Jacksonville Symphony continues streaming concerts in July

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Since the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts closed to the public in mid-March, the Jacksonville Symphony has taken to social media to continue bringing music to Jacksonville. Performances have ranged from the music of Broadway, smaller chamber ensembles, and previously streamed Florida Blue Masterworks performances.

Typically, summers in Jacoby Symphony Hall are quiet. This summer will be different. Jacoby Symphony Hall will once again be filled with music from Symphony musicians. With the belief that music is more important than ever in this time of uncertainty, the Jacksonville Symphony feels strongly about safely providing music to the community.

“We are happy to be able to continue performing,” says principal cellist Alexei Romanenko. “It is not a replacement for a live performance where we can see the audience and feel their energy, but it is a way to continue sharing our art with a community that continues to support us.” Alexei will be performing in three of the four upcoming streams.

After a two-week hiatus, the Symphony will continue to stream music on Fridays at 8 p.m. starting again on July 10. All streams are free to anyone wanting to fill their evenings with music. The performances are hosted by Music Director Courtney Lewis. Small ensembles are used to make sure all musicians can be safely physically distanced on stage for each performance. Those viewing on Facebook or YouTube can share their comments and emoji applause to support the Symphony musicians.

“It’s been really great to see support coming from not only Jacksonville, but across the country,” says Symphony Digital Marketing Manager Anna Birtles. “Most of our streams have viewers watching from all over, sharing their love of the orchestra in comments and likes. It’s a completely different world than what we were doing just a few months ago, but still satisfying to know our community misses us.” Birtles runs the Symphony’s streams with Stage Manager Ray Klaase, Stage Associate James Pitts, Technical Director Shamus McConney and Audio Engineer Jeff Alford.

Patrons can find the streamed concerts on the Symphony’s Facebook page or YouTube Channel.

Streaming Schedule:

  • Friday, July 10 – Beethoven’s Strings: Jonathan Kuo, violin, DJ Cheek, principal viola and Alexei Romanenko, principal cello.
  • Friday, July 17 – Centennial Celebration: Les Roettges, principal flute and Alexei Romanenko, principal cello.
  • Friday, July 24 – String Octet: Jonathan Kuo, violin, Siyu Zhang, violin, Megan Rios, violin, Christopher Chappell, violin, DJ Cheek, principal viola, Jorge A. Peña Portillo, viola, Alexei Romanenko, principal cello and Betsy Federman, cello.
  • Friday, July 31 – Vaughan Williams’ Folksongs – Melissa Barrett, acting concertmaster, Megan Rios, violin, DJ Cheek, principal viola, Laurie Casseday, cello, John Wieland, principal bass, Les Roettges, principal flute, Eric Olson, principal oboe and Daniel Rios, English horn.

To support the Jacksonville Symphony during this difficult time patrons can: · Make a donation through the website jaxsymphony.

To receive additional information about the Jacksonville Symphony via social media, and the web site, where patrons can sign up to be added to the email list.

Tune into streams on Friday evenings and share with friends and family.