The State Theatre in New Brunswick has announced its Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ’s intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with a post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans an opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for series range from $20 to $30.
The four-concert classical series, inspired by both tradition and innovation, explores distinct facets of the classical repertoire — from American voices and timeless masterworks to virtuosic solo performances and bold contemporary collaborations.
The three rock concerts in the series are inspired by the glory days of New Brunswick’s underground rock scene, providing concertgoers with a musical environment where the line between performer and audience disappears.
Concerts in the classical series include:
New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra. Sunday, February 15, 3 p.m. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this performance featuring the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra will include works composed by American composers or inspired by the ideals that drove the Founding Fathers and their compatriots to action. The program will include Jennifer Higdon’s moving Amazing Grace, Antonín Dvořák’s celebrated American Quartet, Samuel Barber’s singular String Quartet in B minor, and more. Founded in 1960 as a community ensemble, the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra has evolved over six decades into one of central New Jersey’s most vibrant professional orchestras.
Stephen Jacobs, classical guitar. Sunday, February 22, 3 p.m. Classical guitarist Stephen Jacobs presents an evening of masterworks by Barrios, Brouwer, Albéniz, Villa-Lobos, and more. His interpretations blend refined technique with quiet intensity, shaped by a musical life spanning concert halls, composition, and years performing in acclaimed rock ensembles. Jacobs brings an imaginative poet’s sensitivity and a storyteller’s spirit to this richly evocative repertoire.
Sooyeon Jun, violin. Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m. Internationally trained virtuoso violinist Sooyeon Jun, accompanied by pianist Dora Galit, presents an evening of lush classical repertoire culminating in Brahms’s luminous Violin Sonata No. 2. With a career of performances spanning Carnegie Hall, Salzburg, Berlin, and beyond, Jun brings commanding artistry and lyrical depth to an enchanting, inspiring program of classics.
The X Ensemble. Sunday, May 17, 3 p.m. The X Ensemble will present a spirited classical trio performance highlighted by two premieres: a brand-new work by pianist Neil Alexander and inventive variations on a familiar traditional theme. Performing alongside Alexander is violinist Fung Chern Hwei (Sirius Quartet) and multi-reed artist Brad Hubbard (World Saxophone Quartet).
Concerts in the rock series include:
Always Now. Thursday, March 12, 7:30 p.m. Trio Always Now invites audiences into a cinematic, multidimensional folk-rock experience rooted in presence and connection. With lush harmonies and poetic storytelling, their music carries the 3-part vocal harmony of Crosby, Stills and Nash, the introspective depth of Joni Mitchell, and the emotional electricity of Fleetwood Mac.
The Patrice Pike Band. Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m. With soulful vocals and fearless storytelling, Patrice Pike, the magnetic former frontwoman of Austin’s acclaimed Sister Seven, brings hope, fire, and raw humanity to the stage, tackling hard truths while lifting audiences with resilience and joy.
Adoraborealis: Live and in Two Persons. Thursday, May 28, 7:30 p.m. Singer/songwriter Mike Messer and guitarist Tom McCaffrey unleash swirling electric textures, funky acoustic rhythms, and soaring vocals, mixing sharp humor, abstract storytelling, and unmistakable chemistry into an immersive live experience that is intimate and explosive.
The State Theatre is located at 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. For tickets or more information, call 732-246-7469 or visit STNJ.org.
