Sounds of Resistance

A powerful season opening concert about courage, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of oppression. From Sibelius’ stirring cry for freedom in Finlandia, to Vaughan Williams’ luminous and timeless meditation on faith and beauty, to Shostakovich’s monumental Fifth Symphony (written under the shadow of Soviet control) this program explores music as both refuge and resistance.

Jean Sibelius — Finlandia

Ralph Vaughan Williams — Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

Dmitri Shostakovich — Symphony No. 5

Celebrating 250 Years of the American Woman

A vibrant concert honoring the creativity, strength, and brilliance of American women in music. Presented as part of America’s 250th anniversary, this program celebrates women composers across generations – from Libby Larsen’s jazzy, high-energy Collage: Boogie, to Augusta Read Thomas’ luminous Of Paradise and Light, to Jennifer Higdon’s bold and charismatic Tuba Concerto featuring Dr. Jasmine Pigott. The concert culminates with Florence Price’s groundbreaking First Symphony, a sweeping and powerful work by one of America’s most important musical voices.

Libby Larsen — Collage: Boogie

Augusta Read Thomas — Of Paradise and Light

Jennifer Higdon — Tuba Concerto
Dr. Jasmine Pigott, tuba

Florence Price — Symphony No. 1 in E minor

Holiday Pops

A joyful South Jersey holiday tradition for the whole family. Led by Matthew Oberstein, PSNJ Conductor Laureate, Holiday Pops is one of our most beloved concerts each year – filled with festive favorites, seasonal warmth, and the unmistakable excitement of the holidays. Bring family and friends, celebrate the season, and enjoy an afternoon of music that has become an audience favorite year after year.

Matthew Oberstein, conductor
PSNJ Conductor Laureate

The French Connection

An afternoon of color, elegance, and unmistakable French flair. From the hypnotic pulse of Ravel’s Boléro, to Debussy’s dreamlike Afternoon of a Faun, to Françaix’s sparkling concerto featuring PSNJ’s own principal winds, this program captures the beauty, wit, and brilliance of French orchestral music. The concert concludes with Saint-Saëns’ thrilling Organ Symphony – a grand, unforgettable work that fills the hall with power and radiance.

Paul Dukas — La Péri: Fanfare

Maurice Ravel — Boléro

Claude Debussy — Prélude à “L’après-midi d’un faune” (Afternoon of a Faun)

Jean Françaix — Concerto for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet & Bassoon
PSNJ Principal Winds, soloists

Camille Saint-Saëns — Symphony No. 3 in C minor, “Organ Symphony”

“Inno alla gioia” – A Hymn to Joy

The Royal Philharmonic Society’s Commission and Premiere of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

After years of anticipation (including a planned PSNJ performance cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic) Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony finally takes the PSNJ stage with full orchestra, choir, and vocal soloists. From its dramatic opening to its triumphant final chorus, the Ninth remains one of the most powerful statements of hope, humanity, and joy ever created.

In a special connection to the Royal Philharmonic Society’s historic commission of the symphony and its London premiere, PSNJ will perform the choral finale in Italian. This long-awaited performance brings our community together for a work PSNJ has been waiting years to share. We hope you will join us, and enjoy this special moment.

Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125
Performed with chorus and vocal soloists