatic when the full orchestra was together, the music was pure Mozart charm, with shades of a Viennese hunt portrayed by precise horns. Passages scored for piano, string quartet and a pair of horns were performed delicately, with graceful wind solos from flutist Bart Feller, oboist Robert Ingliss, clarinetist Juan Esteban Martinez, and bassoonist Robert Wagner.
Nancy Plum of Town Topics
» Read the full review from Town Topics
Courtney Smith of NJArts.net also reviewed the NJPAC performance, complimenting the pieces that were performed in the program.
The wide range of music in these pieces, which were conducted by music director Xian Zhang, revealed contrasts and connections across the eras, and made for a memorable ending of the Symphony’s 103rd season, which celebrated a decade of music-making under Zhang.
Courtney Smith of NJArts.net