The Hopewell Valley Arts Council is set to present the premiere of The Sourland Symphony, a new musical work by Hopewell Valley guitarist and composer James Popik, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at the Hopewell Theater.
The performance, scheduled for 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 5 S. Greenwood Ave., will feature a nine-piece instrumental suite inspired by the beauty and mystery of the Sourland Mountains. The composition looks to blend elements of rock, jazz, classical and blues into what Popik describes as a “rich, acoustic soundscape.”
Popik and his ensemble will perform pieces evoking local landmarks, including “Woosamonsa Valley,” “Southside Spring,” “Roaring Rocks” and “Devils Half Acre Blues.”
“Popik has assembled an incredible cast of seasoned musicians to make this nine-song collection of instrumental offerings not only come to life, but … allows listeners to envision the very mountain(s) on which the music is based,” wrote Danny Coleman of New Jersey Stage Magazine.
Carol Lipson, executive director of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council, said the project highlights the area’s creative spirit.
“We are fortunate to have so many gifted artists living in Hopewell Valley,” Lipson said. “To have a local composer debut a major original work rooted in our own landscape is truly something special.”
Popik, who has performed more than 3,000 shows across 250 venues from Maine to New Orleans, said the Sourlands have long been a source of inspiration.
“I’ve found enormous inspiration from the Sourlands, and I am extremely grateful to the Arts Council for this opportunity to share the music with you all,” he said.
A Grammy-featured artist recently signed to Wayfarer Records, Popik has performed alongside Los Lonely Boys, Dave Mason, the Marshall Tucker Band, Steve Forbert and Robert Hazard, and has even appeared at the White House. Vinyl copies of The Sourland Symphony will be available for purchase at the event.
Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at hvartscouncil.org.
