Guest conductor Matthew Halls returns to the Jacoby Symphony Hall stage this month and pianist Conrad Tao joins Courtney Lewis for a concert featuring the symphony’s new Steinway concert grand piano.
The FIS Symphonic Night at the Movies Series returns for the first time since 2020 with “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.”
Jacksonville’s own The Chris Thomas Band takes the stage with the symphony in February for a concert featuring the songs of Sammy, Frank and Dean.
Here’s a look at the performances.
Florida Blue Classical Series
What: “Brahms’ Pastoral Symphony”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 7 and 8
Featuring: Ralph Vaughan Williams, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis; Maurice Ravel, Pavane for a Dead Princess; Johannes Brahms, Symphony No. 2
Conductor: Matthew Halls
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia highlights the symphony’s lush string sections. Ravel’s Pavane features one of the most captivating French horn solos ever written. And Brahms’ Second Symphony carries the origins of his famous lullaby.
Fidelity National Financial Pops Series
Raymond James Coffee Series
What: “Classic Broadway”
When: 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15
Conductor: Stuart Chafetz
Vocalists: Ashley Brown and Jordan Donica
Return to the golden age of Broadway. Hear classic songs from “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma,” “South Pacific,” “Porgy and Bess,” “Carousel” and many more.
FIS Symphonic Night at The Movies Series
What: “Star Wars: Return of The Jedi”
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 21, 22
Conductor: Gonzalo Farias
The Empire prepares to crush the Rebellion with a more powerful Death Star. The Rebel fleet counters with a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel.
Florida Blue Classical Series
What: “Mozart’s Defiance: Piano Concerto No. 24”
When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28, 29
Featuring: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 24, K. 491; Jean Sibelius, Symphony No. 1
Conductor: Courtney Lewis, Haskell Endowed Chair
Piano: Conrad Tao
According to The New York Times, “Conrad Tao was never just another prodigy.” This young phenom is certain to bring new life and ideas to Mozart’s C minor Concerto, a piece so outside the conventions of the day that more than a few Viennese eyebrows were raised at its 1786 premiere.
Courtney Lewis notches another Sibelius symphony en route to a complete cycle with the Finnish composer’s First Symphony, a work with traces of Tchaikovsky yet distinct with Sibelius’ voice.
Fidelity National Financial Pops Series
What: “The Chris Thomas Band: The Rat Pack”
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 5
Conductor: Gonzalo Farias
Performers: The Chris Thomas Band, featuring Chris Thomas and Cortnie Frazier, with Olivia Donalson
“Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You” and more will be performed by Jacksonville’s renowned big band alongside the Jacksonville Symphony.
For tickets, go to jaxsymphony.org/concert-tickets.
Jacoby Symphony Hall is located in the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St. Jacksonville.
