The Hunterdon Symphony is opening its 2025-26 season with Equestrian Orchestrations, a concert keyed to a theme of horses. It’s set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in Raritan Township, N.J.
The symphony’s concerts often are performed around a theme, and conductor Lawrence Kursar liked the idea for this one.
“It’s such a Hunterdon County thing,” explained orchestra manager Barbara Volkov.
“You can’t really turn around in Hunterdon County without bumping into someone who has a connection with horses. You can see horse farms everywhere here.”
She also noted it plays into next year’s celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the country’s founding.
“Back in the day, everybody had a connection to horses, because you were either plowing with one or riding on one or you had a cart and that’s how you got around. Everybody knew horses.”
Selections to be played by the excellent regional orchestra include Franz von Suppé’s Light Cavalry Overture, Aaron Copland’s Red Pony Suite, Eric Whitacre’s Equus and Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite (if you’re looking for a connection to the theme on that one, remember that people ride down into the canyon on mules.)
The reception after the concert, which is free and open to all, will offer treats along the horse theme. How about oatmeal cookies and carrot cake.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click on this link.