New Jersey Symphony Opens Its Season in Princeton

The New Jersey Symphony opened its season at Richardson Auditorium at Princeton University with a program featuring two celebrated works: Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, “The Great.”

Led by Xian Zhang, now in her 11th season as the orchestra’s music director, the program featured pianist George Li, whose performance of Beethoven’s concerto was a highlight of the evening.

Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ Concerto

Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto gave George Li an opportunity to demonstrate why he has earned international recognition, including the silver medal at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition. A graduate of Harvard University and the New England Conservatory, Li is known for his technical skill and expressive playing.

Watching Li perform was a highlight. His fingers flew across the keyboard at astonishing speed, with remarkable precision and control. His expressive playing in the quieter passages allowed the music to shift naturally between bold, energetic moments and more lyrical interludes.

Li’s encore was Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune. The familiar, flowing melody offered a lovely contrast to Beethoven’s concerto.

During intermission, we explored Richardson Auditorium, walking up and down the winding staircase to the balcony before making our way to the doors near the stage, where the musicians’ instruments were waiting.

Intermission also gave us a moment to take in the auditorium and reflect on how lovely it is to watch the New Jersey Symphony there. The intimate, welcoming setting offers a good view of the stage from every seat, making it easy to follow the musicians as they respond to one another.

Discovering Schubert’s ‘Great’ Symphony

After intermission, the New Jersey Symphony performed Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C Major, known as “The Great.” The four-movement work is celebrated for its memorable melodies and expansive sound.

The pairing of Beethoven and Schubert was particularly interesting. The “Emperor” was Beethoven’s final piano concerto, although the nickname was added later. Schubert’s Ninth Symphony, meanwhile, was never performed during his lifetime. After Schubert’s death in 1828, composer Robert Schumann discovered the score and recognized its significance. The symphony premiered in Leipzig in 1839, conducted by Felix Mendelssohn.

Make a Day of It in Princeton

A concert at Richardson Auditorium also offers a reason to explore Princeton, so we visited the Princeton University Art Museum before the performance.

The museum’s exhibitions offer plenty to explore. Basquiat, the Blue Ribbon Paintings, and the Art of Reproduction, is on view through January 31, 2027. Visitors can also explore What Is an American? Artists Reflect, through November 8, which considers American identity through art addressing history, protest and cultural identity. Clay Has Memory: Creative Lineages from Africa explores how African and African Diasporic artists use clay to sustain artistic traditions and creative legacies.

Combining a museum visit with an evening of music makes for a rewarding day of arts and culture. Princeton’s downtown also offers shops and restaurants to explore while you’re in town.

For upcoming performances and tickets, visit the New Jersey Symphony website. For current exhibitions and visiting hours, see the Princeton University Art Museum website.

Until next time, peace.