Jacksonville Symphony Blog

In honor of Black History Month, the Jacksonville Symphony highlights the remarkable contributions of African American composers and artists, alongside our diverse programming and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) efforts throughout the 2024/25 Season. Follow us on Instagram for weekly updates on how we are celebrating Black History Month and showcasing these important initiatives. Groundbreaking musical visionaries: African American composers … Read More

“Remember me, remember us. Life is good. Celebrate it for those who perished, for those who survived—for all people.” This poignant message resonates through the Violins of Hope, a collection of instruments that survived the Holocaust. Once played by Jewish musicians before and during World War II, these violins, violas and cellos embody stories of resilience and humanity. Lovingly restored … Read More

On February 15, the Jacksonville Symphony invites the community to experience the transformative power of music with Violins of Hope: Building Bridges Through the Power of Music in Jacoby Symphony Hall. Led by Music Director Courtney Lewis, this performance features violins that once belonged to Holocaust victims. These instruments carry profound stories of resilience, creating an unforgettable evening of music … Read More

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

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

The Jacksonville Symphony is set to launch its 75th Anniversary Season with two unforgettable programs that promise to make history. On September 13 and 14, the Symphony opens its Pops Series with the world premiere of Parrots + Palms: The Songs of Buffett & Fins—a vibrant celebration of Jimmy Buffett and “fins” that has been 18 months in the making. … Read More

The Jacksonville Symphony honors Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting a few of the influential Hispanic composers whose works the Symphony performs this season, Hispanic musicians performing on the Jacoby Symphony Hall stage along with the Symphony’s exciting programs centered on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Making a lasting impact: Hispanic composers in history Manuel de Falla (1876-1946), a prominent Spanish … Read More