As one of only a few orchestras in American performing for a live audience, the Jacksonville Symphony continues creating live music through December. Although the concerts may look a little different, the Jacksonville Symphony will continue to be a soundtrack for the holiday season.
The month will bring the Symphony’s “First Coast Nutcracker Suite,” “Handel’s Messiah Suite,” “Holiday Pops” and a special New Year’s Eve concert featuring the music of The Rat Pack.
Dec. 11-13 – “First Coast Nutcracker Suite”
Sponsored by VyStar Credit Union
Deanna Tham, conductor
Moran Theater
■ 8 p.m. Friday
■ 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday
■ 2 p.m. Sundat
Enter the magical world of childlike imagination and experience Tchaikovsky’s ballet in the “First Coast Nutcracker Suite.” A family tradition in Northeast Florida for over 40 years, this timeless masterpiece comes to life with the only performance in Jacksonville with a full, live symphony orchestra. This year’s production has been redesigned to make sure dancers, musicians and the audience are all able to safely enjoy Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic.
Dec .12-13 – “Handel’s Messiah Suite”
Gonzalo Farias, conductor
Emily Birsan, soprano
Amanda Crider, mezzo-soprano
Eric Ferring, tenor
David Kravitz, baritone
Jacoby Symphony Hall
■ 7:30 p.m. Saturday
■ 3 p.m. Sunday
In a season of social distancing and a pause on choral singing, the Jacksonville Symphony proudly maintains the heart of one of the great holiday traditions: Handel’s “Messiah.” World-class soloists and the Symphony perform everyone’s favorite arias, including “Ev’ry valley shall be exalted,” “O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion,” “The trumpet shall sound,” and many more. This abridged performance of The Greatest Story Ever Told concludes with the uplifting sounds of the “Hallelujah” chorus.
Dec. 17-20 – “Holiday Pops”
Raymond James Coffee Series
Fidelity National Financial Pops Series
Gonzalo Farias, conductor
Moran Theater
■ 7:30 p.m. Thursday
■ 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.Friday
■ 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
■ 3 p.m. Sunday
Jacksonville’s favorite musical holiday tradition has been reimagined! Join the Jacksonville Symphony, guest singers and Douglas Anderson dancers for a festive celebration that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. So ‘let it snow’ at the most wonderful concert of the year!
Dec. 31 – New Year’s Eve: The Rat Pack
Gonzalo Farias, conductor
Sal Viviano, vocalist
Nat Chandler, vocalist
Eric Jordan Young, vocalist
Jacoby Symphony Hall
■ 7:30 p.m. Thursday
The Jacksonville Symphony and guest vocalists from Broadway step into the roles of Davis, Sinatra and Martin to celebrate the best of “the Rat Pack” for a very special New Year’s Eve concert. Spend an hour with the music that defined an era.
The safety of patrons, musicians and staff remains the symphony’s top priority. Based on CDC guidelines, and the results of the survey sent to patrons in June, the symphony has developed a comprehensive list of safety protocols that are in place for the 2020/21 season. These protocols include, but are not limited to, a mask requirement while in the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, abbreviated programming and physically distanced seating throughout Jacoby Symphony Hall and the Moran Theater.
