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
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
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
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
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
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
Jacksonville Symphony Celebrates the Season with Britten, Sibelius and Elgar The Jacksonville Symphony ushered in Northeast Florida’s season of sweater weather this weekend with two concerts on their Florida Blue Classical Series. After a week with temperatures dipping into the 50s, the Symphony performed masterworks from even colder climates, including Benjamin Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” and … Read More
Jacksonville Symphony brings VIPs to the stage in Classical Series opener On the heels of Hurricane Helene’s devastating arrival and departure, a sizable audience gathered at Jacoby Symphony Hall for an evening of moving music. The Jacksonville Symphony continued its celebration of its 75th anniversary season on Friday and Saturday nights with a knack for assembling a cast of musical … Read More
Beethoven’s “Emperor” Program Notes Program Notes by Laurie Shulman © 2024. Reproduction of all or part of these notes without explicit written permission from the Jacksonville Symphony is strictly prohibited. Samuel Barber’s Overture from The School for Scandal World Premiere August 30, 1933; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 8 Minutes Lyricism and neo-romanticism are hallmarks of Samuel Barber’s music. Barber was an … Read More
Mozart’s Requiem & Double Concerto Program Notes Program Notes by Laurie Shulman © 2024. Reproduction of all or part of these notes without explicit written permission from the Jacksonville Symphony is strictly prohibited. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in E-flat major, K. 364 World Premiere Unknown 30 Minutes In addition to fortepiano, Mozart played violin and viola exceptionally well. He … Read More
