Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra at Count Basie Center for the Arts

Program Update

Conductor Ruth Reinhardt is happily expecting her first child and has withdrawn from her upcoming performances with the New Jersey Symphony. On the advice of her doctors, she is unable to travel for these concerts. In her place will be conductor Markus Stenz. Opening the program will be Louise Farrenc’s Overture No. 1 in E Minor in place of Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances. Due to visa processing delays, Eva Gevorgyan is unfortunately unable to travel to the United States for the March 12–15 performances. We welcome Albert Cano Smit to play in her stead, who will continue to play Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

Markus Stenz conductor Albert Cano Smit piano New Jersey Symphony

Music has a life-giving force and uncanny power of resilience. Bela Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra was written on what many thought was the composer’s deathbed, but bringing it into the world gave the composer new life—and gave audiences one of the most radiant pieces of music ever written. Meanwhile, Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto reminds us of humanity’s capacity for beauty, and Farrenc's Overture No. 1 in E Minor opens the concert with rousing rhythms.

Louise Farrenc Overture No. 1 in E Minor Frédéric Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 Béla Bartók Concerto for Orchestra