Performance Review: Brahms’ German Requiem The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus teamed up with baritone John Michael Moore, soprano Joélle Harvey and the University of North Florida Chorale and Chamber Singers to present “Brahms’ German Requiem” this weekend. This generous program of German Romantic music featured Gustav Mahler’s “Songs of a Wayfarer” alongside the eponymous work by Johannes Brahms. Songs … Read More
Program Notes: Brahms’ German Requiem
Program Notes: Brahms’ German Requiem Jacksonville Symphony 2022/23 Florida Blue Classical Series Gustav Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer Mahler was better known during his lifetime as a conductor than a composer. Today he is celebrated for his symphonies, which are massive, lengthy works. He also composed many songs whose texts often relate to his personal and spiritual journey. He sought … Read More
Performance Review: Bach, Beethoven & Brahms
Performance Review: Bach, Beethoven & Brahms The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Florida Blue Classical Series returned in fine form this weekend with “Bach, Beethoven and Brahms,” a generous and highly enjoyable program consisting of works by three of the most beloved composers in the classical canon. Orchestral Suite No. 3, by Johann Sebastian Bach Music Director Courtney Lewis led a small … Read More
Jacksonville Symphony Extends Contract with Music Director Courtney Lewis
Jacksonville Symphony Extends Contract with Music Director Courtney Lewis The Jacksonville Symphony proudly announces that Courtney Lewis, Music Director, and the Board of Directors have agreed to extend his contract through June 30, 2027. Lewis has served as the Jacksonville Symphony’s Music Director since 2015, a position permanently endowed by Haskell in 2009. This will be his third contract … Read More
Program Notes: Bach, Beethoven & Brahms
Program Notes: Bach, Beethoven & Brahms Jacksonville Symphony 2022/23 Florida Blue Classical Series Johann Sebastian Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 A titan of the German Baroque, Bach is considered by many to be among the greatest of all Classical composers. He spent his early career as organist or Kapellmeister in small German cities. He married twice and had 21 children. … Read More
Program Notes: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1
Program Notes: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 Jacksonville Symphony 2022/23 Florida Blue Classical Series Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture Shostakovich spent much of his career in reaction against the Soviet regime. A brilliant pianist, he began his career playing piano in silent movie houses. His 15 symphonies and 15 string quartets are 20th century landmarks. He was a classicist at heart, … Read More
The Jacksonville Symphony Furthers DEI Strides and Welcomes Visiting Sphinx Violist Carlos Lozano
The Jacksonville Symphony Furthers DEI Strides and Welcomes Visiting Sphinx Violist Carlos Lozano Through robust Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the Jacksonville Symphony is making sure that symphonic music is accessible to all, both on and off the stage. Part of the Symphony’s DEI strategy is to diversify audiences who attend the Symphony’s concerts and to recruit and retain … Read More
Jacksonville Symphony Names Grant O’Brien as Music Director for JSYO
Jacksonville Symphony Names Grant O’Brien as Music Director for the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras The Jacksonville Symphony proudly announces that Grant O’Brien has been appointed as the newest Music Director for the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO). O’Brien is a conductor, composer and producer of music and musical productions with many years of experience in the symphonic world. As a … Read More
Performance Review: Beethoven’s Ninth
Performance Review: Beethoven’s Ninth The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s Florida Blue Classical Series concluded in great fashion this weekend with “Beethoven’s Ninth: Ode To Joy,” a program featuring the seminal nineteenth century masterwork alongside a world premier by contemporary composer Tarik O’Regan. “Trances,” by Tarik O’Regan The evening kicked off with “Trances” by British-American composer Tarik O’Regan. O’Regan was present for … Read More
Program Notes: Beethoven’s Ninth
Trances Jacksonville Symphony Commission World Premiere | June 10, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida Tarik O’Regan (b. 1978) Closing the season is the first in a multi-year series of commissions from some of today’s most esteemed living composers: the world premiere of Trances by the British and American composer, Tarik O’Regan. “Trances is another fast-paced work for orchestra and will conclude a … Read More