The mission and mantra for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-12 season, which opens tonight at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Times-Union Center, is this:
“To create experiences that enrich the human spirit and inspire a lifelong love of music.”
The calendar of concerts runs through June 2 and includes programs and selections from the most traditional classical compositions to multimedia entertainment and musical adaptations of television shows, with the symphony orchestra as the centerpiece.
In between, there is a series of pops concerts, grand opera, educational programs for all ages and the traditional holiday offerings such as Handel’s “Messiah” and “The Nutcracker” ballet with a live orchestra.
Vocalist Al Jarreau is scheduled to join the orchestra Oct. 16 for the 10th Annual Fine Arts Scholarship Benefit Concert for Edward Waters College and the inauguration of Nat Glover as the college’s 29th president.
Violinist Joshua Bell is on the calendar Jan. 7 for a performance of Bruch’s Violin Concerto.
“Ballroom with a Twist” March 3 is set to bring “Dancing with the Stars” to the symphony hall featuring dancers Alex Mazo and Edyta Sliwinska.
Cirque de la Symphonie returns April 26-28 with a new aerial acrobatics show and Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” is scheduled March 18 with the guest Madcap Puppet Theatre.
The traditional classical schedule includes Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony Oct. 6-8, Sibelius’ Second Symphony Nov. 3-5 and Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony Nov. 17-19.
There are five programs devoted to Ludwig von Beethoven’s classic works scheduled Feb. 16-June 2.
“We want to serve the entire demographic, all parts of the community and all walks of life,” said symphony Executive Director Stacy Ridenour.
The design and planning for the 2011-12 season began more than a year ago.
Planning the symphony’s season involves Music Director and Principal Conductor Fabio Mechetti working with Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski and an artistic committee comprised of board members, musicians and staff.
Symphony General Manager Richard Naylor said planning the next season is a constant process that combines the artistic side of the equation with marketing and development.
He also travels to other cities for symphony performances and uses the Internet as well to discover and evaluate potential new offerings for the season.
“There are a lot of goals to accomplish each season. We want a lot of variety. It’s like planning a meal,” said Ridenour.
The 2011-12 season opens at 8 p.m. tonight when guest artist Conrad Tau performs Gershwin’s Piano Concerto accompanied by the orchestra, conducted by Mechetti.
It’s the season debut of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Masterworks Series. There’s also an evening performance Saturday.
For the complete symphony schedule and subscription and ticket information, visit www.jaxsymphony.org.
356-2466