originally published: 04/18/2024
The Crossing, photo by Christian Stewart
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen, Executive Director Martin Miller, and Director of Presented Programming Paula Abreu announced McCarter Theatre Center's 2024-2025 Classical Music Series – featuring the Renaissance Quartet with Randall Goosby, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performing Bach's The Brandenburg Concertos, Grammy award-winning chamber choir The Crossing, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and Julia Fischer & Jan Lisieki. This year's lineup features world-class performers pioneering new frontiers in classical music.
“This season, we are honoring McCarter’s legacy as a stalwart presenter of classical music, while also pushing the boundaries of the genre, integrating traditional compositions with modern interpretations to create something truly unique and extraordinary,” said Paula Abreu. “I’m excited to welcome new and returning audiences to fall in love all over again with this vibrant artform.”
Subscriptions to McCarter’s 2024-2025 Classical Series for new and returning subscribers are now available at www.McCarter.org or by calling Patron Services at 609-258-2787. Subscribers save 20% on tickets and receive benefits like free exchanges, exclusive pre-sale access, and preferred seating.
November 21, 2024 - Renaissance Quartet with Randall Goosby; Matthews Theatre. Step into the world of musical innovation with the Renaissance Quartet, a dynamic ensemble led by violinists Randall Goosby and Jeremiah Blacklow, along with violist Jameel Martin and cellist Daniel Hass. Graduates of the prestigious Juilliard School and mentored by the legendary Itzhak Perlman, these four virtuosos blend classical mastery with contemporary flair. Rooted in tradition yet boldly embracing the spirit of the 21st century, their performance is a journey through diverse musical landscapes, infused with jazz influences and remarkable technical prowess.
The program includes Mendelssohn: Quartet No. 1 in E flat, Op. 12; Janáček: Quartet No. 1 “Kreutzer Sonata”; and Daniel Hass: Quartet No. 1 “Love and Levity”.
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Inbal Segev, The Brandenburg Concertos
December 16, 2024 - The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center presents The Brandenburg Concertos; Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall on the campus of Princeton University. Hailed by the New Yorker as ‘joyous, effervescent, and yes, festive,’ dive into the unparalleled beauty of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Known for their exceptional performances, the Society brings to life Bach’s captivating melodies, unmatched mastery, and musical ingenuity.
The program includes Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major; Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major; Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major; Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major; Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major; and Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major.
February 4, 2025 - The Crossing performing David Lang’s poor hymnal, Donald Nally, Conductor; Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall on the campus of Princeton University. Prepare to be transported by The Crossing, a trailblazing and Grammy award-winning chamber choir helmed by the visionary Donald Nally. Pushing the boundaries of choral music, The Crossing presents a dynamic fusion of new compositions that delve into pressing social, environmental, and political issues. With an impressive repertoire boasting nearly 170 commissioned premieres, their performances offer a captivating journey through the evolution of choral expression.
Maestro Steven Mercurio, Czech National Symphony Orchestra
February 21, 2025 - Czech National Symphony Orchestra; Matthews Theatre. Sandy Cameron, Violin Soloist; Maxim Lando, Piano Soloist; Steven Mercurio, Music Director & Conductor. Celebrated for its vibrant interpretations and broad musical repertoire, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) brings the heart of Czech musical tradition to the stage.
Founded in 1993 by trumpet maestro Jan Hasenöhrl, the CNSO has flourished under the direction of Libor Pešek, gaining international acclaim and a dedicated following. Whether you're a lifelong classical music lover or new to the symphonic scene, don't miss the chance to see one of Europe's leading orchestras perform live —where music connects history, art, and heart in one harmonious evening.
(LEFT) Julia Fischer, photo by Uwe Arens (RIGHT) Jan Lisiecki, photo by Christoph Koestlin
March 25, 2025 - Julia Fisher, violin and Jan Lisiecki, piano; Matthews Theatre. Internationally acclaimed violinist Julia Fischer and piano sensation Jan Lisiecki share a unique musical partnership that brings fresh and innovative interpretations to the stage, inspired by their mutual influences and distinctive perspectives. Experience the seamless harmony and technical mastery of these two musical giants in a program that celebrates the legacy and beauty of classical music.
The program includes Mozart Sonata in B major KV 378; Beethoven No. 5 in F major Op. 24 “Spring”; and Schumann Sonata No. 2 in D minor Op. 121.
McCarter is one of the country's flagship theatres and a vibrant center for community and for the performing arts. Located on the campus of Princeton University, the company is an independent nonprofit, serving as a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub of arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages. A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence traces back to the theatre’s first performances in 1930. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Kaufmann & Hart’s You Can’t Take It with You, and William Inge’s Bus Stop all had their premieres on the McCarter stage, paving the way for a long history of collaborations with playwrights to launch remarkable works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances reaching millions of audience members around the world.
The company is equally revered for presenting global artists on its stages, including Alvin Ailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, Hasan Minhaj, Jon Stewart, Caetano Veloso, Rhiannon Giddens, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, Lake Street Dive, and Herbie Hancock, among many others. Of the 100,000 community members who directly participate in the company’s work every year, more than 5,000 are students taking part in McCarter’s robust educational offerings in Princeton, Trenton, and in schools throughout the region. McCarter leads with values of “justice and joy, and beauty in belonging,” creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.
COLUMNS
Don McLean to Play Monmouth University's Pollack Theatre
"I'm excited, I love traveling and singing. I don't really tour for any particular reason; except for the pandemic I've never stopped since 1968," began music legend Don McLean as he talked about his career, folk music, "The SONG," and his upcoming May 4 show at Monmouth University's Pollak Theatre. "I just like rambling and singing and going and having a certain rhythm to my life where I'm home for a while and then I go to some place that maybe I've been to before or maybe never was before; when I would do foreign tours in places like Australia, England or Europe, that would often be behind an album and that would be called the "Prime Time" tour or the "American Pie" tour, the "Headroom" tour or whatever it was depending on the album because you'd be on a bus for a month and do 25 to 27 shows and that was intense and I've done many, many of those. I've decided to stop doing that sort of thing and what I'm doing now and will continue to do is the occasional one or two nights and then some time off. I'll go overseas for one or two shows; I'm going over to England to perform at a festival in August and I'll stay at a nice hotel with my girlfriend and we're gonna visit nice restaurants and do some sightseeing and that's what I'm gonna do from now on. Anybody else would say, "You are still working" but to me that's semi-retirement."
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