On Friday, November 1, 2024, the New Jersey Symphony opened its season in Princeton, NJ.

The program included:

Gabriella Ortiz, Kauyumari 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 17 in G major for Piano and Orchestra

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherezade, Op. 35

Music Director Xian Zhang led her orchestra and soloist Inon Barnaton in Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall in Princeton University on this brisk but clear Autumn night.

Gabriella Ortiz wrote Kauyumari in 2021. We further learn by reading the astute program notes by Laurie Schulman, that the title translates to the Blue Deer, the spiritual guide who leads members of the Huichol of Mexico on their peyote-driven religious journey. It is a fascinating short piece, using a full orchestra. Listeners may find hints of Janacek as well as American composers in this worthy endeavor. 

Inon Barnaton has been called, “One of the most admired pianists of his generation,” according to The New York Times. Slim, fit, and elegant, he plays with a combination of patrician elegance and startling sensitivity. Mozart never had a finer interpreter in modern times. His performance was beguiling, sensuous, and exhilarating. 

Years ago, I heard him play with this orchestra in Newark. During his performance there, a member of the audience arose from her seat, spellbound, and walked towards the stage, stopping far short of nearing it, and stood there, transfixed for most of the concerto. Only with the sound of applause did she snap out of her reverie, and returned to her seat, visibly shaken. Such is the power of music.

The evening concluded with Rimsky-Kosakov’s 1888 masterpiece, Sheherezade. Xian Zhang encouraged her forces to exceed all restraint in their savage realization of this fairy-tale. Schulman wrote in her program notes that “The Sultan’s theme, in the brasses, is barbaric, forceful, and masculine.” No wonder that tall, strong, broad-shouldered women as well as lovely, shapely men find its wonders beyond compare. The orchestra clearly delights in performing pieces led by their Maestro, who also appears to totally enjoy collaborating with her musicians.

Audience acclaim at the conclusion of the program was fervent and intense.

The New Jersey Symphony next appears in Princeton for Handel’s Messiah in December,  and in concert in January. They also appear at venues throughout the State of New Jersey. 

For details and tickets, visit their website, 

www.njsymphony.org .