By Mabel Pais

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

“Steven Spielberg’s film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrialhas always held a special place in my heart, and I personally think it’s his masterpiece” – John Williams, music composer

“What’s particularly special about [these concerts] is that we’ll hear one of our great symphony orchestras, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra [NJSO], performing the entire score live, along with the complete picture, sound effects and dialogue” – John Williams

Relive the magic of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial on the big screen accompanied by a magnificent, live performance of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank on June 1, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark on June 2 and State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey on June 3.

Director Steven Spielberg’s heart-warming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends a 10-year-old boy named Elliott.  Troubled Elliott summons the courage to help friendly E.T. escape Earth and return to his home world.

Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that captivated audiences around the world, complete with John Williams’ Academy Award®-winning score performed live by a full symphony orchestra in sync to the film projected on a huge HD screen.

FROM THE COMPOSER

Composer John Williams writes: “Steven Spielberg’s film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrialhas always held a special place in my heart, and I personally think it’s his masterpiece. In looking at it today, it’s as fresh and new as when it was made in 1982.  The performances, particularly by the children and by E.T. himself, are so honest, timeless and true that the film absolutely qualifies to be ranked as a classic.”

“What’s particularly special about [these concerts] is that we’ll hear one of our great symphony orchestras, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, performing the entire score live, along with the complete picture, sound effects and dialogue.”

“I know I speak for everyone connected with the making of E.T.in saying that we’re greatly honored by this event … and I hope that the audience will find great joy in experiencing this magical film.”

John Williams, composer

In a career spanning more than five decades, John Williamshas become one of America’s mostaccomplished and successful composers for film and forthe concert stage, and he remains one of our nation’smost distinguished and contributive musical voices. He hascomposed the music for more than 100 films, themes for four Olympic Games and received the Olympic Order in 2003. He served as music director of the Boston Pops Orchestra for 14 seasons and remains their laureate conductor. Williams has received five Academy Awards and 51 Oscar nominations, seven British Academy Awards, 24 Grammys, four Golden Globes and five Emmys.  For more information, visit www.johnwilliams.org.

Constantine Kitsopoulos, conductor

Constantine Kitsopoulosis a conductor whose musical experiences comfortably span the worlds of opera, symphony, musical theater and film with live orchestra.  To learn more about Kitsopoulos, visit kitsopoulos.com.

Tickets

To learn more about the concert or for tickets to the NJPAC or Count Basie Theater performance, visit online at www.njsymphony.org, by phone at 1. 800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or in person at the NJSO Patron Services office in Newark.

For tickets to the State Theatre concert, visit online at www.stnj.org, or in person or call by phone at 732. 246.SHOW (7469).

Season Finale

(NJSO is) “a vital, artistically significant musical organization” – The Wall Street Journal

(Xian Zhang is a) “dynamic podium presence” – The New York Times

“Gil Shaham (is) one of today’s greatest and most admired violinists” – NJSO

A captivating end to a season of wonders!

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) and Music Director Xian Zhang close the 2017–18 season with a blockbuster program featuring works by Brahms, Mahler and Bernstein, in Newark and Red Bank, June 7–10.

In celebration of Bernstein’s role in bringing Mahler’s music to mass audiences—and of the 100th anniversary of the American composer’s birth — the program opens with the Overture to Candide.

Fittingly, Mahler’s monumental First Symphony marks Xian Zhang’s first NJSO performance of his music. Gil Shaham, one of today’s greatest and most admired violinists, scales the heights of Brahms’ Violin Concerto with dazzling virtuosity.

Lauded violinist Gil Shaham returns to New Jersey for Brahms’ Violin Concerto. In her first NJSO performances of Mahler’s work, Zhang conducts the composer’s monumental First Symphony.

THE PROGRAM

Shaham Plays Brahms

 Thu, June 7, at 1:30 pm | NJPAC in Newark

Fri, June 8, at 8 pm | NJPAC in Newark

Sat, June 9, at 8 pm | Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank

Sun, June 10, at 3 pm | NJPAC in Newark

Xian Zhang, conductor

Gil Shaham, violin

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

BERNSTEIN Overture to Candide

BRAHMS Violin Concerto

MAHLER Symphony No. 1

NJSO ACCENTS: 

Prelude Performance—Fri, June 8, before the concert

Come an hour before the concert and cheer on the young performers from NJSO CHAMPS (Character, Achievement and Music Project), as they perform in the lobby of NJPAC.

Prelude Performance—Sun, June 10, before the concert

An hour before the concert, the extraordinary Anne Lieberson Ensemble from the NJSO’s Youth Orchestras will perform in the lobby of NJPAC.

Full concert information is available at www.njsymphony.org/shaham

For further information on the NJSO visit www.njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org; and for tickets, visit online at www.njsymphony.org or call 1. 800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

THE ARTISTS

Xian Zhang, conductor

In an acclaimed first season as Music Director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Xian Zhang “clearly made her mark,” NJ Advance Media writes. “Now it’s time to see how high [the Orchestra] can soar.” Zhang continues her tenure in 2017–18 with performances of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, Mahler’s First Symphony and Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, among others.

In September 2016, Zhang assumed the position of Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales, becoming the first female conductor to hold a titled role with a BBC orchestra.

Born in Dandong, China, Zhang made her professional debut conducting The Marriage of Figaro at the Central Opera House in Beijing at the age of 20. She trained at Beijing’s Central Conservatory, earning both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and serving one year on its conducting faculty before moving to the United States in 1998.

Gil Shaham, violin

Gil Shaham, Illinois-born and Israeli-bred, Grammy award winner, is one of the foremost violinists of our time: his flawless technique combined with his inimitable warmth and generosity of spirit has solidified his renown as an American master. For more information on Shaham, visit www.gilshaham.com.

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