The Jacksonville Symphony Casts Operatic Enchantment With ‘The Magic Flute’

Behind the Scenes, Courtney Lewis, Conducting Electricity

Courtney Lewis, Music Director of the Jacksonville Symphony, Haskell Endowed Chair On April 28 and 30, the Jacksonville Symphony will present one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most beloved and famous operas, “The Magic Flute.” The two performances will be the culmination of several years of planning and preparation, and the Symphony’s largest production of the season. This is the story … Read More

Reflections on Success: A Shining Season at the Jacksonville Symphony

Behind the Scenes

Steven B. Libman, President and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony As we approach the end of 2022, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the successes and triumphs the Jacksonville Symphony has achieved over the last twelve months. Before I begin the journey of describing these important milestones, it’s crucial to recognize upfront that these accomplishments were only possible because … Read More

Symphony Building Strong Ties With Student Musicians

Behind the Scenes, Conducting ElectricityLeave a Comment

Deanna Tham of the Jacksonville Symphony shines a light on the symphony’s work with Communities in Schools to bring classical music to students who might never otherwise experience it. The on-stage performance of a symphony orchestra is just the tip of the iceberg. There is the rehearsal, stage, library and personnel that must come together. Beyond that, there are hours … Read More

Kids Learn More Than Music In Youth Orchestras

Behind the ScenesLeave a Comment

Deanna Tham, principal conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras, says her favorite part of the job is watching kids learn to work together to create something bigger than themselves. There is a special moment in every musical performance, right before the sound starts. The conductor takes in a breath and absorbs the profundity of the entire work that is … Read More

Why is That Trombone So Small?

Behind the ScenesLeave a Comment

When the Jacksonville Symphony plays music from the Classical and Early Romantic periods the trombone section often scales our instruments down to better blend with a smaller orchestra. As opposed to what we usually play – two large tenor trombones with valves and a large bass trombone with two valves – we use an alto trombone, a “straight,” or, valve-less … Read More