Season opens with Berlioz and promises an immersive blend of classical masterpieces, American premieres, and multimedia experiences. The Livingston Symphony Orchestra is launching its 2025-26 season under the evocative theme “The Color of Sound,” promising audiences a journey through orchestral brilliance and the art of orchestration. The season opens on October 25, 2025, at Heritage Middle School in Livingston with a focus on the works of French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz. Music Director and conductor Anthony LaGruth will lead the program, which includes Berlioz’s vibrant Roman Carnival Overture and his dramatic Symphonie fantastique, accompanied by a lecture-demonstration exploring the revolutionary orchestration techniques that made Berlioz a trailblazer in classical music.
“The Color of Sound” aims to showcase the distinct textures and tonal qualities that orchestration brings to life, with LaGruth guiding audiences through the subtleties of each piece. The lecture-demonstrations will provide a deeper understanding of how instrument combinations, dynamics, and timbre shape the emotional landscape of orchestral music, creating an experience that is as educational as it is entertaining.
Following the season opener, the orchestra has curated a series of concerts that highlight both American composers and innovative programming. On December 13, 2025, The American Symphony will feature the first Livingston performances of Amy Beach’s Symphony in E minor, “Gaelic,” and Howard Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, “Romantic,” celebrating the rich contributions of American composers to the orchestral tradition. February 22, 2026, will present a Free Family Concert marking America’s 250th birthday, with a vibrant selection of works by Morton Gould, Aaron Copland, and George Gershwin, designed to engage listeners of all ages.
Spring programming continues the thematic exploration of color in music. April 11, 2026, titled The Color of Nature, includes Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major alongside a premiere by New Jersey composer Patrick Burns, emphasizing connections between music, environment, and imagination. The season concludes on June 6, 2026, with Pictures, a multimedia concert pairing Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition with Saint-Saëns’ Danse macabre and Stephen Paulus’ Voices from the Gallery, blending visual artistry with orchestral performance for a fully immersive experience.
The orchestra’s commitment to engaging the audience extends beyond the music itself. LaGruth will act as emcee for each concert, offering commentary on the orchestration, historical context, and interpretive decisions that shape the sound of each work. Patrons will leave with not only the thrill of live performance but also a heightened appreciation for the craft behind each note and musical texture.
With this season, the Livingston Symphony Orchestra continues its mission of bringing world-class performances to Northern New Jersey while highlighting both established and emerging composers. Audiences can expect a season rich in color, innovation, and musical storytelling that transforms each concert into a distinctive event. For updates, ticketing information, and further details on upcoming performances, visit https://explorenewjersey.org/theatre/.
The 2025-26 season of the Livingston Symphony Orchestra promises to be an unforgettable blend of tradition, innovation, and insight, offering music lovers a fresh perspective on the emotional and technical palette of the orchestra.
