• By Mabel Pais

The New Jersey Symphony will present its Season Finale concerts with Music Director Xian Zhang conducting Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony. Pianist Conrad Tao performs Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, an audience favorite. Schedule of concert locations, dates, and times is below.

PROGRAM

Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich

Season Finale Concerts

Morristown – Thursday, June 5, 7:30 pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center

Princeton – Friday, June 6, 8 pm, Richardson Auditorium

Red Bank – Saturday, June 7, 8 pm, Count Basie Center for the Arts

Newark – Sunday, June 8, 3 pm, NJPAC

For more information on the event, visit njsymphony.org/program_notes/detail/program-notes—season-finale-rachmaninoff-and-shostakovich

Xian Zhang conductor

Conrad Tao piano

New Jersey Symphony

On the program:

Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2

Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

TICKETS

For a complete list of concerts and information on tickets, visit njsymphony.org/events.

ARTISTS

Xian Zhang

2024–25 marks the GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning conductor Xian Zhang’s ninth season as music director of the New Jersey Symphony. Starting in 2025–26, Zhang will also hold the role of music director at Seattle Symphony. Zhang holds the position of conductor emeritus of Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano, having previously held the position of music director between 2009–2016.

The 2024–25 season sees Zhang return to the Metropolitan Opera in New York to conduct David McVicar’s acclaimed production of Puccini’s Tosca. Read Xian’s bio @ njsymphony.org/musicians-orchestra/musical-leadership/xian-zhang.

Conrad Tao

Pianist and composer Conrad Tao has been dubbed “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music” by New York Magazine, and an artist of “probing intellect and open-hearted vision” by The New York Times. A soloist with leading orchestras in the traditional repertoire, Tao possesses an encyclopedic artistic approach and vision, as well as a stunning array of innovative and impactful projects.

Tao’s 2024–25 season includes a return to Carnegie Hall in recital performing Debussy’s 12 Études, alongside Keyed In, a work arranged and improvised by Tao on the Lumatone. He also returns to the San Francisco Symphony to perform Tchaikovsky with Nicholas Collon, the Dallas Symphony to perform Mozart with Jaap van Zweden, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to perform Saint-Saëns with David Danzmayr, and the Baltimore Symphony to perform Mozart with Jonathon Heyward. Read Conrad Tao’s bio @ conradtao.com.

New Jersey Symphony

New Jersey Symphony is a GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning orchestra. Under the direction of Music Director Xian Zhang, the Symphony performs more than 55 mainstage concerts across the state at venues in Newark, Princeton, New Brunswick, Red Bank, and Morristown, as well as at schools and public spaces statewide. Programming at the Symphony reflects an unwavering commitment to diverse communities throughout the state, while providing students unparalleled opportunities to achieve musical excellence through its Youth Orchestra and other education programs.

In 2024, the Symphony announced it would continue to deliver its statewide activities from a new, permanent office, rehearsal, and concert space in Jersey City, set to open in 2026.

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit the website at njsymphony.org.

Connect with NJ Symphony

Follow NJ Symphony on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube

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INDULGE IN A SENSATIONAL EVENING OF 70’S SOUL

• By Mabel Pais

Indulge in the vibrant sounds of the 70s with live performances by THE STYLISTICS, THE DELFONICS, BLUE MAGIC, THE BLUE NOTES and HEATWAVE at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on Saturday, May 31, at 8 PM.

This sensational evening features an extraordinary lineup of legendary artists who defined the era of R&B, funk, and Philadelphia soul. Get ready to be serenaded by the smooth harmonies of The Stylistics, whose romantic ballads that include ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New,’ ‘You Are Everything’ and more will sweep you off your feet.

Experience the soulful melodies of The Delfonics, known for their exquisite vocal arrangements. With songs like, ‘Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time,’ ‘La-La Means I Love You’.

Delight in the enchanting rhythms of Blue Magic, who will take you on a musical journey filled with unforgettable hit songs like ‘Sideshow,’ ‘Stop to Start,’ ‘Spell,’ ‘What’s Come Over Me.’

The Blue Notes will bring their signature sound with moving songs like ‘Wake Up Everybody,’ ‘If You Don’t Know Me by Now’ and more.

Don’t miss energetic performances with Heatwave that will ignite the stage with their infectious disco beats and lively energy of songs including, ‘Boogie Nights,’ ‘Always and Forever’ and more.

Each group will showcase their greatest hits, seamlessly blending slow jams with upbeat dance numbers, enveloping you in an atmosphere of nostalgia and joy!

Don’t miss this night of music that celebrates the essence of a remarkable decade — a night filled with timeless classics, smooth vocals, and the irresistible groove of disco. Don’t miss this chance to relive the magic of the 70s.

TICKETS

For tickets to 70s Soul, visit NJPAC.org or the NJPAC Box Office or call 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

Learn more at NJPAC.org.

Follow NJPAC Online:

Website:    njpac.org

Twitter:     @NJPAC

Instagram:   @NJPAC

Hashtag:    #NJPAC

Facebook:   facebook.com/NJPAC

YouTube:    NJPACtv

Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:

Website: njpac.org/takeastand

Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand

Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist

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