NEWS | FEATURES | PREVIEWS | EVENTS

originally published: 09/23/2021

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has announced performances of the blockbuster films Star Wars: A New Hope and Casablanca with live orchestral accompaniment in the 2021–22 season. Audience-favorite conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos leads the Star Wars and Casablanca performances. Tickets will be available online at njsymphony.org or by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

NJSO performances will follow safety measures in partnership with these venues and based on the guidance provided by the CDC and the State of New Jersey.

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert In the first film of the original Star Wars trilogy, Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy, as he leaves his home planet, battles the evil Empire and learns the ways of the Force. 

Fans will enjoy the scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert experience in May. Performances take place May 12 at 8 pm at State Theatre New Jersey, May 13 at 8:00pm at Count Basie Center for the Arts and May 14 at 8:00pm at NJPAC.

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie more than 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by John Williams.

 

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Casablanca - Critics and audiences consider the iconic 1942 romantic film Casablanca—starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henried—one of the greatest films of all time. Roger Ebert writes that Casablanca’s climax “combines suspense, romance and comedy as they have rarely been brought together on the screen.”

Casablanca performances take place February 12 at 8:00pm at NJPAC and February 13 at 3:00pm at State Theatre New Jersey. 

State Theatre New Jersey co-presents the February 13 and May 12 performances.

Star Wars presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner/Chappell Music. © 2021 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © DISNEY

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The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra connects with the people and diverse communities of New Jersey through the power of live symphonic music to inspire, entertain and educate. Internationally renowned Music Director Xian Zhang has garnered critical acclaim on the podium and has deepened the NJSO’s commitment to presenting diverse voices that reflect the communities the Orchestra serves.

The NJSO embraces its legacy as a statewide orchestra through mainstage and chamber performances at venues across New Jersey, as well as partnerships with fellow Garden State arts organizations, universities and civic organizations. The Orchestra’s education and community engagement programs promote meaningful, lifelong engagement with live music.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NJSO has made virtual performances and educational online programs available for free, reaching more than 10 million people across the Orchestra’s digital channels. NJSO Concert Films pair world-class NJSO performances with stunning imagery of the people and cityscapes of New Jersey. The NJSO has presented innovative programs with fellow arts organizations, community ensembles and statewide partners. Musicians perform solo and chamber works from iconic New Jersey locations in NJSO Everywhere. NJSO at Home spotlights intimate at-home performances, instrument demonstrations, educational videos and hours of concert recordings.

The NJSO Youth Orchestras have not only continued virtual instruction but have introduced an entirely new dimension to the program. In 2020–21, nearly 200 students collaborated on a yearlong creative composition project—a uniquely engaging opportunity for students to explore their own musical voices and shape new works drawing from all the genres that inspire them. The project culminated in Our Voices, an album of 25 original compositions.

The safety of our patrons, musicians and staff is of the utmost importance to the NJSO. Please visit njsymphony.org for constantly updated details focused on attendees’ well-being at our performances.

The Orchestra’s online hub for free musical content is njsymphony.org/virtual.

 

Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

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