(NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced its 2016-17 Bank of America Classical Series, a six-concert showcase of some of the most acclaimed orchestras and soloists from around the world. The new season displays the talents of classical artists such as celebrated American soprano Renée Fleming in the acoustical splendor of 2,800-seat Prudential Hall. The music of Beethoven is given a resounding homage with performances of his first, fifth, third and seventh symphonies.
"The most majestic music in the Western canon is synonymous with Beethoven," said John Schreiber, NJPAC's President and CEO. "Classical music lovers expect an awe-inspiring experience when listening to these brilliant symphonic works. The Arts Center's Prudential Hall offers both jewel-like acoustics and a resplendent setting."
The season kicks off on Oct. 29 with the return of the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda with piano dynamo Yuja Wang. Renée Fleming performs in a highly anticipated recital in November, and horn virtuoso Radovan Vlatkovich partners with conductor Matthew Halls and the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra for a Thanksgiving weekend concert.
In February 2017, the esteemed pianist Richard Goode joins the Budapest Festival Orchestra and Music Director Iván Fischer in an all-Beethoven program, followed later that month by Orchestre National de Lyon under the direction of conductor Leonard Slatkin - a seven-time Grammy winner - with international piano sensation Olga Kern. And the Munich Philharmonic performs under the direction of the distinguished Valery Gergiev in an April concert featuring French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard.
"The top-line artists and orchestras appearing in the 2016-17 Bank of America Classical Series are counted among the most renowned interpreters of Beethoven's compositions and masters of the music of Ravel, Shostakovich, Rachmaninoff and Mozart as well," said NJPAC's Executive Vice President and Executive Producer David Rodriguez. "Subscribers will be glad to see returns by some of the past season's best-loved artists -- Renée Fleming, Yuja Wang or Valery Gergiev, just a few examples -- while having the opportunity to hear live for the first time a distant orchestra or a rarely performed piece."
"The Classical Series offers New Jersey residents a chance to experience some of the most unique and iconic musical performances right in their backyard," stated Bob Doherty, New Jersey President, Bank of America. "Supporting cultural organizations, especially those that bring together talented musicians, allows us to celebrate the arts in a way that contributes to New Jersey's diverse, thriving community."
One hour prior to each classical concert in the 2016-17 season, ticketholders are invited to participate in a free Overtures event to prepare and learn what to listen for during the performance. Maestro George Marriner Maull of the New Jersey-based Discovery Orchestra's educational Discovery Concerts, featured on PBS stations across the country, is the host.
The Bank of America Classical Series is only one component of NJPAC's 2016-17 season. The full season will be announced in the spring and will include NJPAC's blend of classical, dance, jazz, cabaret, rock/pop, comedy, holiday events, and family offerings. Single tickets for all shows will go on sale in August.
This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Bank of America Classical Series is presented, in part, through the generosity of the Smart Family Foundation/David S. Stone, Esq., Stone & Magnanini.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center is located at One Center Street in Newark, NJ. For a complete schedule of the Bank of America Classical Series at NJPAC, visit njpac.org
