New Jersey Symphony: Opening Weekend: Beethoven’s “Emperor” & Schubert’s “Great”

Xian Zhang conductor
George Li piano
New Jersey Symphony

A new season begins with two of Classical music’s most epic works. Music Director Xian Zhang introduced George Li to New Jersey audiences 10 years ago and he’s since become a true local favorite, returning now for Beethoven’s heroic “Emperor” Piano Concerto. Schubert’s final symphony, also known as “The Great,” was lost in a drawer and never performed during his lifetime—its songful grandeur is one of the wonders of the Romantic era.

Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor”
Franz Schubert Symphony No. 9 in C Major, “The Great”