Steven B. Libman, President & CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony It is with great joy and excitement that we unveil the Jacksonville Symphony’s 75th Season. Over the past seven decades, the Symphony has served as the fabric of Jacksonville’s cultural landscape, weaving together the threads of music and community spirit through uplifting experiences. This milestone is a testament to our … 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
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
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
What is your favorite part of the programming in these performances of Anna Clyne’s Restless Oceans, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise and his Second Symphony? “I definitely love all three pieces as well as the idea behind the program itself. One of the most lyrical symphonies goes after the most lyrical song ever written without words – Vocalise. The speechless voice of … Read More
Steven B. Libman, President & CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony Each December, the Jacksonville Symphony embarks on the most intense, and some might say exciting, part of our annual season. Within the span of three weeks, we will present 17 concerts before 21,000 patrons that celebrate the joy of the holiday season. Each of these programs creates magical, transformational … Read More
Author: Marianne Rice, Vice President of Music Education & DEI Initiatives Why is music education important? Some may think music education is a privilege. However, at its core, music is a universal language that creates the melodies of our lives, and music education is the necessary vehicle we use to transport students to other destinations and new levels of growth. … Read More
Program Notes: Bruckner’s Brilliance Jacksonville Symphony 2022/23 Florida Blue Classical Series Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major: (World Premiere April 8, 1894; Graz, Austria) (80 Minutes) Anton Bruckner’s symphonies are leisurely, even in the brisk scherzo movements. Expanded brass add to the majesty of the Fifth Symphony. Listen for when the cellos and basses play pizzicato (when the … Read More
Steven B. Libman, President and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony On March 4, 2023, the Jacksonville Symphony will launch its eighth Gala. The Honorary Chair for the Gala is Florida Blue Market President Darnell Smith. Florida Blue is also the Symphony’s partner and sponsor of our Classical Series. The Jacksonville Symphony is deeply grateful to Darnell and Florida Blue for … Read More
Marianne Rice, Lory Doolittle Endowed Vice President of Music Education & DEI Initiatives The Jacksonville Symphony shines a spotlight on the artistic innovations of African Americans who have left a resounding impact on symphonic music. Discover more about how the Symphony celebrates Black History Month by following our weekly posts on Instagram, @jaxsymphony. From Then Creating History Through New Music: … Read More
