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Performance review: Gershwin & Tchaikovsky

Symphony Review

The Jacksonville Symphony presented an enjoyable and heady program in two concerts over Friday and Saturday nights. The Marcus Roberts Trio joined the orchestra, bringing an electric presence to the stage, while renowned conductor Robert Spano gathered the ensembles together with grace and intensity. The combined musical results conveyed an especially urgent message of collaboration. Through this weekend’s performance of … Read More

Behind the bows: The Jacksonville Symphony Celebrates Black History Month

Jacksonville Symphony Newsletter

In honor of Black History Month, the Jacksonville Symphony highlights the remarkable contributions of African American composers and artists, alongside our diverse programming and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) efforts throughout the 2024/25 Season. Follow us on Instagram for weekly updates on how we are celebrating Black History Month and showcasing these important initiatives. Groundbreaking musical visionaries: African American composers … Read More

Outside the hall: The Jacksonville Symphony brings Violins of Hope to the community

Jacksonville Symphony Newsletter

“Remember me, remember us. Life is good. Celebrate it for those who perished, for those who survived—for all people.” This poignant message resonates through the Violins of Hope, a collection of instruments that survived the Holocaust. Once played by Jewish musicians before and during World War II, these violins, violas and cellos embody stories of resilience and humanity. Lovingly restored … Read More

Under the spotlight: A symphony of solidarity with Violins of Hope

Jacksonville Symphony Newsletter

On February 15, the Jacksonville Symphony invites the community to experience the transformative power of music with Violins of Hope: Building Bridges Through the Power of Music in Jacoby Symphony Hall. Led by Music Director Courtney Lewis, this performance features violins that once belonged to Holocaust victims. These instruments carry profound stories of resilience, creating an unforgettable evening of music … Read More

Beyond the barriers: Q&A With Avshi Weinstein

Jacksonville Symphony Newsletter

Knowing that the Violins of Hope collection features instruments with deeply personal and historical significance, can you share how you and your father approached the delicate task of restoring these instruments, ensuring both their musical and emotional legacy are preserved?   “We do quite an extensive restoration. Of course, each instrument is different and in different condition. If there are cracks, … Read More

Performance Review: Alexei Plays Dvořák

Symphony Review

Jacksonville Symphony’s Cinematic-Scale Encounter with Vaughan Williams, Dvořák and Lam In an attempt to inspire movie-goers back to the cinema post-COVID-19, the theater chain AMC Theatres showed an uncharacteristic but now widely popular commercial before its movies. Nicole Kidman, the star of the ad, describes the film-viewing experience with a candor and focused drama that resonated across generations—earnestly with older … Read More

Additions to traditions: Jacksonville Symphony adds two new programs to holiday season offerings

Jacksonville Symphony Newsletter

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 … Read More

Behind the bows: Q&A with Alexei Romanenko on Dvořák’s Cello Concerto

Jacksonville Symphony Newsletter

Dvořák’s Cello Concerto is a monumental work in the cello repertoire. How do you approach the emotional depth and complexity of this piece in your interpretation? “[Antonín] Dvořák wrote this concerto during a tumultuous time near the end of his three years in the U.S. There were complications with his employment as Director of the National Conservatory of Music in … Read More

Under the spotlight: MILOŠ revives the classical guitar with the Jacksonville Symphony

Jacksonville Symphony Newsletter

The Jacksonville Symphony is proud to welcome MILOŠ, one of today’s most celebrated classical guitarists, to the stage for the Florida Blue Classical Series performances of Rodrigo & Ravel’s Boléro on November 8 and 9. Led by Associate Conductor Kevin Fitzgerald, this highly anticipated event features Joaquín Rodrigo’s iconic Concierto de Aranjuez, alongside Maurice Ravel’s enchanting Boléro and Alborada del … Read More

Beyond the barriers: Nathaniel Efthimiou leads the JSYO for a triumphant season ahead

Jacksonville Symphony Newsletter

Nathaniel Efthimiou has officially embarked on his first season as the Music Director of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) and Assistant Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony, holding the Winston Family Endowed Chair. On November 10, he leads the JSYO through a successful opening performance of their 2024/25 Season, the Fall Concert, which showcases the talents of the Foundation Strings, … Read More