Symphonic holiday celebrations at the Times-Union Center

News

by Max Marbut

Staff Writer

‘Tis the season to be jolly and for many people, especially lovers of classical music, that means a visit to the Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center to hear the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (JSYM).

In addition to the world’s classic Christmas ballet performance, there are also contemporary seasonal tunes by some of the area’s finest young musicians and a mass chorus offering up the most revered Christian-themed oratorio of all time.

It’s also when the orchestra has its most diverse audiences of the year. Season subscribers mingle with those who attend perhaps only during the holiday season.

JSYM Director of Public Relations Paul Witkowski said something orchestras have in common with the retail world is they can count on an increase in business between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“This music is a holiday tradition for many people and families,” he added. “There’s a lot of community involvement and many people attend these performances every year.”

One of this year’s guest artists agreed.

“The music of the holiday season is so rich in its traditions and some might argue some of the best music was inspired by this holiday. I like this season because the music fills many with joy and anticipation and it’s always fresh from one year to the next,” commented Scott Terrell, who is guest conductor for “Holiday Pops.”

The 2009 holiday program begins with four performances (two in the evening and two matinees) of the First Coast Nutcracker Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The orchestra performs Tchaikovski’s score as some of Jacksonville’s most talented young dancers take the stage in the Jim and Jan Moran Theater. This year, guest dancers Janessa Touchet as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Ogulcan Borova as the Cavalier from the Cincinnati Ballet join the cast.

Local dancers have been rehearsing since early September at Jacksonville University.

“The talent level at the auditions was remarkable,” said First Coast Nutcracker Board chair Linda Holmes. “This year’s cast could be the best we’re ever had. We are proud of all our dancers. Their effort, professionalism and dedication make this tradition come to life.”

The iconic ballet will be followed by three performances of “Holiday Pops” beginning with a Coffee Series performance Dec. 11 followed by two encore presentations Dec. 12-13. This year’s schedule offers a morning, afternoon and evening choice in terms of what time the concerts begin.

“We try to offer enough dates and times so people have plenty of opportunities to attend the symphony,” said Witkowski.

Pops audiences will hear the Symphony Chorus joined by the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus perform traditional works like “O Come All Ye Faithful” blended with more contemporary selections including “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” Also on the program is a narration of the famous newspaper editorial, “Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus.”

The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra takes the stage for an afternoon performance of “Sounds of the Season” Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. The group includes the finest young musicians in North Florida and a program that appeals to all ages. There’s also a sing-along and a visit from Santa Claus.

The finale of JSYM’s holiday season is more than 100 voices singing Handel’s “Messiah” Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.

The annual production features the orchestra and the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus with several guest soloists performing what is considered the most famous oratorio ever written.

For performance and ticket information on the 2009 holiday symphonic season call 355-5547 or visit www.jaxsymphony.org.