The opening bars of Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony are my favorite of all Beethoven’s symphonies. Also on this program will be selections from Smetana’s Má Vlast (The Bohemian River). When I married my husband Michael, our recessional music was the wedding scene from this movement, so it holds a very special place in my heart.
Up is an uplifting and heartwarming movie for all ages. I chose this program because all of us will leave Jacoby Symphony Hall with a smile.
For Symphonic Dances we welcome back Nathan Aspinall, our former Associate Conductor and a dear friend of mine. It’s always more fun to play when you see familiar faces in the audience.
For A Romantic Valentine, my date will be in the crowd and I hope you bring yours too!
Our SHIFT performance will be one of the most exciting and important concerts of the season. It is such an honor being invited to perform at the Kennedy Center. Of course, we will share this special program with you first!
We will conclude the 2019-2020 season with music that represents humanity (and Beethoven) at its best: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony!
By Melissa Barrett, Acting Concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony
Read more about Melissa Barrett here.