The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra brings more than 200,000 people Downtown each year during about 100 performances each season.
More than 150 students in six public schools participate in the orchestra's "Beginning Strings" program and about 30,000 students each year attend concerts at the Times-Union Center. The symphony's small ensembles perform 200 concerts each year in schools and senior centers.
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra's 53 full-time musicians represent one of only three full-time orchestras in Florida and it is the only orchestra in the state that plays in its own dedicated concert hall.
Those were some of the statistics offered Monday to the Rotary Club of Jacksonville by Stacy Ridenour, symphony executive director.
She became the symphony's chief executive in 2008 and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the orchestra, including human resources and developing community and business partnerships.
"The orchestra is in its 63rd season. That is quite an accomplishment," said Ridenour.
"Our orchestra is passionate about sharing music of all styles and we are committed to education," she said.
The 2012-13 symphony season began in September and continues through May 19, when the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra is scheduled to perform its annual spring concert.
"I Love a Piano II" is scheduled Jan. 18-19. Music Director Fabio Mechetti will conduct the Leningrad Symphony Jan. 23.
"This is Fabio's last full season as our music director. We're calling it 'Fabio's dream season,'" Ridenour said.
The Family Series will present "The Magical Music of Disney" Jan. 20, a Sunday afternoon performance.
"It's a great way to introduce your children and grandchildren to the symphony," said Ridenour.
The orchestra Feb. 9 will present Verdi's grand opera "Otello," Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" is scheduled March 21-23 and Neal Sedaka has been invited to perform with the orchestra April 13.
The symphony and Players by the Sea will present "Amadeus" March 2-3, two performances of Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning play.
Jazz trumpeter Chris Botti has a date with the symphony May 4 and a choral program is scheduled May 17-18 featuring soprano Barbara Shirvis with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus and Jacksonville Children's Chorus.
For the complete performance schedule, visit jaxsymphony.org.
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