Program
Courtney Lewis Conductor
Erica Schuller Soprano
Amanda Crider Mezzo-soprano
James Ley Tenor
Sidney Outlaw Baritone
Jacksonville Symphony Chorus
Music Director Courtney Lewis and the Symphony are joined by the brightest solo voices and the full Jacksonville Symphony Chorus to deliver the uplifting and majestic gift of Handel’s Messiah. Shining with hope, inspiration and sheer joy, its message of faith has brought audiences to their feet since its premiere in 1742. