About Jacksonville Symphony
Jacksonville Symphony on Tour
Under the leadership of British conductor Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony has entered its eighth decade as an esteemed classical ensemble. The orchestra is one of the few American troupes of its kind to have their own concert hall: the elegant, European-styled Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, which offers seating for 1,800 and houses the magnificent Bryan Concert Organ, built-in 1914 with over 6,200 pipes. The Jacksonville Symphony performs an average of 100 shows per year at the hall, but they’re also known to tour venues throughout the state of Florida, including schools and senior homes, attracting an annual audience of over 100,000.
Jacksonville Symphony Background
The Jacksonville Symphony has been a north Florida institution since 1949, and throughout its storied history, it’s played host to some of the most iconic names in popular music, including big-band maestro Benny Goodman, legendary composer Leonard Bernstein, opera legend Luciano Pavarotti, musical comedian Victor Borge, sitar master Ravi Shankar and pop queen Olivia Newton-John. Such A-list guests have helped give the symphony a profile that extends far beyond the city limits - the orchestra has made regular appearances on NPR’s classical-music showcase, Performance Today, and they’ve been invited to perform at such hallowed stages as New York’s Carnegie Hall. But for all their nationally recognized achievements, the Jacksonville Symphony has always maintained a strong connection to its local community, broadcasting its performances on the city’s public radio station, WJCT, and nurturing the next generation of Floridian classical talent through its Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra program. More recently, the symphony has entered the digital age by hosting live streams and an archive of past performances on its website, while their Spotify page features playlists of classical pieces to be featured in upcoming performances.
This Nutcracker presentation along with the Jacksonville Symphony was once again outstanding. From the music, costumes, artful dance and decorations. Every year we make a family girls day trip. This Christmas program brings heartfelt memories.
The New York/Broadway singer has a wonderful light tenor voice. Perfect for certain Broadway classic musicals like, say, West Side Story, complete with finger snapping and dance gyrations. But Oh Holy Night? Please. Sing it straight, hold the notes for all they’re worth. And no twisty dancing!
The music was all wonderful, the concert hall was beautifully decorated, the best way to start our holiday season. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
My partner and I had a really great time. The show started on time, and the orchestra was obviously full of talented musicians. I would do it again!
We saw a Harry Potter movie as the symphony played along and it was incredible! The sound was great and their ability to play along with the movie is amazing. Highly recommend!
Great venue. Great sound quality. Very good performance. One hour. Recommend
The symphony was beautiful. They play effortlessly and you can see and feel the emotion. I will return often to see them.
Professional performers matched well with repertory players, expert costume design and swift paced direction well support the JSO expertise and outstanding choreography. A must see in an appropriate, albeit crowded, venue.
We surprised our 12 year old for his bday with this show. He plays the cello and violin and loves Star Wars. He loved it! Especially loved the props and people in costumes for pictures. So memorable.
I wasn't able to open my tickets on my phone, asked for code, when I had to go to texting to retrieve code, ticket master page wasn't available so ticket desk had to give me tickets. So I wasn't able to seat at my assigned OBX seats.
It was such a fun show. It gave us great entertainment and memories of when we were teens. I hope they return.
The Do Wop Project was outstanding. They are all former broadway singers and they are just a joy to listen to. The Jacksonville Symphony gave us great listening pleasure. The two hours flew by and I recommend this show or any show that either group is in..
The Jacksonville Symphony is ALWAYS Spot On. The Orchestra, the Choir, the Dancers from Douglas Anderson School...the entire evening was enjoyable. Thank you one and all.
I was so excited to learn about the great American composer and conductor John Williams. The music was wonderful. My seats were not expensive and I had a wonderful view. I loved the experience. I loved hearing about what’s coming up with the symphony. I’m coming back soon!
Enjoyed by our 4 and 7 year olds. Wonderful family experience.
I had not seen the movie, so I was not sure what to expect. I thought the JSO and Jacksonville choir did a wonderful job presenting the music to this very interesting movie. In fact, I had to go home and read up on Mozart. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
The symphony gave a strong performance and it was a great way to bring in the new year.
I was anticipating a boring show but it was quite interesting as well as invigorating
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with the Symphony was wonderful! Will definitely be going again!!!
It was really well done, my wife wants to come back for the Amadeus performance. Well Done Jacksonville Symphony and thanks!