NJ Symphony Presents Works by Dvorak, Ravel & Dohnanyi This Weekend

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presents Dvorák's Fifth Symphony and Romance, alongside works by Ravel and Dohnányi, this weekend, April 24-26 in Newark and Red Bank. Guest conductor Christoph König returns to NJSO stages to conduct the Czech-flavored program, which opens with Dohnányi's The Veil of Pierrette; violinist Stefan Jackiw joins the Orchestra for Dvorák's Romance and Ravel's Tzigane.

Performances take place on Friday, April 24, at 8 pm and Sunday, April 26, at 3 pm at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark and Saturday, April 25, at 8 pm at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank.

The program's featured artists have garnered critical praise. König "exuded confidence and expertise as he led the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra," The Star-Ledger wrote, praising the "plush, expansive sound" the conductor drew from the Orchestra in his 2012 appearance.

The Boston Globe writes that Jackiw "naturally has all the requisite virtuosity and technical firepower one would expect from a young soloist these days, but [he places] technique at the service of a notably refined sense of artistry."

The Orchestra presents multiple NJSO Accent events during the weekend. The NJSO and Newark's Gallery Aferro will team up for a special Accent event targeted to patrons aged 21-49 on April 24. Attendees will enjoy a pre-concert cocktail party at the gallery beginning at 6 pm; the Orchestra will provide shuttle service from NJPAC to and from the gallery. Additional information is available at www.njsymphony.org/artsaccent.

On April 25, patrons can experience the "Best of the Wurst" at a Czech-inspired beer garden on Count Basie Theatre's private covered patio. The event will feature Czech beer, a variety of sausages and other regional favorites. Bahrs Landing, a family-owned restaurant in Highlands that has been featured in The New York Times and The Star-Ledger, will cater. Admission to the beer garden is $30 and includes food and a drink; advance registrations are required. Additional information is available at www.njsymphony.org/wurst.

A Classical Conversation with NJSO Associate Concertmaster Brennan Sweet and Jackiw begins at 7 pm on April 24. NJSO Education & Community Engagement Conductor Jeffrey Grogan gives a preview of the Orchestra's 2015-16 season at 2 pm on April 26.

Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase online at www.njsymphony.org or by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

Admission to Arts Accent is included in the cost of a concert ticket; patrons should reserve by using promo code APRIL24 when purchasing tickets.

Admission tickets to the Best of the Wurst beer garden are $30 per person. Advance reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Patron Services at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or order online by selecting the Best of the Wurst option after adding the April 25 concert to your shopping cart.

THE PROGRAM:

König Conducts Dvorák

Friday, April 24 at 8 pm | NJPAC in Newark

Saturday, April 25 at 8 pm | Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank

Sunday, April 26 at 3 pm | NJPAC in Newark

Christoph König, conductor

Stefan Jackiw, violin

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

DOHNÁNYI The Veil of Pierrette

DVO?ÁK Romance

RAVEL Tzigane

DVO?ÁK Symphony No. 5

Full concert information is available at www.njsymphony.org/events/detail/koenig-conducts-dvorak.

NJSO ACCENTS:

Inspired by the concerts and designed to inspire audiences, NJSO Accents are pre- or post-concert events that complement the concert experience and provide audience members with more opportunities to personally connect with the music and music makers. Learn more at www.njsymphony.org/accents.

Classical Conversation-Fri, Apr 24

A Classical Conversation with NJSO Associate Concertmaster Brennan Sweet and guest violinist Stefan Jackiw begins one hour before the performance (free to ticketholders).

Arts Accent-Fri, Apr 24

Arts Accent is an exclusive evening designed for a different brand of concertgoer-the cultural vanguard who expects it all: music and mingling, art and appearances and an experience that beats expectations. Enjoy a cocktail party at Gallery Aferro from 6-7:15 pm, then take complimentary shuttle service to NJPAC for the Orchestra's 8 pm concert. Additional information is available at www.njsymphony.org/artsaccent.

Best of the Wurst-Sat, Apr 25

Relax before the concert, enjoy the late spring weather and mingle with friends and concertgoers on the Count Basie Theatre's private covered patio! This Czech-inspired beer garden party will feature a variety of sausages, other regional favorites and one free beverage from the Count Basie bar-including a featured Czech beer on tap! Get admission to the party, best-available orchestra level seats dinner and one free drink for just $69! Additional information is available at www.njsymphony.org/wurst.

2015-16 Preview-Sun, Apr 26

Arrive an hour before the concert to get an insider's view of the NJSO's new season.

THE ARTISTS:

Christoph König, conductor - A conductor of deep intelligence and musicality, Christoph König has been astounding and inspiring audiences in North America since his first appearance on the continent in May 2010. His performances are marked by an energetic and serious approach to musical collaboration, as well as a commitment to thoughtful and stimulating programming. He currently holds positions as principal conductor and music director of the Solistes Européens in Luxembourg and principal guest conductor of the Real Filharmonia de Galicia.

Following a string of recent successes with the Baltimore, Cincinnati and Oregon symphonies, König made debuts this season with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He also has conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the symphonies of Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Calgary, Colorado, Milwaukee, Pacific (Costa Mesa) and Vancouver, among others.

König was born in Dresden, Germany, where he sang as a boy soprano in the famous Dresdner Kreuzchor. He later studied conducting, as well as piano and voice, at the Hochschule für Musik in Dresden. More information is available at www.christophkoenig.at.

Stefan Jackiw, violin - Violinist Stefan Jackiw is recognized as one of his generation's most significant artists, captivating audiences with playing that combines poetry and purity with an impeccable technique. Jackiw has appeared as soloist with the Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco symphony orchestras, among others, and he has collaborated with many renowned conductors. He is also an active recitalist and chamber musician.

Highlights of Jackiw's 2014-15 season include a tour of Australia performing works by Mendelssohn with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and appearances with the Philharmonische Orchester Heidelberg, Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia de la Coruna, Dortmunder Philharmoniker, Tampere Philharmonic and the Detroit, Oregon, Fort Worth and BBC Scottish symphonies.

Stefan Jackiw began playing the violin at the age of 4. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and an Artist Diploma from the New England Conservatory, and he is the recipient of a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. He lives in New York City. More information is available at www.stefanjackiw.com.

THE NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra embodies that vitality through its statewide presence and critically acclaimed performances, education partnerships and unparalleled access to music and the Orchestra's superb musicians.

Under the bold leadership of Music Director Jacques Lacombe, the NJSO presents classical, pops and family programs, as well as outdoor summer concerts and special events. Embracing its legacy as a statewide orchestra, the NJSO is the resident orchestra of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark and regularly performs at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, Richardson Auditorium in Princeton, Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and bergenPAC in Englewood. Partnerships with New Jersey arts organizations, universities and civic organizations remain a key element of the Orchestra's statewide identity.

In addition to its lauded artistic programming, the NJSO presents a suite of education and community engagement programs that promote meaningful, lifelong engagement with live music. Programs include the three-ensemble NJSO Youth Orchestras, school-time Concerts for Young People performances and multiple offerings-including the El Sistema-inspired NJSO CHAMPS (Character, Achievement and Music Project)-that provide and promote in-school instrumental instruction as part of the NJSO Academy. The NJSO's REACH (Resources for Education and Community Harmony) chamber music program annually brings original programs-designed and performed by NJSO musicians-to a variety of settings, reaching as many as 17,000 people in nearly all of New Jersey's 21 counties.

For more information about the NJSO, visit www.njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org. Tickets are available for purchase by phone 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or on the Orchestra's website.