New Jersey Symphony Announces 2011-12 Season

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra today announced its programs for the 2011-12 concert season, conductor Jacques Lacombe's second year as the Orchestra's Music Director. The season, which opens October 14, exemplifies the high artistic standards and thoughtful programming that have made the NJSO-described by The Wall Street Journal as "a vital, artistically significant music organization"-one of the region's cultural treasures. In addition to 12 weeks of traditional classical programs, there are four Best of ... presentations, four pops programs and three family concerts, as well as several special concerts. The October 14 Opening Night Celebration, featuring mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, presents a vibrant and wide-ranging program of both elegant French repertoire and distinctly American classics.

"My first season in New Jersey was wonderful," Lacombe says. "I have enjoyed traveling the state with our fine orchestra and having the opportunity to experience the state's dynamic, diverse audiences and communities. The theme of the new season is 'Music You Can Taste.' We all associate our favorite foods with special moments in our lives, and music, like food, has a powerful ability to bring our imaginations to those treasured memories ... or to help us make new ones.

"I am thrilled to conduct the world premiere of a new work by George Walker that we have commissioned along with three other fine orchestras. I am also excited to conduct the world premiere of a work by Richard Danielpour."

The Orchestra continues critically lauded artistic initiatives throughout its 2011-12 programs, including the New Jersey Roots Project, which celebrates composers born in or influenced by their time spent in the Garden State. The season also sees the continuation of a multi-year Winter Festival exploration of "Man & Nature;" the festival's 2012 series, "Fire," launches on January 6 and features works from Richard Wagner to Kaija Saariaho, in addition to Scriabin's visionary Prometheus: The Poem of Fire performed by pianist Yevgeny Sudbin.

In the spring of 2012, Jacques Lacombe and the NJSO will give world premieres of two newly commissioned works. The first, by Pulitzer Prize-winner and New Jersey resident George Walker, was commissioned by the NJSO along with three other American orchestras-the Cincinnati, National and Pittsburgh Symphonies. Legendary violinist Gil Shaham returns to the NJSO stage to give the world premiere of Richard Danielpour's Kaddish for violin and orchestra in April.

In a triumph of Lacombe's bold artistic vision, the NJSO is one of six orchestras invited to perform at Carnegie Hall for the second annual Spring for Music Festival in May 2012. The festival is designed to showcase adventurous programming that complements each orchestra's artistic philosophy; the NJSO music director crafted the Orchestra's program, which includes works by Varèse, Weill and Busoni. Audience-favorite pianist Marc-André Hamelin and the men of the Westminster Symphonic Choir join the NJSO for the special concert event.

Lacombe says: "I am eager to bring the NJSO to Carnegie Hall for Spring for Music for a captivating program with my countryman, Marc-André Hamelin, and the men of the Westminster Symphonic Choir, another fine New Jersey institution."

NJSO Conductor Laureate Neeme Järvi returns to the NJSO podium in November for a program that features Concertmaster Eric Wyrick's performance of Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1, alongside works by Sibelius and Halvorsen.

The NJSO continues its successful partnership with Opera New Jersey, presenting Tosca in collaboration with the opera company in February; the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) joins the operatic partnership for a performance in Newark. The NJSO and NJPAC present Tony Award-winning vocalist Audra McDonald in November and incomparable soprano Renée Fleming in January.

In addition to highlighting several of the Orchestra's own musicians, the season will feature an outstanding international roster of guest artists including André Watts, Yefim Bronfman, Bernadette Peters and Jeffrey Kahane.

Standard classical subscription programming continues at NJPAC in Newark, the State Theatre in New Brunswick, Richardson Auditorium in Princeton and the Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts in Morristown. The NJSO's successful Best of ... series continues with four creative programs highlighting Bach, Dvo?ák's American Legacy, the Gypsy Spirit and-as part of the 2012 Winter Festival-Playing with Fire. The NJSO presents the series at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank and bergenPAC in Englewood.

 

INITIATIVES

In his second season, Music Director Jacques Lacombe continues his innovative programming and commitment to celebrating the cultural richness of New Jersey.

· New Jersey Roots Project-a multi-year commitment to performing world-class music from composers who were either born in New Jersey or whose time spent in the Garden State has significantly influenced their artistic identity. This season, the project highlights the music of George Walker (the world premiere of a new work the NJSO has commissioned, March 30-April 1), Edward T. Cone (Music for Strings, March 22-25) and George Antheil (Symphony No. 6, "After Delacroix," October 14-16).

