New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Music Director Jacques Lacombe Extends Contract Through 2016

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Music Director Jacques Lacombe has extended his contract through the 2015–16 season, the Orchestra has announced.

The acclaimed music director, who began his tenure with the NJSO in 2010, will continue in that capacity for three years beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of August 2013.

"My experiences as Music Director of the NJSO over the past two seasons have been both enjoyable and creatively stimulating," Lacombe says. "I have relished the opportunity to bring this great Orchestra to venues throughout and beyond New Jersey, and I have appreciated the chance to become familiar with wonderful, diverse communities across the state. I am thrilled to extend my relationship with the NJSO, and I look forward to continuing to present captivating programs and to interacting with the audiences and communities of New Jersey."

Since becoming the NJSO's Music Director in October 2010, Lacombe has garnered praise from critics and audiences for his creative programming and his talents on the podium. Under Lacombe's leadership, the NJSO has presented daring new programs and engaged in inspired collaborations with other institutions in New Jersey and beyond. Highlights of the NJSO's "Man & Nature" Winter Festivals have included performances of Tan Dun's Water Concerto, Scriabin's Prometheus: The Poem of Fire-with a realization of the composer's "color organ"-and the commissioning of the Francesca Harper Project to create original choreography for Beethoven's ballet The Creatures of Prometheus.

NJSO Board Co-Chair Ruth Lipper says: "Jacques has invigorated the Orchestra both on and off stage, with fresh takes on beloved orchestral music, an investment in new and deserving works and a desire to be a part of the New Jersey communities in which the NJSO makes its home. We are thrilled that he will continue to lead the Orchestra beyond next season."