Symphony delivers holiday cheer throughout December

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.