· Winter Festival odyssey-"Man & Nature." For the 2012 Winter Festival, Jacques Lacombe and the NJSO present three programs in January that share a central theme of Fire. The ancient Greeks considered fire a divine gift: it brings heat and light, not to mention cooked food. It creates, destroys, beckons and warns. And, of course, it symbolizes the underworld. From multiple orchestral reflections on the legend of Prometheus to Kaija Saariaho's scintillating cello concerto Notes on Light, the sparks of fire that forever changed human life find their way into powerful musical creations.

Week I - The Hero's Fire. The opening concert of the NJSO's Winter Festival offers "Wotan's Farewell" and "Magic Fire Music" from Wagner's Die Walküre. Scriabin's Prometheus: The Poem of Fire (Symphony No. 5) presents a visionary mélange of sound and light with piano soloist Yevgeny Sudbin; Stravinsky's magical ballet The Firebird never fails to make an impression, with its burnished tones and propulsive rhythms. January 6-8.

Week II - Best of Playing with Fire. The diabolical power of fire sparks stunning music. January 13-15. See details for this program below, under the Best of ... heading in this release.

Week III - Fire: Light & Legend. The spirit and energy of Haydn's 59th Symphony, nicknamed "Fire," provides a stirring opening to this concert program. Guest artist Anssi Karttunen joins the orchestra for Saariaho's scintillating cello concerto, a work that has been described by The Times (U.K.) as "Finnish firewater laced with classy cognac." Lacombe crafts a new version of Beethoven's classic The Creatures of Prometheus, with dancers and actors giving a modern spin to the tale of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to mortals. January 20-22.

· The NJSO is one of six orchestras invited to perform at Carnegie Hall for the second annual Spring for Music Festival in May 2012. The festival is designed to showcase adventurous programming that complements each orchestra's artistic philosophy. The NJSO program includes Varèse's Nocturnal, Weill's Symphony No. 1, "Berliner," and Busoni's Piano Concerto, featuring pianist Marc-André Hamelin and the men of the Westminster Symphonic Choir, May 9.

· The Orchestra also explores the rich heritage of American music, beginning with an Opening Night presentation of Gershwin's An American in Paris, paired with the music of Rodgers, Sondheim and Antheil. Later in the season, the Orchestra performs works by Jalbert and Cone, and Lacombe conducts world premieres of a new work by George Walker and Richard Danielpour's Kaddish for violin and strings. On its Best of... series, the NJSO presents Best of Dvo?ák's American Legacy, a program that celebrates the great composer's influence on generations of American composers, including Sousa, Joplin, Copland, Ellington and Gershwin.

· For the 15th annual UJA Benefit Concert, Lacombe has crafted a unique performance experience. NJSO audience favorite Yefim Bronfman weaves the movements of Beethoven's majestic Piano Concerto No. 3 throughout a concert program that features works from Dvo?ák, Brahms and Smetana. April 22.

· Further emphasizing the importance of artistic collaboration, the NJSO partners with several New Jersey arts institutions. Opera New Jersey and the NJSO continue a multi-year partnership with a co-production of Puccini's Tosca in Princeton and Newark. (February 3 & 12). It presents the 15th annual UJA Benefit Concert for the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest (April 22). The NJSO also presents programs in collaboration with NJPAC ("Audra McDonald with Your NJSO," November 19; Renée Fleming, January 29, and Tosca, February 12) and the State Theatre ("Home for the Holidays with Brian Stokes Mitchell," December 9). The NJSO will perform with the men of the Westminster Symphonic Choir on the Orchestra's Spring for Music Festival program at Carnegie Hall (May 9).

 

HIGHLIGHTS: CLASSICAL CONCERTS

In addition to the classical initiatives mentioned above, the NJSO hosts a superlative selection of world-class soloists-superstars, rising young virtuosos and gifted players from the orchestra itself-to headline its classical concert programs this season.

Guest artists:

· Frederica von Stade "was something close to ecstasy," New York Newsday has written of the mezzo-soprano the newspaper says "can do no wrong." The singer headlines the NJSO's Opening Night Celebration with Jacques Lacombe at the podium. October 14.

· Leonard Bernstein once selected a 16-year-old André Watts to perform with the New York Philharmonic, and the dynamic pianist immediately began to fashion a legendary career. Watts performs Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 with the NJSO. March 22-25.

· Violinist Gil Shaham's "mastery has only grown more profound," The San Francisco Chronicle writes of the artist who joins the NJSO for a performance of Berg's Violin Concerto, "To the Memory of an Angel," and the world premiere of Danielpour's Kaddish for violin and orchestra. April 27-29.

· "Xian Zhang burst onto the stage like a firecracker," wrote The Star-Ledger of the captivating conductor's appearance with NJSO last year. She returns to conduct a spicy "Spanish Inspiration" program. February 24-26.

