A new musical tribute to the Sourland Mountains will make its debut this weekend as the Hopewell Valley Arts Council presents The Sourland Symphony, an original nine-piece instrumental work by acclaimed local guitarist and composer James Popik.
The performance will take place Sunday, December 7, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hopewell Theater. Tickets are $60 and are available through the Arts Council.
The multi-genre suite — blending rock, jazz, classical, and blues — is inspired by the beauty and rugged character of the Sourlands, the region’s most prominent natural landscape. Across nine movements, Popik and his ensemble lead listeners through a series of place-based soundscapes, from the joyful “Woosamonsa Valley” to the sweeping “Southside Spring.” The work also includes pieces such as “Roaring Rocks” and “Devils Half Acre Blues,” drawing directly from well-known Sourland landmarks.
Early reviews have praised the project’s ambition and atmosphere. New Jersey Stage Magazine described the performance as “a sonic journey through which, if one closes their eyes, they can envision the very mountain(s) on which the music is based.”
Carol Lipson, executive director of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, said the premiere highlights the depth of creative talent within the community. “We are fortunate to have so many gifted artists living in Hopewell Valley,” she said. “To have a local composer debut a major original work rooted in our own landscape is truly something special.”
Popik — a Grammy-featured artist who recently signed a multi-release contract with Wayfarer Records — has performed more than 3,000 shows across 250 venues nationwide, including an appearance at the White House. Vinyl copies of The Sourland Symphony will be available for purchase at the event.
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council encourages residents to attend the premiere and to consider supporting its mission through membership or donation as it continues to promote and celebrate local artists.
EVENT DETAILS
Sourland Symphony Premiere
Sunday, December 7, 2025 • 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Hopewell Theater, 5 S. Greenwood Avenue, Hopewell, NJ
Tickets: $60 • Doors open one hour before the show.
General admission; all ticket sales are final.
For accessible seating or ticket assistance: [email protected].
