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Performance Review: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

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Performance Review: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto The Jacksonville Symphony’s Florida Blue Classical Series presented “Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto” this weekend, a generous program of three beloved symphonic masterpieces that saw a return to the podium of former Jacksonville Symphony Associate Conductor Nathan Aspinall. Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun by Claude Debussy The concert began with Debussy’s shimmering Prelude to the … Read More

Program Notes: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

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Program Notes: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto Jacksonville Symphony 2022/23 Florida Blue Classical Series Claude Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun Debussy is generally categorized as an Impressionist composer. Literate and well-educated, he composed dozens of songs and set poetry by France’s symbolist poets. For the most part, Debussy avoided traditional forms like symphony, sonata and concerto. Far-Eastern music, particularly … Read More

Performance Review: Brahms’ German Requiem

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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