The 2022-23 Jacksonville Symphony season is underway, and the variety of concerts scheduled will guarantee audiences from across the spectrum of music lovers. Add to this the symphony’s well-earned reputation for high-quality performances, and its easy to understand the level of excitement this season inspires.
During a recent presentation and private reception at Jacoby Symphony Hall, attendees had an opportunity to hear from music director Courtney Lewis, as well as the symphony’s new concertmaster, Adelya Nartadjieva, and new associate conductor, Kevin Fitzgerald.
Nartadjieva described her role as a kind of link between the conductor and the musicians.
“Jacksonville Symphony has a great sound,” she said. “My goal is to enhance that sound and bring more unity between players … It’s really exciting to build upon what’s there.”
Fitzgerald noted that, while a lot of orchestras are cutting back and getting smaller, Jacksonville Symphony is growing.
In fact, the orchestra’s reputation was enhanced by how it responded to the pandemic. It was one of very few orchestras that, with the implementation of necessary safety protocols, continued to offer performances over the past two seasons.
Lewis recognized President and CEO Steven B. Libman for making that decision when the state of Florida allowed it to remain open.
In addition, Lewis credited the community and the board of directors with the symphony’s continued success and growth.
“There’s such an enormous enthusiasm and love for the orchestra among the community in Jacksonville,” he said.
Now, Lewis wants the orchestra’s reputation to increase nationally.
Beyond that, he said he wants it to be the best symphony it can for everyone in the area. And this means attracting not only the traditional symphony audiences who love classical music, but people from all backgrounds.
“We still have a lot of people in town who feel the symphony isn’t for them, and we have a lot of work to do to challenge that,” he said. “That we are an orchestra for every socio-economic group in the city, and that we really belong to everybody in the city.”
That’s certainly possible, given what Nartadjieva called the universal language of music. The schedule for this season will appeal to those who enjoy great classical works, ballet and opera, but also pop music, rock and roll, disco and compositions for Hollywood productions.
In addition, audiences for select performances now have the option of sitting in the choir loft high and behind the orchestra, which will offer them a unique perspective.
To learn more or purchase tickets, go to jaxsymphony.org.
Jacoby Symphony Hall is located at 300 Water St., Suite 200, Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Symphony’s 2022-23 season
The Jacksonville Symphony’s 2022-23 season is divided into several categories. For a look at the concerts, how to purchase tickets or further information, go to jaxsymphony.org. Here’s a look at the basics.
Florida Blue Classical Series
Performances at 7:30 p.m.
Symphonic Staged Opera
“The Magic Flute” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 7:30 p.m. April 28, 3 p.m. April 30.
The Pops Series
Performances at 7:30 p.m.
FIS Symphonic Night at the Movies
Performances at 7 p.m.
Symphony in 60 Series
Cocktail hour: 5:30 p.m. Performances: 6:30 p.m.
The Concert Organ Series
The Coffee Series
Performances at 11 a.m.
Holiday Specials
