Usually you’ll find Rick Steves touring the great destinations of Europe. Now you can join him on a different journey: A Symphonic Journey. In this unique concert, Rick Steves teams up with the New Jersey Symphony for a performance that combines Europe’s most stirring romantic-era anthems with beautiful high-definition cinematography and Rick’s insights into European history.  

Podium powerhouse Valentina Peleggi debuts with a kaleidoscopic program of childlike wonder, symphonic muscle, and dizzying virtuosity—with enough warmth for the coldest January night. Plus, Blake Pouliot, “one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime” (Toronto Star) dazzles with Mozart’s final and most beloved violin concerto.  

Legendary violinist Gil Shaham makes a welcome New Jersey return, joining with Xian Zhang for Dvořák’s only violin concerto, brimming with Bohemian character. This virtuosic concerto is paired with a fizzing Dvořák Overture and Brahms’ most personal Symphony—both bucolic and contemplative.  

Internationally acclaimed pianists Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis go head-to-head on stage, charming and enchanting audiences with a variety of classical pieces. The two artists, with distinctly different performance styles, take turns to perform pieces by leading classical composers. Who performs it best? You decide! 

Christoph Kӧnig made his US debut in 2009 conducting your New Jersey Symphony in Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. Now one of the orchestra’s closest musical friends, he returns to this piece that started it all. Plus, be the first to hear a world premiere from Resident Artistic Partner Allison Loggins-Hull.  

A musical tour around the world—Xian Zhang is your travel agent as we journey from the Nordic chill of Finland with Sibelius’ nationalistic overture, to the warmth and fire of Latin America with Gabriela Montero’s thrilling concerto, coming home with Dvořák’s love letter to America, the “New World” Symphony.  

Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy in Star Wars: A New Hope. Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, Luke is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begins Luke’s Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil...