About the Jacksonville Symphony
Our mission is to enrich the human spirit through symphonic music.
In its 75 seasons, the Jacksonville Symphony has brought exceptional, enthralling music to listeners in the community, across Florida and far beyond. Music Director Courtney Lewis takes his step on the conductor’s podium for his tenth season to lead some of the world’s finest musicians in performances that continue to reach new levels of artistic excellence. As one of Northeast Florida’s most revered cultural institutions, the Symphony is committed to bringing the legacy of classical, pops and other genres of music to life.
Led by President and CEO Steven Libman, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 165,000 individuals through over 95 performances every season in its acoustically superior home of Jacoby Symphony Hall and in venues throughout the state of Florida. Founded in 1949, the Symphony now enjoys a national, distinguished reputation.
In its commitment to making a difference through music, the Symphony is a crucial leader in the community for introducing the joy of music to families through several programs that foster music education. The Symphony believes every child should have access to music education and serves four county school districts and over 43,000 students while offering free tickets to children under the age of 18 for select Florida Blue Classical concerts. Its Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) also serve more than 300 talented musicians from all over Northeast Florida. The six levels of ensembles within JSYO fulfill the needs of all musicians with individualized, ability-specific instruction, so students can improve their skills and maintain the highest standards of performing.
Continuing with its core belief that music is for all, the Symphony kicks off the season with two community concerts that are free to the public, so everyone can experience the awe and joy of a live, symphonic performance. Ensembles also tour across the region to bring the joy of music to smaller venues. As a pioneer of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, the Symphony further builds upon its robust, strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusion growth, making symphonic music reflective of and accessible to the communities it serves.
The Symphony’s performance home, Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall, is an acoustic gem and offers an intimate and acoustically-superior concert experience. Over the years, the Jacksonville Symphony has hosted some of the most dynamic and esteemed artists of the music world including Isaac Stern, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Marilyn Horne, Luciano Pavarotti, Itzhak Perlman, Kathleen Battle, Mstislav Rostopovich, Audra McDonald, Joshua Bell, Lang Lang, Alisa Weilerstein, Branford Marsalis, Renée Fleming and Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
The Jacksonville Symphony is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras, the Sphinx Organization’s National Alliance for Audition Support and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.
