• By Mabel Pais

“What the New Jersey Symphony has established, bringing music to the Garden State in schools and in six different cities, is a sincere accomplishment. And it’s never been better.” – nj.com

The New Jersey Symphony will present Tchaikovsky’s beloved Fifth Symphony, conducted by Xian Zhang, in three March performances (see program below).

Composed in 1888 at his country house, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 is widely recognized and one of the composer’s most popular symphonies. The Fifth was a part of Zhang’s inaugural program as New Jersey Symphony Music Director in October of 2016.

‘Musical America’s’ “New Artist of the Month” in December of 2021, pianist Tom Borrow will play Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in his New Jersey Symphony debut on these performances. Borrow was born in Tel Aviv and performs regularly around the world with orchestras like The Cleveland Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Also on the program is David Ludwig’s ‘NightVision,’ which premiered at New Jersey Performing Arts Center with the New Jersey Symphony in 2001. Ludwig is currently Dean at The Juilliard School, and ‘NightVision’ is considered his breakout orchestral work.

Enjoy a lively Classical Conversation starting one hour before the concert on Friday, March 15, and Sunday, March 17. Learn more about the music from New Jersey Symphony musicians, guest artists and other engaging insiders.

PROGRAM

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony

New Jersey Symphony Classical

Newark: Thursday, March 14, 2024, 1:30 pm New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Princeton: Friday, March 15, 2024, 8 pm Richardson Auditorium

Morristown: Sunday, March 17, 2024, 3 pm Mayo Performing Arts Center

Xian Zhang conductor

Tom Borrow piano 

New Jersey Symphony

David Ludwig NightVision

Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5

TICKETS

For more information on concerts and tickets, visit njsymphony.org/events

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MUCH CHERISHED FILM ‘MATILDA’ NARRATED LIVE BY DEVITO IN NJ SYMPHONY CONCERT

By Mabel Pais

New Jersey native Danny DeVito this March narrates the film ‘Matilda,’ while David Newman’s enchanting score is performed live to picture! Acclaimed actor, producer and director Danny DeVito will join famed film composer David Newman and the New Jersey Symphony in a very special performance of ‘Matilda’ in Concert at the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ, on Friday March 22, 2024. The performance will also feature celebrity guest appearances by actors who played characters in ‘Matilda, including Pam Ferris (Trunchbull), Rhea Perlman (Mrs. Wormwood) and Mara Wilson (Matilda).

STORY

Based on Roald Dahl’s award-winning book and directed by Danny DeVito, from a screenplay by Nicholas Kazan & Robin Swicord, ‘Matilda’ is the story of a little girl (Mara Wilson) who loves books and wants to go to school. Belittled by mean parents and terrorized by a disparaging school headmistress, Matilda uses her secret telekinetic gift to stand up for herself, her friends, and the lovely Ms. Honey. This humorous and touching coming-of-age story will have audience members young and old humming in their seats!

Watch this video – youtu.be/8Cblc7wS57Q

Celebrating almost 3 decades, the film adaptation of Road Dahl’s literary masterpiece, expertly brought to life by Danny DeVito, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popular culture, now attaining a revered status among enthusiasts.

This revival has manifested in various ways, including cast reunions, captivating Buzzfeed re-enactments, a Tony Award-winning musical and the recent publication of “Where Am I Now?” by Mara Wilson, the actress who portrayed the indomitable Matilda in the film. Recognized as one of the top 10 children’s novels by the esteemed School Library Journal, ‘Matilda’ has firmly secured its place as one of the most cherished and enduring tales for young readers worldwide.

PROGRAM

Matilda in Concert

Friday, March 22, 7:30 pm

State Theatre of New Jersey in New Brunswick

Danny DeVito narrator

David Newman conductor 

New Jersey Symphony

TICKETS

For Tickets & more information, visit njsymphony.org/matilda or call 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

An add-on VIP experience package is available, which includes a post-concert meet and greet and photo op with Danny DeVito and David Newman. The VIP experience tickets cost an additional fee when ordering concert tickets.

More information and tickets are available at njsymphony.org/matilda.

Danny Devito

Danny DeVito has amassed a formidable and versatile body of work as an actor, producer and director that spans the stage, television and film.

In 1968, Danny landed his first part in a movie when he appeared as a thug in the obscure Dreams of Glass (1970). Despite this minor triumph, Danny became discouraged with the film industry and decided to focus on stage productions. He made his Off-Broadway debut in 1969 in ‘The Man With the Flower in His Mouth.’

He followed this up with stage roles in ‘The Shrinking Bride,’ and ‘Lady Liberty.’ In 1975, he was approached by director Milos Forman and Michael Douglas about appearing in the film version of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ (1975), which would star Jack Nicholson in the leading role. With box office success almost guaranteed and a chance for national exposure, Danny agreed to the role.

But his big break came in 1978 when he auditioned for a role of Louie DePalma, played flawlessly by Danny on an ABC sitcom pilot called ‘Taxi’ (1978), which centered around taxicab drivers at a New York City garage. The producers, realizing he was perfect for the part, brought him on board. The show was a huge success, running from 1978 to 1983. He was well-praised by critics, winning an Emmy award and being nominated three other times.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Devita played memorable roles in movies like ‘Romancing the Stone’ (1984), Ruthless People (1986), Throw Momma from the Train (1987) and Twins (1988).

He also had a great deal of success behind the camera, directing movies like The War of the Roses (1989) and Hoffa (1992) and more.

In 1992, along with his wife Rhea Perlman, Danny co-founded Jersey Films, which has produced many popular films and TV shows, including Pulp Fiction (1994), Get Shorty (1995), Man on the Moon (1999) and Erin Brockovich (2000). DeVito has many directing credits to his name as well, including Throw Momma from the Train (1987), The War of the Roses (1989), Hoffa (1992), Death to Smoochy (2002) and the upcoming St. Sebastian.

In 2006, he returned to series television in the FX comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005). With a prominent role in a hit series, DeVito’s comic talents were now on display for a new generation of television viewers. In 2012, he provided the title voice role in Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (2012). Learn more at imdb.com/name/nm0000362 

David Newman

David Newman is one of today’s most accomplished creators of music for film. In his 30-year career he has scored more than 110 films, ranging from ‘War of the Roses,’ ‘Matilda,’ ‘Bowfinger,’ and ‘Heathers’ to the more recent ‘Girls Trip,’ ‘Night School’ and ‘Serenity.’ His music has brought to life the critically acclaimed dramas ‘Brokedown Palace’ and ‘Hoffa’; comedies such as ‘Galaxy Quest’ and ‘Throw Momma from the Train’; and award-winning animated films ‘Ice Age,’ ‘The Brave Little Toaster,’ and ‘Anastasia.’ He holds an Academy Award nomination for his score to ‘Anastasia.’

In 2021, after a decade of conducting numerous live music-to-film concerts for the classic ‘West Side Story’ film, Newman arranged the score for Steven Spielberg’s bold new re-imagining of the legendary Leonard Bernstein & Stephen Sondheim musical, earning him a Grammy nomination in 2022.

Passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians, Newman has served on the faculty of the Aspen Music Festival in the Film Scoring Program. Learn more at davidlouisnewman.com.

 The New Jersey Symphony

Learn more about the Emmy and Grammy Award-winning New Jersey Symphony at njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org.

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(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)