The New Jersey Symphony presented its final concert of the season on Friday, June 6th, 2025, at Richardson Hall on the Princeton University campus. 

The program included the 2nd Concerto for piano and orchestra by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Conrad Tao, soloist, and the famed Shostakovich Fifth Symphony. 

Many audience members agreed that the NJ Symphony played with special fire, brilliance and musicality this evening. Totally engaging, totally refreshing, this was a truly fine performance led by the indefatigable conductor Xian Zhang. 

Tonight’s pianist, Conrad Tao was electric in his playing, and completely arresting in his musicality. His muscular musicality kept the audience at the edges of their seats. At the conclusion of his spectacular playing, the audience leapt to their collective feet, pouring acclaim in waves over his handsome, young body. Mr. Tao gifted us with a charming encore of special brilliance. Phenomenal.

Conversations were abuzz during the intermission, so excited were the audience by this young phenom.

Never fear! The excitement continued with the prismatic, bombastic splendor of Shostakovich. We learn from the perspicatious program notes, that Joseph Stalin, genocidal maniac and despot of the USSR, actually liked this Fifth Symphony, which was a relief to the beleaguered composer. A panoply of effects assaulted us as we heard warring drama, marching intensity, and patriotic fervor scorching our clothing.

Wild acclaim rewarded the musicians’ intensity and devotion to excellence.

Magnificent achievement,  ladies and gentlemen of the orchestra. 

The New Jersey Symphony will return for its new season. For information and purchase of subscriptions, visit www.njsymphony.org .


Xian Zhang conductor
Conrad Tao piano
New Jersey Symphony

Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18
I. Moderato
II. Adagio sostenuto
III. Allegro scherzando

Intermission

Dmitri Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 47
I. Moderato
II. Allegretto
III. Largo
IV. Allegro non troppo