The Jacksonville Symphony recently announced that $3 million in generous donations have been received from longtime supporter Ann Hicks, and couple Michael Ward and Jennifer Glock. These gifts will strengthen the Symphony’s endowment, ensure continued artistic excellence and enhance music education and community engagement programs for generations to come.
Hicks’ $2 million gift honors Music Director and Conductor Courtney Lewis’ 10th anniversary season. Hicks is a Jacksonville native and life-long supporter of the Symphony. She has made significant contributions to the Symphony through her philanthropy and leadership, with her more recent contributions supporting the purchase of a Steinway concert grand piano, in addition to key artistic initiatives including the establishment of the David M. Hicks Piano Series.
“It is very gratifying to be able to celebrate Courtney Lewis’ decade with the Jacksonville Symphony,” said Hicks. “Under his leadership, the orchestra has reached new heights, elevating it to the level that Jacksonville deserves.”
“Ann’s gift is an incredibly meaningful way to mark my 10th anniversary,” said Lewis. “Celebrating a decade with the Jacksonville Symphony alongside such a generous gesture reinforces the journey we’ve taken together. Her support honors not only the past but also the future we are building for this orchestra and for Jacksonville.”
Ward and Glock’s $1 million gift includes continued support of the Jennifer Glock Endowed Clarinet Chair, underscoring their legacy of sustaining the Symphony’s artistic excellence. Over the years, the couple has championed several initiatives, including a $1 million donation for COVID-19 relief efforts, which were used to keep the Symphony thriving during the challenges of the pandemic.
“Jacksonville is our home, and we believe that supporting the Symphony is an investment in the heart of our community,” said Ward. “In addition to enriching lives through music, this organization plays a vital role in strengthening our local economy by bringing people downtown and creating a vibrant cultural scene.”
Their commitment goes beyond the love of music — it reflects a deep belief in the Symphony’s role as a cornerstone of the community.
“We are proud to support the Jacksonville Symphony,” said Glock. “Music has a unique way of bringing joy and hope to life. It is our hope that this gift will inspire others to support the Symphony in the same way.”
“These gifts reflect a shared belief in the Symphony’s mission and its impact on our community,” said Steven B. Libman, president and CEO. “Their generosity exemplifies a passion for strengthening our community through the power of music. These contributions will have a lasting impact on both our artistic endeavors and our educational outreach.”
“For our musicians, donations are not just financial contributions — they represent the community’s belief in the Symphony’s value and its ability to enrich lives in our community and beyond,” said Lewis. “I must add my personal thanks to Ann Hicks and Jennifer Glock and Michael Ward for their continued generosity and outstanding support of the Symphony.”
With these transformative gifts, the Jacksonville Symphony is poised to continue its legacy of artistic excellence, inspire future generations of musicians and enrich the cultural life of Jacksonville for years to come.
