"Jacques [Lacombe] is a wonderful conductor. He cares deeply about both the music and the musicians in front of him, and he has instilled a sense of camaraderie among the musicians that makes for better music making. I’ve seen four orchestras perform [Dancers, Dreamers and Presidents], and this was by far the best experience. I really think it’s because of all those reasons.

"The audiences were incredible. I had many people come up and speak to me like family. There were such deep levels of honesty; I truly felt like I made thousands of friends. One gentleman even wrote down his own musical analysis of the piece movement by movement and shared it with me at intermission; it was very moving. After every performance, I spoke with people who are very different from me in age, race and culture. But I was surrounded by them because they wanted to converse with me about music—it was very special to me.

"[In terms of audience engagement,] composers are at a kind of disadvantage—you’re not on stage, and you don’t always have the chance to talk before your piece. Jacques and the NJSO really let me talk at length about the piece, and that made a difference. I wouldn’t say that this piece is easy sell, and there is plenty happening [that could be a] turnoff—the dissonances, rhythms, etc. But for whatever reason, I felt like this piece spoke a language Newark [and New Jersey] audiences could respect. I don’t take credit for that—it was the musicians and Jacques dancing with this music.

"[Regarding special events and workshops with students,] the visits at NJPAC and schools, is something I’ve always done and will always do, and it was particularly meaningful to do them with the NJSO and on its behalf. Because the violin is portable …and I have a big mouth! … those things translate well with children. It meant a great deal that we’re on the same page with music education, and I was proud to be small part of what the NJSO is doing. That shared enthusiasm is so vital and important. I was elated that these performances included residency work, because that is work I feel very strongly about. I am a product of public-school music education, and it’s important for me to mention that if it wasn’t for those experiences, I would not be able to be a composer. My elementary school had an orchestra program, I signed up, and that’s how it all began."

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
June 11
Michael Feinstein—the multi-platinum selling, five-time Grammy-nominated “Ambassador of the Great American Songbook”—combines his critically acclaimed voice and intimate knowledge of American popular standards in a tribute to one of the greatest talents to ever take the stage—“Ol’ Blue Eyes” himself, Frank Sinatra.