An Odyssey of Sound: Jacksonville Symphony's 2025 Season
The Jacksonville Symphony is set to enchant audiences with a thrilling lineup of events in 2025. From the symphonic exploration of Americana music to a cinematic tribute to John Williams, the season promises to be a vibrant tapestry of musical brilliance. Featuring powerhouse performances from artists like Thomas Wilkins and Conrad Tao, and unforgettable pieces from Beethoven, Gershwin, and Dvořák, the symphony's offerings will captivate music lovers of all kinds. Join us at Jacoby Symphony Hall for a journey through sound, culture, and artistic innovation.
Thomas Wilkins, Principal Conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, returns to lead the Jacksonville Symphony through a symphonic exploration of Americana music. From heartfelt melodies to stirring rhythms, join us in celebrating the vibrant tapestry of American musical heritage.
With five OSCARS ®, four Golden Globes ®, seven BAFTAs and a staggering 25 GRAMMYS® under his belt, John Williams is a composition legend. The Symphony pays tribute to Williams’ cinematic music with award-winning classics from Star Wars, Superman, Schindler’s List, Jaws, Indiana Jones and more for a musical journey beyond your imagination.
Experience the regal grandeur of Beethoven's "Emperor Concerto" as tour-de-force pianist Barry Douglas brings his commanding virtuosity to Jacoby Symphony Hall. Barber's Overture from The School for Scandal opens with vivacious energy, its orchestration capturing the playful spirit of Richard Sheridan's comedy. Sibelius' Fifth Symphony paints scenes of the Finnish landscape, notably with the recurring “swan theme,” immersing listeners in Scandinavian serenity.
Not one but two soloists, Concertmaster Adelya Nartadjieva and Violinist Aurica Duca, shine under the spotlight for Johann Sebastian Bach’s mesmerizing Double Violin Concerto plus other enchanting melodies.
Acclaimed singer, trumpeter and Principal Pops Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Byron Stripling, with dynamic vocalist Sydney McSweeney take center stage for a must-see tribute to the Great American Songbook. Performing George Gershwin’s and Irving Berlin’s hits like “I Got Rhythm,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “The Man I Love,” experience a heartfelt homage to some of the most exceptional American music.
With 10 GRAMMY® Awards, 10 Dove Awards and a Soul Train Award, the multi-platinum sextet boasts six virtuosic voices blending in crystal clear harmony across genres. Also acclaimed members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, these six superstars have been praised by legends like Stevie Wonder and the late Ray Charles for their captivating blend of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop. Experience Take 6’s unparalleled talent paired with the powerful, live orchestrations of the Jacksonville Symphony for a 75th Season highlight.
Following his electric performance of Rhapsody in Blue and Rachmaninoff’s Fourth in January 2024, Conrad Tao returns as Artist-in-Residence to premiere his new piano concerto commissioned by the Jacksonville Symphony. Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, known for its revolutionary dissonance and irregular meters, caused a scandal during its premiere, forever reshaping 20th-century music. Debussy's Impressionistic Nocturnes showcases his innovative harmonic language and dreamlike soundscapes. These works mark pivotal milestones, pushing classical music’s boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on orchestral repertoire.
Conductor Shiyeon Sung is the first female conductor from South Korea to conduct globally recognized orchestras. She takes the baton in a captivating performance of Dvořák's “New World Symphony," a must-see season highlight that drives the performance home in a celebration of America’s diverse cultures. Copland's The Tender Land Suite delves into the American heartland with its pastoral themes drawn from his acclaimed opera, and Coleman's Seven O'Clock Shout bridges classical and jazz traditions for a contemporary flair.
The Jacksonville Jazz Collective heats up Jacoby Symphony Hall with the sizzling rhythms and vibrant energy of Latin jazz. Be transported to the streets of Havana and the jazz clubs of Rio de Janeiro as this talented ensemble delivers Latin-inspired magic that leaves you dancing in your seats.
The final battle begins. You can experience Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™- Part 2 in Concert in a way you’ve never seen it before! A live symphonic orchestra performs Alexandre Desplat’s iconic score as the film is projected onto a high-definition screen that puts you in the middle of the action. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness Harry and his friends face off for the last time against their foes.
As the Jacksonville Symphony's 2025 season unfolds, each event promises to offer an unforgettable exploration of music's transformative power. With a lineup that spans genres and celebrates diverse cultural narratives, the symphony invites audiences to join them on a journey of sound and discovery. From the stirring rhythms of Americana to the imaginative worlds of cinema, and the timeless elegance of classical compositions, this season is a testament to the enduring impact of music and artistry.