New Jersey Symphony Presents an All-Choral Concert of Mozart’s Requiem and More at Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center, April 16 + 18, 2026

featuring Mei Gui Zhang (soprano), Taylor Raven (mezzo-soprano), Eric Ferring (tenor), Dashon Burton (baritone), Montclair State University Chorale and New Jersey Symphony led by Xian Zhang (conductor)

This all-choral program also features Fauré’s Pavane and Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer. A slowly winding melody that started as a simple little five-minute piano solo, Fauré reimagined his Pavane for orchestra by adding the rich sound of a chorus, subsequently becoming his greatest hit. Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer comprises beautiful songs of a broken heart Mahler wrote as he took solace in nature after being spurned in love. Special guest bass-baritone Dashon Burton sings the suite with his “enormous, thrilling voice (Wall Street Journal),” of “nobility and rich tone (The New York Times).”            

About New Jersey Symphony            
The New Jersey Symphony is a GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning orchestra. Under the direction of the Music Director Xian Zhang, the Symphony performs more than 60 concerts at mainstage venues across the state, including Newark, Princeton, New Brunswick, Red Bank and Morristown as well as schools and public spaces statewide. Programming at the Symphony reflects an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while providing students across the state unparalleled opportunities to achieve musical excellence through its Youth Orchestra and other outreach programs. In 2024, the Symphony announced it would continue to deliver its statewide activities from a new, permanent office, rehearsal and concert space in Jersey City, set to open in January 2027. For more information about New Jersey Symphony, visit njsymphony.org.                 

About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is an anchor cultural institution for both the city of Newark and the state of New Jersey. It is an artistic, cultural, educational and civic center where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings communities together both on and off of our campus – on stages, in schools and community settings – providing access to the arts for 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 Social Impact programs, NJPAC leverages the arts to advance positive outcomes in education, health and well-being, civic engagement and community development. NJPAC has attracted more than 12.7 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997. Learn more at njpac.org.                
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Program + Ticketing:                 
Thu, April 16 at 1:30 p.m. + Sat, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), One Center Street, Newark, NJ, 07102
Tickets: $34+. Reserve tickets by visiting NJPAC.org or call 1-888-696-5722.
The April 16 concert is a Relaxed Performance designed to accommodate the differing needs of patrons of all abilities, including individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, or cognitive and physical differences. 

Performers:
New Jersey Symphony
Xian Zhang, conductor
Mei Gui Zhang, soprano
Taylor Raven, mezzo-soprano
Eric Ferring, tenor
Dashon Burton, baritone
Montclair State University Chorale
Heather J. Buchanan, director of MSU Chorale

GABRIEL FAURÉ                                                Pavane
GUSTAV MAHLER                                              Songs of a Wayfarer
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART                     Requiem

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