Times of Trenton previews NJSO’s ‘big plans’ for 2013–14
The Times of Trenton explores the state’s “vibrant orchestral scene” and writes that the NJSO has “big plans for the season.”
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will commence its season with an unusual performance of Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony — with African American spirituals sung between movements by the Afro Blue vocal ensemble. Geri Allen will appear at the piano in the world premiere of her own “Stones & Streams,” an NJSO commission. In addition, music director Jacques Lacombe will conduct two works by Duke Ellington (Sept. 27).
Another notable premiere this season will be that of an as-yet-untitled work by Lowell Liebermann (Nov. 29-Dec. 1). There will also be first U.S. performances of Andre Previn’s Cello Concerto (Jan. 9-12) and Tan Dun’s “Earth Concerto” (Jan. 17-19).
The orchestra will continue its multi-year “Winter Festival” series devoted to the four elements — earth, air, fire and water — with this year’s concerts focusing on earth, including Mahler’s “Das Lied von der Erde” (Jan. 17-19) and Richard Strauss’ “An Alpine Symphony” (Jan. 24-26).
Edward T. Cone’s “Cadenzas for Oboe and Violin” (Jan. 9-12) will be revived as part of the NJSO’s “Jersey Roots Project,” an ongoing series devoted to music by composers with New Jersey connections. The Allen and Liebermann commissions stem from the same initiative.
Of course, there will be ample servings of standard repertoire. Lacombe will lead the orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 (Oct. 24-27), Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra (Nov. 29-Dec. 1), Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 (Jan. 9-12), the Verdi Requiem (April 3-6), Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 (May 1-4), and more.
Read the full preview at www.nj.com.