The holiday season at the Jacksonville Symphony is shaping up to be more magical than ever with the introduction of two thrilling additions: Big Band Holiday and Holiday Brass, Organ & Percussion. Known for its annual favorites like Holiday Pops, Handel’s Messiah and First Coast Nutcracker, this year’s 75th Season celebrations promise to be bigger and brighter.
Now in its second season, the Symphony’s JP Morgan Chase & Co. Jazz Series presents electric programs focusing on unique eras of jazz in Jacoby Symphony Hall, each featuring jazz musicians at the top of their game. As part of this season’s offerings, Big Band Holiday takes center stage on November 24 as part of the Greta Challen Berg Artist Series. Curated by James Jenkins—who is also principal tubist for the Symphony—this performance features the Jacksonville Jazz Collective and electrifying big band jazz arrangements.
Jenkins states that the program combines the energy of big band jazz with holiday classics, creating a concert that’s as spirited as the season itself. It’s going to be a high-energy, rhythm-packed show that will have people dancing in their seats.
“What will Santa Claus say when he finds everybody in Jacoby Hall swinging,” asks Jenkins. “We look forward to joyfully discovering the answer to this and other questions as we present holiday favorites in the Big Band style. Come enjoy a little ‘Charlie Brown Xmas’ and Stan Kenton Band’s ‘O Holy Night.’ Celebrate the talent and artistry of a few of our local arrangers while hearing the inspiration a jazz legend such as Duke Ellington has drawn from the Russian classical composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. You may even encounter a vocal surprise, bringing extra festive flair in this vibrant Jazz Series and holiday season kickoff.”
To round out the holiday celebrations, Holiday Brass, Organ & Percussion takes over Jacoby Symphony Hall on December 19. Led by guest conductor Matthew Wardell, the performance spotlights the monumental Bryan Concert Organ, played by master organist Greg Zelek, along with the brass and percussion musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony.
For those unfamiliar, the Bryan Concert Organ is affectionately known as “the heart” of Jacoby Symphony Hall. At over 112 years old, it’s a historic instrument, once rebuilt and now housed in one of the nation’s most acoustically stunning halls. Each year, it’s showcased in the Symphony’s Concert Organ Series, but this holiday program will highlight the full range of its 6,200 pipes, from booming melodies that shake the rafters to delicate, warm tones perfect for beloved carols.
“I am thrilled to be back for my fourth season as the Organ Series Curator of the Jacksonville Symphony, with a program that will get everyone into the holiday spirit! With the perfect combination of organ, brass and timpani, we will perform fan-favorite holiday tunes, both together in ensemble, as well as solo works that will be familiar to all who attend,” said Zelek. “Bring your family and friends to hear the great Bryan Concert Organ like you’ve never heard it before, and I look forward to celebrating with you all!”
Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast looking for something new or a fan of grand holiday music, this season at the Jacksonville Symphony offers something for everyone.
For tickets and more information, visit JaxSymphony.org.
