Two Beethoven masterworks performed by the New Jersey Symphony this spring
NEWARK, NJ—Ludwig van Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony and his equally popular Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral” will have six performances between February 26 and March 29, 2026. Beethoven composed these symphonies in tandem, and both premiered at the same concert in 1808. An enduring example of the composer’s ingenuity and range of musical styles: the Fifth is legendary for its drama, while the Sixth presents a softer side of his music, an ode to life in the countryside.
Markus Stenz returns to take the podium for Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony paired with Richard Wagner’s Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin. Audiences will also hear Kevin Puts’ GRAMMY Award-winning concerto, Contact, composed for the genre-defying string trio, Time For Three.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 will take place on Thursday, February 26, at 7 pm at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, and Friday, February 27, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 1, at 2 pm at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. Prior to the Friday, February 27 performance, the New Jersey Symphony Next Gen program will host a happy hour event at Newark Local Beer at 5:30 pm. The Next Gen program is a membership program for young music enthusiasts between the ages of 21 and 40 to network with other passionate music lovers from across the state. For more information, visit njsymphony.org/nextgen.
On the podium for Beethoven’s “Pastoral” will be Music Director Xian Zhang, now in her 10th season with the New Jersey Symphony. The program also includes two works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Divertimento in D Major and the composer’s only Clarinet Concerto. The orchestra’s Principal Clarinet Juan Esteban Martinez steps into the solo spotlight for this virtuosic piece.
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral” will take place Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, at 7:30 pm at NJPAC in Newark, and Sunday, March 29, at 2 pm at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. Families can enjoy an interactive one-hour concert on Saturday, March 28, at 2 pm at NJPAC with a pre-show Instrument Discovery Zone in the lobby. This will be a Relaxed Performance, designed to accommodate the differing needs of patrons of all abilities, including individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, or cognitive and physical differences. This concert supports New Jersey Symphony’s mission to make orchestral music accessible to all by removing barriers often found in traditional concert settings.
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Thursday, February 26, 7 pm | Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown
Friday, February 27, 7:30 pm | New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Sunday, March 1, 2 pm | New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Markus Stenz conductor
Time For Three
Ranaan Meyer double bass | Nick Kendall violin | Charles Yang violin
New Jersey Symphony
Richard Wagner Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin
Kevin Puts Contact
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Tickets are available at njsymphony.org.
Markus Stenz
Markus Stenz has held several high-profile positions including Principal Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Principal Guest of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and most recently Conductor-In-Residence of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. He was General Music Director of the City of Cologne and Gürzenich-Kapellmeister for 11 years, conducting Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Wagner’s Ring cycle, Lohengrin, Tannhäuser, and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, as well as Janáček’s Jenůfa and Katya Kábanová and Eötvös’ Love and other Demons.
He made his opera debut in 1988 at Teatro La Fenice in Venice and, following highly successful concert weeks with the Orchestra, last season he conducted a new production of Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer and returns in the next two seasons for Ariadne auf Naxos and Lohengrin. In 2018 Markus conducted Schreker’s Die Gezeichneten at the Bayerische Staatsoper Munich and 2018 also saw the world premiere of György Kurtág’s Fin de partie at Teatro alla Scala Milan where, he conducted Strauss’ Elektra. This was followed by performances of Fin de partie for Dutch National Opera and its French premiere at Opéra National de Paris.
In 2023-24, Markus returned to Dutch National Opera to conduct Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, traveled to Hangzhou in China for Die Walküre, and conducted a special performance of György Kurtag’s Fin de partie in the composer’s hometown of Budapest before touring for performances in Hamburg and Cologne. He returned to Orchestre National de Lyon and, following a very successful debut with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with Mahler Symphony No. 2 in 2022, he returned for Bruckner Symphony No 7. In Italy, he conducts both Orchestra della Toscana and Fondazione Haydn di Bolzano, and further afield returns to the New Jersey Symphony and makes his debut with the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. In Germany he will conduct programs with the MDR Sinfonieorchester, the Stuttgarter Philharmoniker, and the Staatskapelle Halle among others.
Recent symphonic highlights include his debut with the Orchestra dell’Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, multiple appearances with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, and regular visits to three orchestras where he previously held positions: Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Gürzenich-Orchester Köln. Further, he conducted the RSO Vienna, the Dresdner Philharmonie, and the Staatskapelle Weimar.
While with the Gürzenich-Orchester Köln, Markus received the prize for ‘The Best Concert Programme of the 2003-04 Season’ as well as initiating a number of youth and educational projects such as ‘Experiment Klassik,’ ‘3. Akt,’ and the concert live-recording project ‘GO live.’ His extensive discography includes many prize-winning recordings including the Gürzenich Orchestra’s complete cycle of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies with Symphony No. 5 receiving the German Record Critics’ Award; Strauss’ Don Quixote and Till Eulenspiegel both received unanimous critical acclaim, followed by an equally celebrated recording of Schönberg’s Gurrelieder released in 2015, receiving the Choral Award at the 2016 Gramophone Awards. Markus Stenz studied at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne under Volker Wangenheim and at Tanglewood with Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa. He has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester and the ‘Silberne Stimmgabel’ (Silver Tuning Fork) of the state of North Rhein/Westphalia.
