Renowned NJ Symphony Opens Season, Honoring Xian Zhang’s 10-Year Milestone

This weekend, the New Jersey Symphony officially opened its 2025–26 season with an unforgettable performance at NJPAC in Newark, and we were there to take it all in.

More than just the start of a new concert season, this weekend marked a major milestone: Xian Zhang’s 10th year at the helm of the orchestra. As the 14th person to hold the role in the Symphony’s nearly century-long history, Zhang has elevated the ensemble to new artistic heights, creating a sound that’s bold, dynamic, and connected to the community it serves.

An Opening to Remember

To kick off the evening, Zhang led the Orchestra in a rendition of God Bless America. We heard a few audience members singing quietly. By the final bars, voices across the concert hall had joined in, creating a warm, spontaneous moment between audience and orchestra.

The musical program opened with Hymn for Everyone by Jessie Montgomery, a composer whose work continues to redefine American classical music. The piece reflected the spirit of inclusivity and hope, an ideal beginning to a season centered on connection.

Next came the towering Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 by Tchaikovsky, featuring the brilliant Joyce Yang at the piano. Yang brought both fire and finesse to the performance, earning a well-deserved ovation for her electrifying interpretation.  

The evening closed with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88, a joyful and pastoral masterpiece that radiates optimism. From sweeping strings to vibrant brass, the NJ Symphony brought it to life with warmth and precision, ending the concert on a triumphant note.

In perfect harmony, the NJ Symphony under Xian Zhang’s leadership breathes life into the music.

Catch the Season

Seeing the NJ Symphony live reminds us how lucky we are to have an orchestra of this caliber right here in New Jersey. Under Xian Zhang’s leadership, the Symphony continues to flourish musically and deepen its commitment to reflecting and serving our diverse communities.

As the season unfolds, there are many more opportunities to experience this world-class orchestra. Coming up later this month, Disney fans can enjoy Fantasia in Concert (Oct. 23–26) in Morristown, Red Bank, and New Brunswick. The following evening, don’t miss the northeast premiere of Beethoven X Beyoncé (Oct. 24), a genre-blending fusion of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and Beyoncé’s greatest hits.

In November, Rhapsody in Blue joins works by Florence Price and Carlos Simon (Nov. 6–9), with a special Discover Rhapsody in Blue family concert on Nov. 8 in Newark. Fans of classic rock and chamber music can also catch Kansas & the New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players (Nov. 2) at bergenPAC.

The holiday season brings festive favorites, including Elf in Concert (Dec. 6–7) in Newark and Red Bank, New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 12–27), and the beloved tradition of Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 19–21).

In the new year, the Symphony welcomes violinist Randall Goosby back to the stage (Jan. 8–11), then dives into a one-night-only performance of Elden Ring: Symphonic Adventure (Jan. 24), based on the award-winning fantasy video game. Rounding out January, Romeo & Juliet (Jan. 29–Feb. 1) will feature a collaboration with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.

These performances follow this weekend’s Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 concerts in Newark and Red Bank (Oct. 10–12), celebrating the opening weekend in grand style.

Explore the full schedule and get tickets at njsymphony.org.

Until next time, peace.