Event Calendar –May 2015
End of 2014-15 season
(Revised 4-30-2015. Updated information is highlighted.)
The Jacksonville Symphony performs throughout the community with a crescendo of concerts and events
The Jacksonville Symphony wraps up its 2014-15 concert season with a variety of performances. From a fully-staged ballet production of “The Sleeping Beauty” (May 2 & 3) to the greatest hits of Classic Soul (May 8 & 9), to the triumphant return of music director designate Courtney Lewis (May 14 & 15), the Jacksonville Symphony offers something for everyone.
During this final month, the Jacksonville Symphony will cover the area with performances including Starry Nights at Metropolitan Park with The Beach Boys (May 16), a headlining performance at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival with Peabo Bryson (May 22), and Memorial Weekend celebrations including “Let Freedom Ring” in Fernandina Beach (May 21) and Concert on the Green in Clay County (May 24). A Jacksonville Symphony woodwind quintet will perform at the Florida Blue Center for the “Music and Wellness” lecture series (May 6).
The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra takes the Jacoby Hall stage in its final showcase concert of the season (May 17).
“Share the Spotlight with The Beach Boys”
Picture yourself singing with a band that’s in the top 20 of Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest artists of all-time. The Jacksonville Symphony is offering such an opportunity with “The Beach Boys Sing Onstage Contest.” One lucky winner will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sing onstage with The Beach Boys, one of the best-selling bands in rock & roll history.
Contestants will enter by recording a video of themselves singing The Beach Boys’ song, “Barbara Ann.” Contestants will then post the video on the Jacksonville Symphony Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/JaxSymphony. Winners will be determined by the “likes” received on their post.
The grand prize winner will go onstage to sing “Barbara Ann” with The Beach Boys and the Jacksonville Symphony at Starry Nights at Metropolitan Park on Saturday, May 16. Grand prize also includes a table for eight people at the concert including four parking passes. Four first prize winners will receive two tickets at a VIP table for the concert. Ten second prize winners will receive two lawn tickets for the concert.
Entries must be posted by midnight on May 12. Winners will be announced on the Jacksonville Symphony’s Facebook page on May 13. For specific contest rules and regulations visit JaxSymphony.org.
Jacksonville Symphony
SLEEPING BEAUTY BALLET
Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 8 pm
Sunday, May 3, 2015, at 3 pm (Pre-activities in the lobby at 2 pm)
Location: Jim and Jan Moran Theater, Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
Special Event
Chelsea Tipton, II, conductor
Rhonda Stampalia, choreographer
Tchaikovsky’s enchanting ballet, The Sleeping Beauty, has captivated audiences for more than a century. Experience it in a full production, featuring internationally renowned principal dancers Yumelia Garcia and Mauro Villanueva, both formerly with the Joffrey Ballet, and Emily Bromberg and Alex Manning from Miami City Ballet. The cast is comprised of dancers from Jacksonville’s own First Coast Nutcracker and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Special thanks to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Jacksonville University for generously providing rehearsal space.
Family activities are planned at the Sunday, May 3 performance, beginning at 2 p.m. Children are welcome to come in costume and can stay after for picture-taking in lobby with the cast, including Cinderella.
Ticket Prices: $35-$65. Call 904.354.5547 or log on to JaxSymphony.org for information.
Music and Wellness Lecture Series
Wednesday, May 6 at 10:30 am
Featuring: Live music by a woodwind quintet from the Jacksonville Symphony
Topic: Music can motivate, stimulate and relax
Speaker: Lowell Weiner
Location: Florida Blue Center, located at the St. Johns Town Center (4855 Town Center Parkway).
The Jacksonville Symphony is pleased to announce an innovative program to promote good health, in partnership with Florida Blue. The Music and Wellness Lecture series brings live music together with informative discussions on staying well. Admission is free.
Jacksonville Symphony
CLASSIC SOUL: MOTOWN AND MORE
Friday & Saturday, May 8 & 9, 2015 at 8 pm
Fidelity National Financial Pops Series
Michael Krajewski, conductor
Capathia Jenkins & Darius de Haas, guest vocalists
Incomparable vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Darius de Haas celebrate the kings and queens of classic soul. It’s a night of after chart-topping hit from Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and James Brown. Enjoy soulfully symphonic arrangements of “Natural Woman,” “Proud Mary,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Respect,” “The Closer I Get to You” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours.” A young trio of singers from Philadelphia, Calla Graver, Nicholas Trawick and DeShana Wooden, will round out the soulful sounds as background vocalists.
Ticket Prices: $25-$72. Call 904.354.5547 or log on to JaxSymphony.org for information.
Jacksonville Symphony
Season Finale: COURTNEY LEWIS RETURNS!
Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 pm
Friday, May 15 at 11 am (Coffee Concert)
Friday, May 15 at 8 pm
Mayo Clinic Coffee Series
Florida Blue Masterworks Series
Thursday concert sponsored by BRASS
Friday concert sponsored by VyStar
Courtney Lewis, conductor
HAYDN Symphony No. 92, “Oxford”
ADÈS Three Studies from Couperin
BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra (Not on Coffee Concert)
Courtney Lewis returns to conduct the season finale concert. The program opens with Haydn’s Symphony No. 92. It was nicknamed the “Oxford” after it was performed during Haydn’s honorary doctorate ceremony at the venerable institution. Three Studies from Couperin is a modern interpretation of the past by British composer Thomas Adès, in tribute to one of his favorite composers, Francois Couperin. Bartók’s monumental Concerto for Orchestra (not on Coffee Concert) offers a pure listening experience within the rich interplay of the wide spectrum of orchestral colors. When commissioned to write the work, Bartok was literally dying of cancer. He miraculously gained the will to live and wrote one of the great pinnacles of 20th century composition.
Ticket Prices: $25-$72. Coffee Ticket Prices: $16-$26. Call 904.354.5547 or log on to JaxSymphony.org for information.
STARRY NIGHTS AT METROPOLITAN PARK
THE BEACH BOYS
With the Jacksonville Symphony
Sponsored by U.S. Trust
Saturday, May 16, 2015. Gates open at 6 pm. Concert begins at 8:15 pm.
Location: Metropolitan Park, 4110 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202
What better way to kick off your summer fun than with the quintessential American Band, the Beach Boys, headlining the Jacksonville Symphony’s Starry Nights at Met Park. Join in with lead singer Mike Love and keyboardist Bruce Johnston as the band plays all your surf music favorites. Love was an original Beach Boy handling the lead vocals on a number of the band’s mega hit tracks including “Surfin’ USA,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “Be True To Your School,” and “I Get Around.” He also co-authored lyrics to hits with Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson such as “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Good Vibrations,” and “California Girls.”
Guests can pack their own lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Table seating starts at $60 per ticket. Lawn seating is $30 advance purchase and $35 at the gate. Lawn seating for children 12 years and under $10 each, advance purchase or at gate. Call 904.354.5547 or log on to JaxSymphony.org for complete information.
Starry Nights at Metropolitan Park – Event Info:
- Concerts take place rain or shine, unless conditions endanger the safety of artists and the public.
- Metropolitan Park is located on the St. Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville, at Gator Bowl Drive, across from EverBank Field and adjacent to WJCT.
- Food, beer, wine, soda, and bottled water are available to purchase in the park. Pre-order a picnic basket from Biscotti’s by calling 904.387.2060 (Deadline for ordering is Wednesday, May 13 at noon). Or purchase food in the park from local food trucks including: Bono’s Bar-B-Q, Cely’s, Le Petite Cheri Cupcakery, Mama’s Food, Mister Softee, Rat Race Phillies, Sweeto Burrito, and The Cat’s Meow.
- Due to city ordinances, alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the park. Glass containers (such as bottles, condiment jars, and candle holders) are prohibited. Umbrellas are prohibited. Audio/visual recording equipment and personal recording devices are prohibited. All bags and coolers will be checked prior to entering the park.
JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
SPRING FINAL CONCERT
Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 5 pm
Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
Publix Super Markets Charities JSYO Series
Scott C. Gregg, JSYO Music Director and Principal Conductor
Winston Family Endowed Chair
Enjoy an inspiring concert featuring famous British composers Edward Elgar and Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as Rossini, Dvorak and more. Each of the six JSYO ensembles will perform in in this showcase event.
The JSYO Philharmonic will perform Dvorak’s Carnival Overture, and Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 and Enigma Variations. The JSYO Repertory Orchestra will perform Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville and Vaughan Williams’ Overture to The Wasps. Additional works to be announced.
The JSYO has become one of the most comprehensive youth orchestra programs in the Southeast, offering quality orchestral instruction, guided by a team of professional conductors and coaches led by Scott Gregg.
Ticket prices: $5 (child)-$10 (adult). Call 904.354.5547 or log on to JaxSymphony.org for information.
Jacksonville Symphony
LET FREEDOM RING
Presented by ARIAS (Amelia Residents In Action for the Symphony)
Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 7 pm
Sameer Patel, conductor
Location: First Baptist Church – Fernandina Beach (1600 S. 8th Street, Fernandina Beach)
The annual “Let Freedom Ring” concert, hosted by ARIAS (Amelia Island Residents in Action for the Symphony) celebrates Memorial Day Weekend and our country with an evening of patriotic and popular favorites. Exciting American conductor Sameer Patel returns to lead the Jacksonville Symphony and has selected a program including Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” Gershwin’s “Strike up the Band” and Amelia Island’s favorite “Armed Forces Salute.” Patel has served as associate conductor of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. He first conducted the Jacksonville Symphony during the League of American Orchestras National Conductor Preview in 2013. Also included are Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” music from “Victory at Sea” and much more! Robert Quinby, a board member of ARIAS will open the program with the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
Ticket price: $20, Free for children under 12. ARIAS encourages parents to take advantage of this wonderful family musical opportunity. Advance tickets available at The Book Loft, Front and Center, the Golf Club of Amelia Island, and Fernandina Beach Golf Club and at the door on the night of the Concert. Log on to JaxSymphony.org for more information.
JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL
PEABO BRYSON
With the Jacksonville Symphony
Friday, May 22, 2015, at 9:30 pm
Sameer Patel, conductor
Downtown Jacksonville – Stage Location: Swingin’ Stage (Main stage at the Shipyards)
Peabo Bryson joins the Jacksonville Symphony to headline the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Bryson has established a career as one of the premier male vocalists in contemporary music for the last quarter century. Possessing a beautifully rich voice, the two-time Grammy Award-winner has prospered throughout the changes in popular musical trends. With twenty albums to his credit, Bryson has enjoyed an unparalleled level of international success.
Exciting American conductor Sameer Patel will lead the performance. Patel has served as associate conductor of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. He first conducted the Jacksonville Symphony during the League of American Orchestras National Conductor Preview in 2013.
Admission is free.
Log on toJaxJazzFest.com for information.
Jacksonville Symphony
CONCERT ON THE GREEN
Sunday, May 24, 2015. Gates open at 4 p.m. Jacksonville Symphony concert at 8 p.m.
Sameer Patel, conductor
Featuring Young Artist Competition Winners Joseph Plumlee, tenor, and Selah Welton, violin
Location: St. Johns Country Day School; 3100 Doctors Lake Drive; Orange Park, FL 32073
The Concert On The Green is now in its 28th year and is the largest event of its kind in Clay County. The spirited program includes Gershwin’s “Strike up the Band,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” Tchaikovsky’s rousing “1812 Overture” and much more. Exciting American conductor Sameer Patel returns to lead the Jacksonville Symphony, which he first conducted during the League of American Orchestras National Conductor Preview in 2013.
The Concert on the Green is much more than an annual concert. The Young Artist Scholarship Competitions is held each year, in which music and art students compete for scholarships and the opportunity to perform at the concert. This year’s winning soloists are Joseph Plumlee, tenor, and Selah Welton, violin. Proceeds from the Concert on the Green will benefit Clay County Schools’ Music and Art programs and Rotary charities.
Ticket prices and information at ConcertontheGreen.com.
Auditions for the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra
May 26-31, 2015
Location: Florida State College at Jacksonville, 11901 Beach Blvd
The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra holds competitive auditions each spring to form its membership for the following school year. Auditions for the 2015-2016 season will be held May 26-31, 2015. Log on to JaxYouthOrchestra.com/auditions for information.
End of the Jacksonville Symphony 2014-15 season.
Log on to JaxSymphony.org for 2015-16 schedule and details.
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STUDENT TICKETS, GROUP PACKAGES, GIFT CERTIFICATES AND MORE
Sound Check Card: For students up to age 25, the Sound Check Card offers student access to every Masterworks and Coffee series concert and other select concerts for an entire season. One price – $25. Available at 904.354.5547 or online at jaxsymphony.org. Students above age 25 can still purchase Rush Tickets (see below). Parents – When you purchase a Sound Check Card for your child, you can accompany your child with a special $10 admission. (Cash only. Limit 2 accompanying admissions.)
Student Rush Tickets: Students rush tickets are available for $10 to Masterworks or Coffee concerts (at the Box Office 90 minutes before the concert, subject to availability). Students MUST present a valid student ID at the Box Office to purchase tickets. One ticket per person (cash only).
Music Education Programs: Each year, more than 70,000 children, adults and senior citizens participate in Jacksonville Symphony education and community engagement programs. Programs include Young People’s Concerts (grades 4 and 5), Prelude Concerts (grades 2 and 3), Ensemble Performances in schools and senior center, Jump Start Strings violin, cello and bass instruction in partnership with Communities In Schools, Musical Storybooks early childhood literacy program. Jacksonville Symphony music education programs are funded by a generous group of community-minded corporations, foundations and individuals, in partnership with Duval County Schools and serving our surrounding counties. For more information, log on to JaxSymphony.org or call 904.354.5479.
Group Tickets: A performance by the Jacksonville Symphony is an experience unlike any other in our community. Whether it’s for entertainment or inspiration, we can arrange a complete J SYM event, with luxury bus transportation, restaurant packages and private reception area. Groups of Ten or More Get a 15% Discount. Call Linda Chaney, J SYM Account Executive at 904.356.0426.
Symphony Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a cruise and dinner on the St. Johns River prior to the concert. Ticket packages to Thursday night Masterworks concerts and Sunday Matinee concerts include a pre-concert cruise and dinner buffet on the Foxy Lady yacht and your concert ticket. Tickets for the Thursday series are $85 per person. Tickets for the Sunday Matinee series are $69. Season ticket holders who already have concert tickets can enjoy the pre-concert cruise as well. Cruise and dinner cost without concert ticket is $55 on Thursday and $39 on Sunday. For reservations, which are required, call Linda Chaney at 904.356.0426.
Gift Certificates: A Gift Certificate is a wonderful way to share the thrill of a Jacksonville Symphony concert, available in $10 and $25 vouchers, and a special $100 gift package.