Time For Three
GRAMMY and Emmy-winning ensemble, Time For Three (TF3), defies convention and boundaries by showcasing excellence across different genres, including classical music, Americana, and singer-songwriter. Their unique sound captivates audiences, immersing them in a musical experience that merges various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music. TF3, consisting of Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), combines their instruments and voices in a remarkable sound, establishing a distinct voice of expression that resonates with listeners worldwide.
TF3’s longstanding history of collaboration with contemporary classical composers continues to thrive. They have worked closely with esteemed artists such as Chris Brubeck and Pulitzer Prize winners William Bolcom and Jennifer Higdon. Their most recent commission, Contact, composed by Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts, premiered with the San Francisco Symphony and The Philadelphia Orchestra in the summer of 2022. This extraordinary piece, alongside Jennifer Higdon’s Concerto 4-3, was released on Deutsche Grammophon under the album title Letters for the Future. Conducted by Xian Zhang, the album’s exceptional quality propelled it onto the Billboard Top 10 Classical Recordings charts. Additionally, it garnered a nomination for an Opus Klassik award and received a GRAMMY win in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category.
Renowned for their charismatic and energetic performances, TF3 has garnered praise from respected outlets including NPR, NBC, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Sun-Times. They have graced illustrious stages such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and The Royal Albert Hall, effortlessly adapting their inimitable and versatile style to intimate venues like Joe’s Pub in New York or Yoshi’s in San Francisco. TF3 was featured on the acclaimed “Night of the Proms” tour, sharing stages with renowned artists like Chaka Khan and Ronan Keating across several European countries. Their collaborations span a diverse range of artists, including Ben Folds, Branford Marsalis, Joshua Bell, Aoife O’Donovan, Natasha Bedingfield, and Arlo Guthrie.
TF3’s exceptional talents have not only earned them a GRAMMY win but also secured them an Emmy for their concert special, “Time For Three In Concert,” produced by PBS. Their appetite for new experiences led them to collaborate with cellist and composer Ben Sollee, creating the soundtrack for Focus Features’ film Land, directed by Robin Wright. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2021. TF3 has teamed up with GRAMMY-winning songwriter Liz Rose and GRAMMY-winning producer Femke Weidema for new recordings released through Warner Music. They have also contributed to Summer Walker’s R&B hit, Constant Bullsxxt, showcasing their versatility across genres.
Time For Three’s artistic achievements, fueled by their relentless pursuit of musical excellence, have solidified their status as a remarkable ensemble. Their GRAMMY win and extraordinary collaborations speak to their unwavering dedication to pushing creative boundaries and captivating audiences with their exceptional talent.
Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony
Friday, March 27, 7:30 pm | New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark*
Saturday, March 28, 7:30 pm | New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Sunday, March 29, 2 pm | Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown
Xian Zhang conductor
Juan Esteban Martinez clarinet
New Jersey Symphony
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Divertimento in D Major, K. 136
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Clarinet Concerto
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
*The March 27 concert at NJPAC opens with a special performance by the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Academy Orchestra.
Tickets are available at njsymphony.org.
Xian Zhang
2025–26 marks the GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning conductor Xian Zhang’s 10th season as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony, and her inaugural season as the Music Director of the Seattle Symphony with whom she has been a long-term collaborator since her debut in 2008. Zhang has also been appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the NCPA Orchestra in Beijing, beginning this season. Following her tenure as Music Director of Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano between 2009–16, she continues as their Conductor Emeritus.
With the New Jersey Symphony, Zhang has commissioned composers such as Wynton Marsalis, Jessie Montgomery, Qigang Chen, Chen Yi, Steven Mackey, Thomas Adès, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Christopher Rouse, Vivian Li, Gary Morgan, Christian McBride, Paquito D’Rivera, and Allison Loggins-Hull. She is also responsible for introducing their annual Lunar New Year celebration. Under her artistic leadership, the New Jersey Symphony won two awards at the mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards in 2022 for their concert films, including EMERGE which was conducted by Xian Zhang, directed by Yuri Alves and co-produced with DreamPlay Films.
As a guest conductor, Zhang appears regularly with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. Her Deutsche Grammophon recording with the latter (Letters for The Future with Time For Three, released 2022) won GRAMMY awards for Best Contemporary Classical Composition (Kevin Puts’ Contact) and Best Classical Instrumental Solo.
2025–26 highlights include returns to the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony, and National Arts Centre Ottawa. In Europe, she returns to Netherlands Radio Philharmonic with a performance at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and makes her debut at the Finnish National Opera conducting Tosca. This follows her huge success at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she recently conducted Madama Butterfly and Tosca to great acclaim:
“The success of Kurzak’s performance was due in no small part to Xian Zhang’s sensitivity as a conductor. Zhang has an exceptional ear for balance, as well as the ability to draw the softest, most transparent tones imaginable from the orchestra. […] With such skills and obvious audience appeal, Zhang should prove a valuable addition to the Met’s conducting staff.” – New York Classical Review
Other recent highlights include subscription programs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo, Houston Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Washington’s National Symphony Orchestra, Montreal Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Orchestra of St. Luke’s (including Brahms Requiem at Carnegie Hall), and Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse.
