Jacksonville Symphony Blog

Ben Fryxell is establishing himself as a consummate cellist, at home in the worlds of solo performance, chamber music, and orchestra. Since his teenage years, he has been a regular presence on the concert stage and a frequent winner of awards and competitions. He has performed as a soloist with the Kentucky Symphony, Blue Ash-Montgomery Symphony, the National Repertory Orchestra, … Read More

An artist of classical refinement, sterling musicianship, and blazing virtuosity, Russian-born cellist Alexei Romanenko has graced the international stages as one of the most compelling and electrifying artists of today. T.J. Medrek of the Boston Herald hailed his performance stating, “The times when music and musician and musical instrument combine to form an almost mystical union are rare. One such … Read More

What do you want patrons of the Symphony to know about you? I love my job. What do you do in your spare time (other than practice!)? Jazzercise. What is your favorite thing about being a professional musician? The variety of musical and artistic experiences with my amazing colleagues. Do you have a favorite team? St Louis Cardinals! We won’t … Read More

What do you want patrons of the Symphony to know about you? I enjoy performing the many varied programs with the Jacksonville Symphony. Music can be so healing for people and I enjoy being part of the experience. My wife Elissa and I enjoy traveling. Do you have any pre-concert rituals or routines? I try and take it easy before … Read More

Vernon Humbert’s immediate family all have a musical bent. His wife Laraine plays the piano, as does the eldest of their three daughters, who is a pilot in the Navy. His middle daughter plays percussion and is a social worker in Miami and his youngest plays the violin and is an avid horsewoman. What do you want patrons of the … Read More

A Texas native, Brian Magnus earned both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Cello Performance at Southern Methodist University under the tutelage of Christopher Adkins. Before joining the Jacksonville Symphony in 2016, Brian performed with the symphony orchestras of Austin, Waco, Las Colinas, Shreveport and Dallas. Brian is a passionate music teacher who has taught cello privately since 2005. He … Read More