“Marc-André Hamelin is very elegant in his playing, and his style sounds so effortless. He has superb technique, and the way he finished these pieces softly was beautiful. I loved Michael Stern’s musicality and style. He speaks like a chamber musician, and he has a very musical way of bringing out the best in an ensemble. In rehearsal, he focused on the feelings in the music rather than the technicalities of it; [the orchestra carried that thinking into the performance,] and I think it elevated the playing.

“I’ve never played the Sibelius symphony before, and I’m so glad we performed it on this concert. I really liked the piece.”

TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO
April 7–10
Master melodists: Barber’s First Symphony is filled with lines that linger, while Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto soars on passionate themes. Haitian-American composer Daniel Bernard Roumain is a bright light on the current scene; his Symphony was co-commisioned by the NJSO and the Sphinx Organization.

MAHLER 3
May 20–22
Mahler sought to capture the essence of nature in his towering Symphony No. 3, composed during summers in his mountain retreat. From the flowers of the meadow to the majesty of the heavens, a universe of feeling and experience awaits.

BEST OF BALLET 
June 2–5
Ballet has the power to transcend time, place and even the force of gravity. It can tell stories or simply express the essence of music. “Best of Ballet” brings together an alluring selection of choreographic favorites, including excerpts from The Nutcracker, The Firebird, Appalachian Spring, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Fancy Free.