Jazz, ‘Carmen,’ ‘E.T.’ part of upcoming Jacksonville Symphony season

Conducting Electricity

Steven B. Libman, President & CEO The 2022/23 season at the Jacksonville Symphony just concluded with the thrilling energy and virtuosity of pianist Conrad Tao as he performed Sergei Prokofiev’s famous Third Piano Concerto. Having also featured Dmitri Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, this finale marked the perfect exclamation point on a remarkable season. Now, we are turning our sights toward the … Read More

Schumann’s heartbreaking Second one of Lewis’ favorites

Program Spotlight, Courtney Lewis, Conducting ElectricityLeave a Comment

When I’m asked the impossible question, “What’s your favorite symphony”, I usually refuse to answer, but inside my head a voice always cries out: Schumann’s Second! Robert Schumann (1810-1856) was the archetypal Romantic: he loved poetry as much as music, couldn’t decide whether to be a musician or a writer, married another artist (the great pianist Clara Wieck), struggled with … Read More

Mozart, MacMillan pieces will challenge symphony

Program Spotlight, Courtney Lewis, Conducting ElectricityLeave a Comment

I know I speak for all the musicians and staff at the Jacksonville Symphony when I say we are delighted to be back onstage performing. I’m especially looking forward to our program on Nov. 13-14, which features works by Mozart and the Scottish composer James MacMillan. MacMillan is Scotland’s leading composer, having been in the public eye since the late … Read More

Symphony Building Strong Ties With Student Musicians

Behind the Scenes, Conducting ElectricityLeave a Comment

Deanna Tham of the Jacksonville Symphony shines a light on the symphony’s work with Communities in Schools to bring classical music to students who might never otherwise experience it. The on-stage performance of a symphony orchestra is just the tip of the iceberg. There is the rehearsal, stage, library and personnel that must come together. Beyond that, there are hours … Read More

Kids Learn More Than Music In Youth Orchestras

Behind the ScenesLeave a Comment

Deanna Tham, principal conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras, says her favorite part of the job is watching kids learn to work together to create something bigger than themselves. There is a special moment in every musical performance, right before the sound starts. The conductor takes in a breath and absorbs the profundity of the entire work that is … Read More