Osmo Vänskä to Conduct The Philadelphia Orchestra in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center 4.21

(FOR RELEASE March 16, 2023)—Osmo Vänskä has graciously agreed to replace conductor Karina Canellakis in her upcoming appearances with The Philadelphia Orchestra on April 20, 21, and 22. Canellakis has withdrawn from the performances as she is expecting a child in May. Guest conductor Osmo Vänskä brings his energetic style to Bach's towering Third Symphony offering a vast ode to heroism, revolution, and freedom. The “Eroica” is considered by many to be the greatest of not just Beethoven's symphonies but the greatest of all time. Hailed by the New York Times as “one of the most admired pianists of his generation,” Inon Barnatan joins conductor Osmo Vänskä and the Orchestra for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24. Brooding, poignant themes set this concerto apart from Mozart’s others, along with its composition for a large orchestra featuring oboes and clarinets. The evening begins with pioneering Black composer Julia Perry’s rousing, blues-based Study for Orchestra, composed in 1952.   Conductor laureate of the Minnesota Orchestra, where he held the music directorship for 19 years, and music director of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra from 2020 to 2023, Osmo Vänskä is recognized for his compelling interpretations of repertoire and an energetic presence on the podium. His democratic and inclusive style of work has been key in forging long-standing relationships with many orchestras worldwide.

April 20, 2023, at 7:30 PM—Thursday evening—Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts  April 21, 2023, at 7:30 PM—Friday evening—Prudential Hall at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center  April 22, 2023, at 8:00 PM—Saturday evening—Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts   Osmo Vänskä Conductor?  Inon Barnatan Piano    Perry Study for Orchestra  Mozart Piano Concerto No. 24  Beethoven Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”)

About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted 10 million visitors (including more than 1.8 million children) since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.