Ellington & Dvořák: New Worlds at State Theatre New Jersey

Robert Spano conductor Aaron Diehl piano Aaron Diehl Trio New Jersey Symphony

The first half of the season-opener celebrates the invaluable art of Black composers past and present. Valerie Coleman’s Umoja launches the concert, and William Grant Still and Duke Ellington paint lush musical portraits of a hopeful future. On the second half, Dvořák’s Ninth was inspired by Indigenous and Black song, and since its 1893 premiere has been an absolute audience favorite. Jazz pianist Aaron Diehl and his Trio star with the New Jersey Symphony—all led by one of America’s most acclaimed conductors, Robert Spano.

Valerie Coleman Umoja Still Out of the Silence Ellington New World A-Comin’ Dvoák Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”