By Mabel Pais

The New Jersey Symphony presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, May 16-19, 2024 at locations in New Jersey.

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”)

A hallmark of great music is its ability to say something powerful to us no matter how many times we have heard it. For a few listeners, this will be a first acquaintance with Beethoven’s magnificent “Eroica” Symphony, which is certain to make a powerful impression. For most of us, a performance of this masterwork is a visit with an old and dear friend. Now more than two centuries old, the “Eroica” sounds fresh and immediate throughout its forty-seven minute duration.

PROGRAM 

Beethoven Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”

Plus, Jeremy Denk plays Anna Clyne’s ATLAS Piano Concerto!

Markus Stenz conductor

Jeremy Denk piano

New Jersey Symphony

Berlioz Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9

Anna Clyne ATLAS for Solo Piano and Orchestra (East Coast Premiere; New Jersey Symphony Co-Commission)

Thu, May 16, 7:30 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown

Fri, May 17, 8:00 pm, Richardson Auditorium in Princeton

Sat, May 18, 8:00 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark

Sun, May 19, 3:00 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark

Intermission

Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 (“Eroica”)

Allegro con brio

Marcia funebre: Adagio assai

Scherzo: Allegro vivace

Finale: Allegro molto

Concise motives are building blocks for the heroic first movement. Principal oboe is the soloist in the somber ‘Marcia funebre.’ Beethoven limits himself to one theme in the scherzo, but puts it through its paces. Listen for the horns’ section solo in the “hunting call” trio. Beethoven used the famous finale theme for two other variation sets. Heroism, surprise, drama, solemnity, humor: the “Eroica” has them all.

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BEETHOVEN’S EROICA IS INSPIRED BY BERNSTEIN’S MASTERFUL MUSIC MAKING

  By Mabel Pais

Discover what makes a live orchestra concert so special. The New Jersey Symphony takes a deep dive into Beethoven’s “Eroica”– his breakout Third Symphony that broke all the rules and forged a new future for the symphonic form. Inspired by Leonard Bernstein’s masterful way of putting young audiences at the center of music-making, this interactive concert will feature inside tips, listening cues and fun facts that make for the perfect Saturday afternoon family outing!

PROGRAM

Sat, May 18

2.00 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark

Markus Stenz conductor

Diego García host

New Jersey Symphony

Estimated Concert Duration: 1 hour and 10 minutes

For this family friendly concert, the festivities start an hour before with an instrument petting zoo and a special performance in the lobby by the Youth Orchestra String Ensemble.

This will be a Relaxed Performance, designed to accommodate the differing needs of New Jersey Symphony patrons. You and your families are encouraged to bring your own sensory manipulatives, noise reduction headphones and other necessary tools (like a comfort stuffed animal, lovee or stuffy) that will allow you to react and enjoy the music in a way that is most natural for you!

More information on the resources available in place pre-concert and during the performance is available @ njsymphony.org/visit/accessibility-1/what-is-a-relaxed-performance

Please note: If you are someone who enjoys silence in a concert hall, this performance might not be for you.

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REVEL IN THE EPIC SCORES OF JOHN WILLIAMS WITH NJ SYMPHONY

• By Mabel Pais

Celebrate epic film scores with the New Jersey Symphony, from unforgettable themes composed by John Williams, to the golden age of cinema, to famous classical music moments in movies. Enjoy familiar favorites from Harry Potter and Star Wars alongside monumental musical moments from Apocalypse Now and Cast Away, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this love letter to film music! 

PROGRAM

SPECIAL CONCERT – SYMPHONY CELEBRATION

Thu, May 30 1:30 pm

New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark

Concert Prelude

Thursday, May 30, at 12:40 pm

Experience a special pre-concert performance by New Jersey Symphony musicians as they perform alongside local amateur musicians in an Amateur Chamber Music Event.

Fri, May 31 8:00 pm

New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark

Special Concert-Opening Performance

Friday, May 31, at 8 pm

The May 31 concert opens with a special performance of John Williams’ Theme from Jurassic Park by the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Academy Orchestra, conducted by Jessica Rivero Altarriba.

Sat, June 1 8:00 pm

Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank

Sun, June 2 3:00 pm

State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick

Classical Conversation

Sunday, June 2, at 2 pm

Enjoy a lively Classical Conversation before the performance. Learn more about the music from New Jersey Symphony musicians, guest artists and other engaging insiders.

Xian Zhang conductor

Jessica Rivero Altarriba conductor

Brett Boles host

Min Kwon piano

 

New Jersey Symphony

Korngold Fanfare from The King’s Row

Prokofiev Suite from Lieutenant Kijé

Rachmaninoff Adagio sostenuto from Piano Concerto No. 2

Wagner/Hutschenruyter “The Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre

John Williams “Imperial March” from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

John Williams “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

John Williams Selections from Star Wars

“Anakin’s Theme” from Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

“Princess Leia’s Theme” from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

“Rey’s Theme” from Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

“Main Title” from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

TICKETS

For tickets to any of the performances, visit njsymphony.org.

Groups of 10 or more save on tickets!

Groups of 10 or more save 20% on individual ticket prices for most concerts! Bring members of your special event, clients, students, clubs and senior community residents—what constitutes a group is up to you!

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