· Jeffrey Kahane "is a conductor of uncommon intellect, insight and musical integrity," The Denver Post writes; some of his "most magical moments" come when he trades the baton for a piano and "[leads] them as a fellow musician." NJSO audiences will witness Kahane's musicality when the conductor and pianist joins the Orchestra for Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. November 12-13.

· Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho wrote Notes on Light for cello and orchestra with her countryman Anssi Karttunen in mind; the cellist who premiered the work performs it with the NJSO as part of the "Fire" Winter Festival finale. January 20-22.

· Christoph König "possesses everything: perfect technique, huge musicality and an infallible instinct for formal structures and sound," Westdeutsche Zeitung writes of the conductor who returns to the NJSO stage for Schubert's Ninth Symphony, "The Great." May 17-20.

· In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Liszt's birth, dynamic pianist André Laplante-whom The Toranto Star calls "a master pianist at the top of his form"-performs the composer's first and second piano concertos with the NJSO. October 27-30.

NJSO musicians:

· Concertmaster Eric Wyrick, a favorite of NJSO audiences, solos in Prokofiev's lush Violin Concerto No. 1. November 25-27.

· Best of Bach highlights the talents of NJSO musicians: Wyrick, Principal flute Bart Feller and flutist Kathleen Nester. October 21-23.

 

BEST OF ...

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra is unique among major American ensembles in bringing its programs to a diverse array of communities around the state. Best of ... offers fresh opportunities for New Jersey listeners to hear the Orchestra in varied performance settings. The series has been a great success in its first three seasons, exceeding projected ticket sales and offering dynamic programming possibilities.

Best of ... programs are thematically based, offering both connoisseurs and newcomers an opportunity to experience the joys of classical music. Narration and theatrical elements provide context and entertainment. Each Best of ... program lasts approximately 75 minutes, offering complete works and movements-some familiar, some rare and unusual.

The NJSO performs each program in a matinee performance at bergenPAC in Englewood and in evening performances at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank and the War Memorial in Trenton. Continuing a successful initiative, the NJSO will offer Trenton subscribers the option to purchase a pre-concert supper at the War Memorial.

· Best of Bach: The NJSO celebrates the prolific legacy of Bach on its first Best of ... program of the season. NJSO musicians illuminate the legendary Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 3 and 4, and the Orchestra explores some of the composer's most enduring cantatas. The cantatas "Wachet auf," "Coffee Cantata" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" remain among the most popular works in the classical canon. David Lockington conducts. October 21-23.

· Best of Playing with Fire: The second program in the NJSO's 2012 Winter Festival-"Fire"-looks at musical stories of characters who have made a deal with the devil. From Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld Overture to Gounod and Berlioz's depictions of the story of Faust, the NJSO examines a host of diabolical scores. Lacombe conducts. January 13-15.

· Best of Dvo?ák's American Legacy: Dvo?ák's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," is perhaps the quintessential musical story of coming to America. The NJSO explores Dvo?ák's legacy in a distinctly American program that features works from Copland, Ellington, Joplin, Sousa and Gershwin. John Morris Russell conducts. March 2-4.

· Best of the Gypsy Spirit: The allure of gypsy culture and dance has inspired composers for centuries. Bizet's Carmen contains some of the most famous gypsy-flavored music; the NJSO brings that, and fiery music from Ravel, Sarasate, Liszt, Brahms and Strauss Jr., to life in its final Best of ... program of the season. Lacombe conducts. April 13-15.

 

NJSO POPS

The NJSO performs its POPS series on Saturday evenings at NJPAC in Newark. In the 2011-12 season, the Orchestra presents an additional POPS concert in New Brunswick in collaboration with the State Theatre.

· Home for the Holidays with Brian Stokes Mitchell: the NJSO leads a celebration of the season with a festive concert program of timeless carols and holiday favorites, featuring Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. Renowned for his rich and commanding baritone, Mitchell-of Man of La Mancha, Ragtime and Kiss Me, Kate fame-was dubbed Broadway's "Last Leading Man" by The New York Times. December 9-10. The December 9 performance is presented in collaboration with the State Theatre in New Brunswick.

· A Valentine Treat: Celebrate Valentine's Day with the NJSO as three of Broadway's hottest vocalists perform romantic favorites from Rodgers and Hammerstein's classics such as The King and I, Carousel, Sound of Music, Oklahoma! and South Pacific. February 11.

· A Salute to Gilbert & Sullivan: One of the most legendary partnerships in music history, librettist W. S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan together crafted 14 comic operas that continue to delight audiences and inspire playwrights. Guaranteed to satisfy every craving with the saucy lyrics and bubbly melodies of The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, H.M.S. Pinafore and more! April 21.

