In Monday’s (3/4) Star-Ledger (Newark, New Jersey), Ronni Reich writes, “Before the show began on Friday at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, a musician named a few universities with students in the audience for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s first College Night. The 150-or-so students screamed as their schools were named, and their enthusiasm was just as palpable as the concert ended with a sharp performance of Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition.’ Aimed at attracting young audiences—an elusive area for classical music—the event included $10 tickets and an after-party. Post-concert festivities included a red carpet and photo area fit for Instagrammers, as well as performance opportunities for musicians ranging from singer-songwriters to a cappella and clarinet ensembles. ‘Tweet seats’ were set aside during the show for audience members to follow program notes and share their reactions to the show via Twitter. … The young guest conductor Eugene Tzigane is a winner of multiple conducting competitions and a graduate of the Juilliard School, at which he received the Bruno Walter Memorial Scholarship. He led the NJSO with an engaging, theatrical and physically active style. He also brought galvanizing vigor, an exacting hand and nuanced ideas to the program’s main work.”
Posted March 4, 2013
