originally published: 02/02/2026
(LEFT) Sooyeon Jun (RIGHT) Adoraborealis
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.
The four-concert classical series, inspired by both tradition and innovation, explores distinct facets of the classical repertoire—from American voices and timeless masterworks to virtuosic solo performances and bold contemporary collaborations. The three rock concerts in the series are inspired by the glory days of New Brunswick's underground rock scene, providing concertgoers with a musical environment where the line between performer and audience disappears.
SOUND STUDIO CLASSICAL SERIES
New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra - Sunday, February 15 at 3:00pm. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this performance featuring the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra will include works composed by American composers or inspired by the ideals that drove the Founding Fathers and their compatriots to action. The program will include Jennifer Higdon's moving Amazing Grace, Antonín Dvořák's celebrated American Quartet, Samuel Barber's singular String Quartet in B minor, and more. Founded in 1960 as a community ensemble, the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra has evolved over six decades into one of central New Jersey's most vibrant professional orchestras.
Stephen Jacobs, classical guitar - Sunday, February 22 at 3:00pm. Classical guitarist Stephen Jacobs presents an evening of masterworks by Barrios, Brouwer, Albéniz, Villa-Lobos, and more. His interpretations blend refined technique with quiet intensity, shaped by a musical life spanning concert halls, composition, and years performing in acclaimed rock ensembles. Jacobs brings an imaginative poet's sensitivity and a storyteller's spirit to this richly evocative repertoire.
Sooyeon Jun, violin - Sunday, March 8 at 3:00pm. Internationally trained virtuoso violinist Sooyeon Jun, accompanied by pianist Dora Galit, presents an evening of lush classical repertoire culminating in Brahms's luminous Violin Sonata No. 2. With a career of performances spanning Carnegie Hall, Salzburg, Berlin, and beyond, Jun brings commanding artistry and lyrical depth to an enchanting, inspiring program of classics.
The X Ensemble - Sunday, May 17 at 3:00pm. The X Ensemble will present a spirited classical trio performance highlighted by two premieres: a brand-new work by pianist Neil Alexander and inventive variations on a familiar traditional theme. Performing alongside Alexander is violinist Fung Chern Hwei (Sirius Quartet) and multi-reed artist Brad Hubbard (World Saxophone Quartet).
SOUND STUDIO ROCK SERIES
Always Now - Thursday, March 12 at 7:30pm. Trio Always Now invites audiences into a cinematic, multidimensional folk-rock experience rooted in presence and connection. With lush harmonies and poetic storytelling, their music carries the 3-part vocal harmony of Crosby, Stills and Nash, the introspective depth of Joni Mitchell, and the emotional electricity of Fleetwood Mac.
The Patrice Pike Band - Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30pm. With soulful vocals and fearless storytelling, Patrice Pike, the magnetic former frontwoman of Austin's acclaimed Sister Seven, brings hope, fire, and raw humanity to the stage, tackling hard truths while lifting audiences with resilience and joy.
Adoraborealis: Live and in Two Persons - Thursday, May 28 at 7:30pm. Singer/songwriter Mike Messer and guitarist Tom McCaffrey unleash swirling electric textures, funky acoustic rhythms, and soaring vocals, mixing sharp humor, abstract storytelling, and unmistakable chemistry into an immersive live experience that is intimate and explosive.
Tickets and more information are available online or by calling State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469). State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open by phone and email only, Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. For in-person purchases, Guest Services is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.
State Theatre New Jersey, a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, celebrated its 100th Anniversary after major renovations in December 2021. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre's historic significance was honored when PBS featured it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey. Having played a significant role in revitalizing New Brunswick—crowned "Jersey's Best Destination of the Year" for 2025 by Jersey's Best magazine—State Theatre resides in the heart of the city's arts district.
Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six and a half million people through its doors since reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have included high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Peter Frampton, and Leanne Morgan. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances.
State Theatre New Jersey's programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.
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