he New Jersey Symphony presented a program titled “Rhapsody in Blue” at the glorious Richardson Auditorium on the thrilling Princeton University Campus on November 7, 2025.

The first half of the evening was supercharged with diva energy. The inexhaustible Michelle Cann was piano soloist for both Piano Concerto in One Movement by Florence Price, 1934 (reconstructed by Trevor Weston, 1967), and Rhapsody in Blue, by George Gershwin, 1924. 

Ms. Cann in her short career has won  Grammy Awards in 2023 and again in 2025, is a member of the piano faculty at Curtis Institute of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music, as well as piano soloist just about everywhere. Entering upon the stage, she struck awe in the audience of this sold out performance. She was dressed in a flowing gown and wore the most brilliant bejeweled pumps. 

The Price work opened with a grand flourish, with guest conductor Tito Munoz placing no reins on the orchestra, which was up to the considerable challenge. Ms. Cann had a large sound, with her hands being at many times arched at the wrist, with fingertips bent, looking so much like floating, striking Portuguese Men of War.

Audience acclaim rewarded her thrilling account.  

Next was the classic, and popular, masterpiece by George Gershwin. Michelle Cann instantly exploded into the vibrant tapestry of urban excess, with conductor and orchestra racing along. After an altogether dizzying display, we appreciated her masterful technique in all registers, from forceful to dulcet. Her playing was incredible. Naturally, the audience was galvanized into their seats, until the conclusion,  whereupon the house popped up and went wild with acclaim for her and the brilliant orchestra. 

Charmed by the collected outpouring of love from the audience,  Ms. Cann chatted a bit with microphone in hand. She spoke of how she loved Richardson Auditorium,  worked with Conductor Tito Munoz years before, and set up her encore, first played by piano legend Hazel Scott years before. Her encore was despatched with breathtaking aplomb. Bravo, Ms. Cann.

After the interval was a commissioned work by Carlos Simon, who spoke to the audience about his, Zodiac Symphonic Suite for Orchestra (in Four Movements). A truly aurally eclectic work, it showed great academic prowess and skill.

Finally, Aaron Copeland’s Suite from Billy the Kid took us all to the Wild, Wild, West, as only gay composer Aaron Copeland could. Conductor Tito Munoz encouraged the orchestra to go wild when called for, with an especially telling section V, Gun Battle, which was, simply, unforgettable theatre.

Legend has it that Pat Garrett, who shot Billy in his nightshirt, in the dark, was a close friend (perhaps lover) of Billy’s before his life of crime, and that Billy was spending the night in the bed of a gentleman of impeccable repute.

Cher’s legendary performance of her legendary hit, Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) from 1991 sprang to the minds of most members of the audience …

So, there you have it. Diva fabulousness, thrilling music, gay composer, gay criminal, gay sheriff, and gay pillar of the community, and all found at Princeton University. 

The New Jersey Symphony continues its season here in Princeton with Handel’s Messiah on December 19 and 20, 2025, then January 9, and so on. 

Other venues across the state are also available. For information and tickets, visit ..

www.njsymphony.org .