The New Jersey Symphony presented an absolutely fabulous concert program at Richardson Auditorium in Princeton on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The internationally renowned Joshua Bell CBE appeared as violin soloist and conductor in a program featuring works by Beethoven, Saint-Saens, and Mendelssohn.
Mr. Bell, 58, is an American with many awards and is widely sought after by world orchestras. He is the Symphony’s Principal Guest Conductor. Tall and lithe, he was an especially lively figure onstage. Clad in black with amazing footwear that was half cowboy boot, half elfin footwear, Mr. Bell cut a dashing figure, for any man half his age.
His playing was phenomenal. His violin sang splendidly in the difficult and extraordinary violin concerto by Saint-Saëns.
Beginning with a throbbing, insistent Egmont Overture, the New Jersey Symphony spared nothing in energy and excitement for the violin concerto, played rapturously by Mr. Bell. Many audience members were so moved by the interpretation, that they broke into spontaneous applause wherever and whenever they could between movements.
Audience applause at the conclusion of the concerto was ardent and impressive.
After intermission, the Mendelssohn Symphony flew at breakneck speed, and with great flair and attack by the strings.
The winds and brass were especially fleet.
A word about the composers of this evening. Beethoven loved the written work of Goethe, and Egmont was the play for Beethoven’s overture. Goethe was a renowned lover of men, as well as of women. He was a free lover of both.
True Romance; Goethe Is Outed And Germany Yawns – The New York Times
Camille Saint-Saëns, 1835 to 1921, was raised by his mother, and lived with her until her death. He lived a complex life of man and boy love. Saint-Saëns performed for friends in drag, favoring dressing as Marguerite in Faust, and wearing a tutu for Tchaikovsky. He felt most free in Algeria, where most men could be free with their gay selves. He died in Algeria at age 86 in 1921.
Gay Influence: Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns: 1835-1921
Mendelssohn was a more complex man, in that he loved women, had a wife, several children, perhaps even an affair with the international opera star Jenny Lind before his death at age 38 in 1847. Felix died the same year as his beloved sister Fanny. They were so close that they both died of strokes in the same year, only months apart.
Whew! oversexed Goethe, voracious lover of men Saint-Saëns, and lively, sexy Mendelssohn, he excited all the more by Italian sunshine. No shortage of passion.
Naturally, after this erotic feast for the ears, and some for the eyes, audience acclaim was profound. Standing ovations recalled Mr. Bell several times.
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The final concert of the Princeton season will be June 5.
The 2026-2027 Season is available on subscription for Princeton.
For information on these and other venues an concerts, visit …
PROGRAM
Ludwig van Beethoven, Egmont Overture
Camille Saint-Saëns, Violin Concerto No. 3
Felix Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 4, “Italian”