Turning 100, the New Jersey Symphony Sticks to Home

The New Jersey Symphony recently celebrated its centennial season with the question arising about whether the orchestra should play at Carnegie Hall. Despite having a history of performing at Carnegie Hall, the orchestra decided against it this time around. Gabriel van Aalst, the orchestra’s chief executive, felt strongly that the centennial celebration should take place in their home state, surrounded by their supporters and audiences.

The New Jersey Symphony has always been defined by what it is not, especially being sandwiched between two of the world’s greatest ensembles, the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra. However, the orchestra has distinguished itself through its programming ambition and community outreach. The musicians’ sense of unity and wanting to be together has been an important aspect of their success.

Since the orchestra’s debut in 1922, community outreach has been a priority in lowering ticket prices, creating children’s concerts, hiring local choruses, and appearing on the radio. Today, the orchestra prides itself on being responsive to community needs, engaging in bigger and richer Lunar New Year celebrations and performing Indian music in May, which aimed to connect with the state’s significant South Asian community.

In addition, the musicians’ contract has a strong chamber component that encourages participation in educational activities. As for the music itself, Xian Zhang, the music director, has been introducing the orchestra to repertory they hadn’t played before, like Mahler’s Third Symphony, and major commissions from composers based in New Jersey.

Ensuring that the New Jersey Symphony is seen as “your” orchestra, and not seen as one competing with the New York Philharmonic or the Philadelphia Orchestra, is critical to the institution’s future. There are hopes to build a building that the orchestra would own and to create a summer venue for the region. The orchestra’s commitment to commissioning new pieces from New Jersey’s composers instead of spending money to travel to Carnegie Hall reflects its forward-thinking approach and well-grounded priorities.