Zhang previously served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales, the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC orchestra. In 2002, she won first prize in the Maazel-Vilar Conductor's Competition. She was appointed New York Philharmonic’s Assistant Conductor in 2002, subsequently becoming their Associate Conductor and the first holder of the Arturo Toscanini Chair.
Juan Esteban Martinez
A native of Colombia, Juan Esteban Martinez moved to the Dominican Republic at a young age, where he began to play the clarinet. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Music and the Peabody Conservatory of Music. In 2022, he was the 1st prize winner of Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions (SOPA) Excerpt Competition.
Juan has appeared as a soloist numerous times with the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic, making his official debut at the age of 15 performing Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations in a traditional concert that was live-streamed on national television. He has been a featured soloist with the Caldas Symphony Orchestra in Colombia and the Coeur d’ Alene Symphony. In 2019, he was selected by concert pianist Gabriela Montero to form the Gabriela Montero Ensemble, a group that went on to perform a program of Montero’s original compositions at the prestigious Victoria Hall in Geneva, Switzerland.
Prior to joining the New Jersey Symphony, Juan was the acting second clarinetist of the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra for the 2022-2023 season, and a member of The Orchestra Now. He participated in the New York String Orchestra Seminar for two years in a row giving sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall. He has also appeared with the Classical Tahoe Orchestra, Symphony in C, Princeton Symphony, the National Repertory Orchestra, the National Orchestral Institute + Festival and the Orchestra of the Americas, among others. His professional training includes study with David Shifrin and Anthony McGill.
Discover Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony
Saturday, March 28, 2 pm | New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark
Xian Zhang conductor
Bill Barclay host
New Jersey Symphony
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
Tickets are available at njsymphony.org.
Discover Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony is promoted in partnership with Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. Projections and slides for this concert are produced by Concert Theatre Works.
Bill Barclay
Director, writer, and composer Bill Barclay is one of the world’s leading innovators in theatrical concerts. He is Artistic Director of Concert Theatre Works and was Director of Music at Shakespeare’s Globe from 2012–19.
Previous work for the Boston Symphony Orchestra includes Peer Gynt (2017), A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Andris Nelsons, The Soldier’s Tale at Tanglewood with Charles Dutoit, The Chevalier (Tanglewood), and The Magic Flute (with Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra).
Barclay has developed multimedia concerts for the world’s most prominent venues: The Hollywood Bowl, The Kennedy Center, The Barbican, Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Martin-inthe-Fields, Washington National Cathedral, and The Southbank Centre. Broadway and West End credits include Farinelli and the King, Twelfth Night, and Richard III, all starring Mark Rylance.
A “personable polymath” (London Times), Barclay’s original works have been described as “witty and incisive” (The New York Times), “quietly transfixing” (The New Yorker), and “quite simply exquisite” (The Guardian). His projects tour to the world’s leading ensembles, including The Chevalier (London Philharmonic Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Music of the Baroque, 8 others); Secret Byrd for The Gesualdo Six and Fretwork (20 cities on tour); Antony & Cleopatra (LA Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and others); and Peer Gynt (Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestras).
As a composer, Barclay’s composed the historic Hamlet Globe-to-Globe which toured to 189 countries, and Call of the Wild that performed in 42 US states. He has composed 12 productions for Shakespeare’s Globe. His music has been performed three times for the British Royal Family, for President Obama, for the Olympic Torch, at the United Nations, and in refugee camps in Jordan and Calais.
A noted curator, he created the Candlelit Concerts series from the launch of London’s Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in 2014, partnering with The Royal Opera House and BBC Proms. He founded the label Globe Music, recognized by The Royal Philharmonic Society, for Shakespeare’s Globe where he produced music for 130 productions and 150 concerts over seven years. He currently programs Music Before 1800, “Gotham’s flagship music presenter” (The New Yorker).
A Boston native and past acting company member at Shakespeare & Company (11 years), the Actors Shakespeare Project (10 years, Artistic Associate), and The Mercury Theatre (UK). He trained in Bali, The National Theatre Institute and Vassar College. MFA in Playwriting, Boston University.
New Jersey Symphony
The New Jersey Symphony is a GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning orchestra. Under the direction of the Music Director Xian Zhang, the Symphony performs more than 60 concerts at mainstage venues across the state, including Newark, Princeton, New Brunswick, Red Bank and Morristown as well as schools and public spaces statewide. Programming at the Symphony reflects an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while providing students across the state unparalleled opportunities to achieve musical excellence through its Youth Orchestra and other outreach programs. In 2024, the Symphony announced it would continue to deliver its statewide activities from a new, permanent office, rehearsal and concert space in Jersey City, set to open in January 2027.
For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org. Tickets are available for purchase by phone 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or on the Orchestra's website.
Press contact
Geoffrey Anderson, New Jersey Symphony, Vice President of Marketing & External Affairs
973.735.1713 | ganderson@njsymphony.org
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