A Storm, a Rainbow, and Rachmaninoff for New Jersey Symphony’s Season Finale

Image credit: Rob Davidson

When you're planning to go to a live concert, the days leading up to it are probably filled with anticipation. What will the sound be like? How is the evening going to move you? What moments will stand out? Then the concert arrives, and for a few short hours, you're fully immersed: hyper-present in every sound.

This was us at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank for the New Jersey Symphony’s season finale.

As we arrived in town, a heavy summer storm opened up, and by the time we parked, a brilliant double rainbow stretched across Monmouth Street. Nature was staging its own overture to the night ahead.

We were excited for what was to come: Music Director Xian Zhang had prepared a program featuring Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by pianist Conrad Tao, followed by Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. We were ready to be present, and to take it all in.

The evening opened with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a work born of personal darkness yet known for its sweeping beauty and emotion. Rachmaninoff composed the concerto after a period of deep self-doubt and depression following the poor reception of his earlier works. The piece reflects his emotional journey from that dark place to hope, making it rich with both struggle and uplift. Passion for the music poured out of Conrad Tao. After the concerto, he surprised the audience with a heartfelt encore performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” adding a touch of wonder to the evening.

Pianist Conrad Tao brought passion and precision to Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, captivating the audience with every note. Image credit: Rob Davidson

After intermission, Xian Zhang returned to the podium to lead the Symphony through Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, a piece composed under the shadow of Stalin’s regime. You could feel the tension, irony, and fragile hope embedded within its shifting dynamics. Zhang navigated these contrasts with clarity and conviction, delivering a performance that was powerful, haunting, and thought-provoking. The audience marked the night with three standing ovations.

Beyond the music itself, the atmosphere in the hall was full of connection. During intermission, a concertgoer spotted one of his clients heading to the concession stand and took a moment to greet him warmly and introduce his spouse. At the end of the concert, one woman caught up with a friend across the aisle and mentioned that she had just renewed her season tickets, hoping her friend had done the same. She had.

Celebrating a Milestone

The New Jersey Symphony is set to celebrate a major milestone in the 2025–26 season: Music Director Xian Zhang’s 10th year at the helm. This landmark season features a mix of beloved classical masterworks and new compositions. Highlights include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Pastoral Symphony, Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, Mozart’s Requiem, and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. The season also embraces the future of classical music, with new works by acclaimed composers Allison Loggins-Hull, Jessie Montgomery, and Carlos Simon.

A stellar lineup of guest artists will join the Symphony throughout the year, including violinist Joshua Bell, pianist Emanuel Ax, Michelle Cann, Francesca Dego, among others.

Music Director Xian Zhang, pianist Conrad Tao, and the New Jersey Symphony stand together to receive a well-deserved ovation, following a powerful season finale performance at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. Image credit: Rob Davidson

Subscribers enjoy a host of benefits, including access to the best seats, significant savings over single-ticket prices, and early access to prime seating. Additional perks include invitations to special events, artist meet-and-greets, and exclusive content that enhances the concert-going experience. For tickets, subscription packages, and more information about the season, visit njsymphony.org.

Kudos to the New Jersey Symphony for closing its season on a high note and building anticipation for what’s ahead. The finale offered more than just strong performances. It showcased the orchestra’s ability to blend emotional depth with technical excellence. Just as striking was the sense of community in the concert hall, a reminder that the Symphony’s impact extends well beyond the stage. With a milestone year approaching, the New Jersey Symphony is well positioned to continue inspiring audiences across the state.

Until next time, peace.