by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
For Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra conductor Fabio Mechetti, picking a favorite concert for the upcoming season would be like picking a favorite child. There’s something for everybody in the 2003-04 season.
“What’s exciting is there is enough diversity to please everyone,” said Mechetti.
Diversity is something the symphony has taken literally. Its upcoming Discovery Series showcases music and food from around the globe. The international music and cuisine theme is new this year. In conjunction with Juliette’s in the Omni, each concert will feature the tastes and sounds of a particular country. The series, which begins in October, will highlight German compositions such as Strauss’ “Tales from the Vienna Woods.”
For those purchasing the $96 package of six gourmet dinners, they can dine before the concert on dishes from that particular nation. For the Italian Serenade performance, they can dine on pasta alla carbonara. On all-American night, steak and potatoes are on the menu. Tap dancing and baseball tributes follow. As part of the Latin Rhythm concert, musician Robert Bonfiglio will create versatile sounds with the use of an over-sized harmonica.
“The purpose of the Discovery Series is to break the intimidation factor,” said Mechetti. “Each evening is based on a different culture. With the other activities, we are trying to make coming here more attractive. It is a more encompassing experience.”
Focusing on the African-American and spiritual music of Northeast Florida, the 44th annual Delius Festival Concert runs from March 4-7, 2004. The final day of the festival will feature a piano concert at the T-U Center. Friday Musicale and the Ritz Theater also will host performances.
Other upcoming performances include “Steppin’ Out with the Kamikaze Jitterbugs” and “Celtic Celebration: Music of the Emerald Isle.” The Jitterbugs perform a sampling of American swing dance from the last century. As for the Celtic Celebration, be prepared for a wee bit of luck with Irish music and bagpipes reminiscent of “Riverdance.”
“It tells the story of one man’s journey to America during the potato famine, incorporating music from the homeland,” said Paul Witkowski, director of public relations for the symphony.
“Whatever we promote in the Pops Series is still very good music within their specific genre,” said Mechetti.
To keep pace with the demand for their most popular pieces, the symphony has added three more concerts to its repertoire. There will be an extra performance of its Masterworks and Coffee Series and an encore matinee for the Holiday Pops show.
“We felt there was enough interest there,” said Mechetti. “Saturday subscriptions for Masterworks is the fastest growing series.”