How have you been preparing for the role of concertmaster at the Des Moines Metro Opera? What specific challenges do you anticipate while leading such a diverse repertoire of operas this summer? “We have started rehearsals already, but in my preparation, I tried to focus a lot on the narratives and backgrounds of operas because there is always a story … Read More
The 2023/24 Season just ended. How do you feel about it? “I’m definitely sad about it. The season went by incredibly fast for me. When you come in, you often have to adjust to what’s happening in the orchestra, the new environment, new colleagues and a new ensemble nucleus where things function in a specific type of way. Becoming a … Read More
Program Notes: Symphonie Fantastique Thomas Adès’ The Exterminating Angel Symphony World Premiere July 28, 2016; Salzburg, Austria (20 Minutes) The son of an art historian and a poet, Thomas Adès is a native of London. He studied at London’s Guildhall School of Music and King’s College Cambridge. Adès achieved success early, having a retrospective of his music when he was … Read More
Courtney Lewis, Music Director of the Jacksonville Symphony Ralph Vaughan Williams occupies a unique spot in music history. He lived a long life from 1872 to 1958, straddling the Romantic and Modern periods, and with Edward Elgar, who was 20 years his senior, led a renaissance of English music with his nine symphonies, operas, concertos and countless songs. He loved … Read More
Steven B. Libman, President & CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony Those who have attended a performance with the Jacksonville Symphony have likely seen the magnificent pipes of the Bryan Concert Organ that stretch behind the stage all the way to the ceiling. Affectionally called the heart of Jacoby Symphony Hall, the organ has the power to fill the … Read More
Program Notes: Adelya Plays The Lark Ascending Edward Elgar’s In the South World Premiere March 16, 1904; London, England (20 minutes) In the early 20th century, Edward Elgar was England’s most significant musical figure. His best-known works are the Pomp and Circumstance marches and the Enigma Variations. Elgar did not achieve widespread success until his 40s. Edward Elgar composed In … Read More
What made you gravitate towards Wayne Shorter’s music, and how did you approach the creative process when composing your arrangements of his pieces? “Wayne’s music is very melodic, harmonically rich and different. That’s what drew me in when I started learning more about jazz. A lot of jazz musicians were using standard tunes that likely originated from Broadway musicals or … Read More
Program Notes: The Pines & Fountains of Rome Adolphus Hailstork’s Epitaph for a Man Who Dreamed World Premiere January 17, 1980; Baltimore, Maryland (8 Minutes) Adolphus Hailstork has been a major figure in American music for more than five decades. His music fuses African, American and European traditions. Hailstork studied violin, piano, organ and voice in addition to composition. He … Read More
Courtney Lewis, Music Director of the Jacksonville Symphony On March 8 and 9, we present a program of French and American music featuring a world premiere by Courtney Bryan. Courtney was our first Mary Carr Patton Composer-in-Residence a few years ago, and we’re delighted that she’s written us a second piece, entitled “Visual Rhythms.” The piece takes its title from … Read More
Courtney Lewis, Music Director of the Jacksonville Symphony On March 8 and 9, we present a program of French and American music featuring a world premiere by Courtney Bryan. Courtney was our first Mary Carr Patton Composer-in-Residence a few years ago, and we’re delighted that she’s written us a second piece, entitled “Visual Rhythms.” The piece takes its title from … Read More
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