When certain composers or pieces have become ensconced in the repertoire, it’s very easy to take them for granted. But, as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s new music director, Xian Zhang, reveals, it’s often hard work to make the familiar sound effortless.

“People know Tchaikovsky, in a way – you know, the most popular works – but if you look deeper, it’s not that easy to make it sound good,” she says. “The Fifth is one of the most popular symphonies. We have to actually work very hard to make it sound as good as people expect.”

It’s certainly worth noting, as the orchestra prepares three favorites by one of classical music’s most beloved composers. Simon Trpčeski will be the soloist in Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. In addition, Zhang will conduct the Polonaise from his opera “Eugene Onegin” and the Symphony No. 5.

The program will mark Zhang’s debut as the orchestra’s music director, with appearances at four different venues across the state. Remaining performances will take place at Richardson Auditorium in Princeton (tonight at 8), the State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick (tomorrow night at 8), and the Mayo Performing Arts Center – MPAC in Morristown (Sunday at 3).

Find out more in my article in today’s Trenton Times:

http://www.nj.com/times-entertainment/index.ssf/2016/10/classical_music_njso_performin_2.html