Join the New Jersey Symphony while it performs the music of one of cinema’s greatest masterminds!

Celebrate the music of iconic composer John Williams as your New Jersey Symphony (NJS) brings to life some of his most legendary film scores. Relive the magic themes of Harry Potter, Jaws, Star Wars, Jurassic Park and more!

Hearing Williams’ music performed live is a true symphonic treat. Invite your family and friends for an awesome concert experience. Learn more at njsymphony.org/events/detail/the-best-of-john-williams.

PROGRAM

The Best of John Williams

Friday, February 24 at 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank

Saturday, February 25 at 8 pm, New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark

Sunday, February 26 at 3 pm, State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick

Damon Gupton conductor

New Jersey Symphony

John Williams Superman March

Shark Theme from Jaws

Theme from Jurassic Park

“Viktor’s Tale” from The Terminal

“Devil’s Dance” from The Witches of Eastwick

Excerpts from Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Cowboys Overture

“Harry’s Wondrous World” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Selections from Star Wars

“Across the Stars” from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

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

“Imperial March” from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

“March” from 1941

“With Malice Toward None” from Lincoln

“Adventures on Earth” from E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial

Young Friends Happy Hour

Saturday, February 25, at 6:30 pm at NJPAC

Join your fellow Young Friends for a fun happy hour event before the performance at NICO Kitchen + Bar, including free appetizers and a meet-and-greet with New Jersey Symphony musicians.

Register at fs10.formsite.com/NJSO/cvxec7gapz/index

Please note: Registration for the reception is free for Young Professionals aged 21-40 with the purchase of a Best of John Williams concert ticket. Learn more at njsymphony.org/concerts-and-events/deals-discounts/young-friends.

Concert Prelude

Saturday, February 25, at 7 pm at NJPAC

Enjoy a performance by the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra’s String Ensemble, led by New Jersey Symphony violinist Naomi Youngstein.

Teen Connect

Sunday, February 26, at 2 pm at the State Theatre New Jersey, New Brunswick

This special experience offers teen musicians a meet-and-greet with New Jersey Symphony musicians, plus discounted concert tickets.

Purchase tickets at njsymphony.org/teenconnect.

TICKETS

For tickets to the concert, visit www.njsymphony.org or call 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

John Williams

Learn about John Williams at johnwilliams.org

Damon Gupton

Learn about Damon Gupton at damongupton.com

Note: John Williams does not appear in this performance. This concert features selections from John Williams’ scores; no film projection.

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XIAN ZHANG CONDUCTS IN HER FAVORITE PIECE OF MUSIC

By Mabel Pais

Music Director Xian Zhang leads the New Jersey Symphony (NJS) in her favorite piece of music, Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, on March 3 and 5 with mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor, Montclair State University Prima Voce, and Starry Arts Group Children’s Chorus at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, New Jersey.

PROGRAM

Mahler’s Symphony No. 3

Friday, March 3, 8 pm @ NJPAC, Newark

Sunday, March 5, 3 pm @ NJPAC, Newark

Xian Zhang conductor

Kelley O’Connor mezzo soprano

Montclair State University Prima Voce | Heather J Buchanan, director

Starry Arts Group Children’s Chorus | Rebecca Shen, director

New Jersey Symphony

Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 3

GUSTAV MAHLER

Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was an Austro-Bohemian composer and conductor of the late-Romantic era. His compositions often draw on his Jewish heritage, and he is known for symphonic works of great scale and power. He is routinely described by modern scholars as one of the most important and innovative composers of the Romantic period. Mahler’s Third Symphony is his longest and most expansive symphony, with a total performance duration of around 100 minutes. It is also noted for its use of both a solo mezzo-soprano and a chorus of women and children, which was fairly unusual for symphonies of this period. Symphony No. 3 is often considered to be one of the peaks of Mahler’s output and is among his most highly regarded works.

Kelley O’Connor

Grammy Award-winner Kelley O’Connor is an acclaimed American mezzo-soprano. She is known for her powerful and expressive voice, as well as her compelling stage presence. She has performed a multitude of roles in opera, including the Duchess of the King’s Company in Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda and Adalgisa in Bellini’s Norma. Additionally, she has been praised for her performances of music from the 20th and 21st century. Kelley O’Connor continues to delight audiences with her captivating singing and enthralling stage presence. Learn more at kellyoconnor.com

Montclair State University (MSU) Prima Voce

Montclair State University Prima Voce, led by director Heather J Buchanan, is an award-winning, student-run a cappella group that has been making music since 2006. The group sings a wide range of genres from classic rock to barbershop and gospel. They are known for their exciting performances, high energy, and engaging crowd interactions. Prima Voce performs around the Montclair area, often at campus events and charity shows, and have also traveled to other parts of the country for competitions and showcases. Learn more at monclair.edu.

The Starry Arts Group

The Starry Arts Group of Eastern Cultural Exchange Association (ECEA) has provided an opportunity for children in New Jersey to show their artistic talent. The Starry Arts Group has performed at Huaxia Chinese School’s Christmas Gala, Chinese Culture Night and Mid-Autumn Festival every year. A special children’s choir from Starry Arts Group has performed as part of the New Jersey Symphony’s Chinese and Lunar New Year Celebrations since 2019. For more information, visit njsymphony.org/events/detail/mahlers-symphony-no-3

TICKETS

For Tickets, visit njsymphony.org or call 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

The New Jersey Symphony (NJS)

The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning New Jersey Symphony, celebrating its Centennial Season in 2022–23, is redefining what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century.

The centennial season opened in October with concerts featuring Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto with soloist Yefim Bronfman; Jessie Montgomery’s Banner; Nimbus Dance performing original choreography to Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite; Strauss’ Burleske for Piano and Orchestra with soloist Michelle Cann; Brahms’ Fourth Symphony; and Dorothy Chang’s Northern Star. The centennial season will conclude in June 2023 with Zhang leading the orchestra and violinist Joshua Bell in Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and a commissioned world premiere by Daniel Bernard Roumain.

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org.

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