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
Q&A with Conductor Anna Rakitina
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
The Jacksonville Symphony Celebrates a Shining Holiday Season
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
What Makes Us Human: The Jacksonville Symphony Transforms Students’ Lives Through Music Education Programs
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
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
The Jacksonville Symphony Gala Raises Funds to Support Music Education
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
The Jacksonville Symphony Celebrates Black History Month
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
Q&A With Guest Pianist Natasha Paremski
Last year, you joined Vice President & Artistic Administrator Tony Nickle, Music Director Courtney Lewis and President and CEO Steven B. Libman in New York to select the David M. Hicks Steinway Grand Piano. How do you feel about returning to the Jacksonville Symphony and performing on the piano? “I am very excited to return and hear the David M. … Read More
Mozart’s Don Giovanni: Stagecraft meets musicianship
Later this month, the Jacksonville Symphony will present one of the most ambitious concerts of the season: Mozart’s magnificent Don Giovanni. The performances, part of the Florida Blue Masterworks Series, will be Friday and Sunday, January 25 and 27. They also form the centerpiece of our innovative Midwinter Mozart Festival. Operas normally need a more theatrical venue than the Jacoby … Read More