New Jersey Symphony presents works by Jessie Montgomery, Mozart, Strauss

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 11/07/2022

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Symphony will perform Jessie Montgomery’s Rounds for piano and string orchestra, composed earlier this year in collaboration with and commissioned for pianist Awadagin Pratt, November 17–20. George Manahan conducts the program, which also features Mozart’s Symphony No. 38,“Prague” and Strauss’ Suite from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. George Manahan was the Interim Music Director for the New Jersey Symphony from 1983 to 1985. He returns to conduct for the New Jersey Symphony’s centennial season.

Performances take place November 17 at 1:30pm at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, November 18 at 8:00pm at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and November 20 at 3:00pm at State Theatre of New Jersey in New Brunswick.

Tickets are available online at njsymphony.org or by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

Jessie Montgomery is a fast-rising American composer of solo, chamber, vocal and orchestral works. She is a recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Award from the ASCAP Foundation and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, and in October she was named Musical America’s 2023 Composer of the Year. At the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, she is in the midst of a three-year composer residency. Rounds, Montgomery’s first piano concerto, had its world premiere in March 2022 in Hilton Head, South Carolina, with Awadagin Pratt as soloist. The work, commissioned by Art of the Piano Foundation, “has a narrative flair and structural clarity that allowed the audience … to follow her every step of the way. Pratt’s imaginative, boldly profiled playing was the icing on the cake” (Boston Globe). This is the work’s New Jersey premiere.

Enjoy a lively Classical Conversation starting one hour before the performances on November 18 & 20. Learn more about the music from New Jersey Symphony musicians, guest artists and other engaging insiders.

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More information is available at njsymphony.org/mozart

Jessie Montgomery & Mozart

Thursday, November 17, 1:30pm | New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark

Friday, November 18, 8:00pm | Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown

Sunday, November 20, 3:00pm | State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick

George Manahan conductor

Awadagin Pratt piano

New Jersey Symphony

Mozart Symphony No. 38 in D Major, K. 504,“Prague”

Jessie Montgomery Rounds for Piano and String Orchestra

Strauss Suite from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Op. 60

The New Jersey Symphony will redefine what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. Through adventurous performances, hands-on educational experiences and robust community programming, we encourage everyone to enjoy the power and creativity of orchestral music in all its forms. Across genres and venues, for audiences of all walks of life, we strive to bring music that’s meaningful to you, to you.

As we look toward celebrating our centennial, we are renewing our deeply rooted commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by championing new, and often local, artists; engaging audiences for whom the inspiring depth and breadth of classical music will be new; and incorporating the broadest possible representation in all aspects of our organization—all to better reflect and serve our vibrant communities.

Our expansive educational offerings—including our youth orchestras, masterclasses and virtual learning opportunities—will build the next generation of listeners and musicians and help students grow, both musically and personally. And we will continue to seek new ways to connect with all New Jerseyans, through programs that resonate with a variety of cultural and musical backgrounds, as well as digital innovations that make our orchestra accessible to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

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