New Jersey Symphony: Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances
About This Event
At NJPAC the New Jersey Symphony performs Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances in a program that lists bassist Christian McBride alongside the orchestra. McBride is a jazz bassist with collaborations including Kurt Rosenwinkel and Savannah Harris and regular appearances at the Village Vanguard. The New Jersey Symphony is a professional orchestra performing both classical and contemporary repertoire; the program pairs Rachmaninoff’s score with McBride’s jazz background.
About Symphonic Dances(symphony)
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s *Symphonic Dances* (1940) is a late orchestral triptych that distills his characteristic sweep into three concentrated panels—restless rhythm, nocturnal lyricism, and a final movement shadowed by recalled themes and quoted chant. Written after he left Russia, it often reads as a backward glance, with memory and unease held in balance. At David Geffen Hall, Santtu‑Matias Rouvali leads the New York Philharmonic in a program that places the work in the city’s ongoing tradition of orchestral modernity. One can hear it as Rachmaninoff’s most unsentimental self-portrait.
About the Artists
New Jersey Symphony
The New Jersey Symphony is a professional orchestra based in New Jersey, known for performing a wide range of classical and contemporary music.
Christian McBride
Step into the vibrant world of jazz with Christian McBride, a powerhouse bassist whose artistry has redefined the genre. With a career that spans collaborations with the likes of Kurt Rosenwinkel and Savannah Harris, McBride’s performances are a masterclass in musical synergy.
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Immerse yourself in the evocative melodies of Sergei Rachmaninoff, a luminary in the world of Romantic classical music. Revered for his intricate compositions and masterful piano performances, Rachmaninoff captivates audiences with a unique blend of lyrical expressiveness and complex textures.