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. Co-produced by the Jacksonville Symphony and Spot-On Entertainment, this show marks the Symphony’s first world premiere Pops program and pays tribute to the carefree, iconic music of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, The Beach Boys and more.
Led by Associate Conductor Kevin Fitzgerald, the Jacksonville Symphony is joined by celebrated vocalists, a guitarist, a ukulele player and a pianist, all bringing the sun-soaked sounds of these tropical legends to life. Audiences can sing along to beloved hits like “Come Monday,” “Fins,” “Kokomo,” “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Brown-Eyed Girl.” Attendees are encouraged to wear island attire, enhancing the breezy, paradise-like atmosphere of Jacoby Symphony Hall.
“Parrots + Palms: The Songs of Buffett & Fins is a testament to the Jacksonville Symphony’s commitment to celebrating diverse musical traditions. This world premiere is more than a tribute to the iconic music of legends like Jimmy Buffett and other icons. It is also a reflection of our ongoing effort to bring fresh, engaging experiences to our audiences,” said Steven B. Libman, President and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony. “We’re thrilled to kick off our Pops Series with a program that invites everyone to unwind, sing along and embrace the joy of this timeless music.”
Following this vibrant premiere, the Symphony shifts gears for its Opening Night on September 21, featuring Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection.” This opening concert is sponsored by Florida Blue and is part of the new Greta Challen Berg Artist Series.
“This enormous piece charts a journey from darkness and agitation to transcendent joy and affirmation, featuring not only a huge symphony orchestra but also a massive choir made up of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, the University of North Florida Chorale and the Jacksonville University Singers. On top of that, we welcome opera stars soprano Ailyn Pérez and mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard for what promises to be a night to remember,” said Music Director Courtney Lewis.
Pérez and Leonard are recognized widely as two of the world’s leading operatic vocalists. Leonard, a three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, has graced the stages of the world’s foremost opera houses, including The Metropolitan Opera and Opéra National de Paris. Pérez, the first Hispanic recipient of the prestigious Richard Tucker Award, is celebrated globally for her signature artistry and has performed in the most renowned cultural capitals.
Regarded as Mahler’s magnum opus, Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” is featured in the recent film Maestro in which Leonard Bernstein, portrayed by Bradley Cooper, conducts Mahler’s epic Second Symphony. In the final scene, viewers can also catch Isabel performing as a soloist.
The piece is an emotionally transformative musical journey from life’s beginnings to its triumphant rebirth, grappling with universal themes of faith, spirituality and redemption. Handpicked by Lewis for its emotional depth and sheer beauty, Mahler’s Second Symphony stands as a towering testament to the power of music to touch our souls in ways that words cannot.
“This is one of the peaks of Mahler’s genius, capturing the essence of the human condition in a profound, symphonic experience,” said Lewis.
As the Symphony kicks off this milestone season, these two programs promise to set the tone for a year of spectacular music and experiences.