· An Evening with Bernadette Peters: "Bernadette Peters has no peer in the musical theatre right now," The New York Times writes of this spicy Broadway legend. Peters closes the NJSO's POPS series with a delectable collection of standards and surprises. June 2.

 

NJSO FAMILY SERIES

The young and the young-at-heart will enjoy discovering the instruments of the orchestra, great stories told through music and rich orchestral repertoire featured in this magical and interactive series, which the NJSO presents on Saturday afternoons at NJPAC in Newark.

· Athletes of the Orchestra: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," Olympic fanfares and classics from Mozart and Mussorgsky will make audience members feel like they're sitting on the third-base line with a hot dog and their favorite beverage. Families can meet all the "teams" of the Orchestra and cheer on their favorite! Will it be the strings, brass, woodwinds or percussion that wins the day? November 26.

· Driving Forces: A Musical Look at Motivation and Inspiration: Achieving goals can be hard work, whether it's getting good grades in school, making the basketball team, becoming a doctor or starring in a movie. It takes dedication and focus-and sometimes a dash of luck! Get inspired by stories of perseverance, told through the music of Mozart, Rossini, Tchaikovsky and Khachaturian. February 11.

· Lemony Snicket's "The Composer is Dead": Where exactly were the violins on the night in question? Did anyone see the harp? In this perplexing murder mystery, everyone seems to have a motive, everyone has an alibi and nearly everyone is a musical instrument! But the composer is still dead. Join the Inspector as he sniffs out clues and interrogates all the suspects. Can you solve the mystery before he does? June 2.

Pre-Concert Adventures-specially created interactive programs perfect for the whole family-are an opportunity to learn more about the music, participate in fun activities, play games and meet NJSO musicians in the NJPAC lobby an hour before each concert.

 

SPECIAL CONCERTS (NON-SUBSCRIPTION)

· Opening Night Celebration: An incredible Opening Night event featuring the incomparable Frederica von Stade, complete with a sumptuous pre-concert cocktail party and a decadent dessert reception with Music Director Jacques Lacombe and special guests after the performance. October 14.

· Audra McDonald with Your NJSO: Multiple Tony Award-winning star Audra McDonald joins the NJSO for an evening of jazz, Broadway and other favorites. November 19. Presented in collaboration with NJPAC.

· Renée Fleming with Your NJSO: The incomparable Renée Fleming-known for her glorious voice, soaring artistry and a mesmerizing, glamorous presence-performs highlights from her operatic triumphs, as well as the songs from jazz, pop and Broadway that have always been a part of her unique repertoire. January 29. Presented in collaboration with NJPAC.

· Tosca: Opera New Jersey and the NJSO present Puccini's grand operatic masterpiece, Tosca. Experience the drama and thrill of live opera. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. February 3 & 12. The February 12 performance is presented in collaboration with NJPAC.

· 15th Annual UJA Benefit Concert: Renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman returns to the NJPAC stage for the NJSO's 15th annual concert to benefit the United Jewish Appeal. His interpretation of Beethoven's emotional Piano Concerto No. 3 is sure to be one of the highlights of the season! April 22.

· Spring for Music: The NJSO is one of six orchestras invited to perform at Carnegie Hall for the second annual Spring for Music Festival in May 2012. The festival is designed to showcase adventurous programming that complements each orchestra's artistic philosophy. May 9. Tickets will be available in February 2012. Information will be posted on www.njsymphony.org closer to that time.

 

ABOUT THE NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra is comprised of some of the country's finest musicians. The Orchestra is proud to have Jacques Lacombe as its Music Director and Neeme Järvi as its Conductor Laureate. Artistic excellence, innovative programming and community engagement are hallmarks of its mission. To best serve the people of New Jersey, the orchestra brings its programs to seven outstanding venues throughout the state. Education and community engagement programs enrich the listening experience for children and adults alike. Select performances of the NJSO are broadcast regionally and throughout North America. United Airlines is the official airline of the NJSO.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra continues its major fundraising initiative-the NJSO Comprehensive Campaign. To date, more than $26 million towards a three-year $32 million goal has been raised in support of the Orchestra. For information about contributing to this historic campaign, contact Thomas Daubert, Director of Development, at 973.624.3713, ext. 269.

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, visit www.njsymphony.org or e-mail information@njsymphony.org. Tickets are available for purchase by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or on the Orchestra's website.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra's programs are made possible in part by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, along with many other foundations, corporations and individual donors.

NJSO VENUES

For venue contact information, directions and information about public transportation, parking, dining options and more, visit www.njsymphony.org/venues.

 

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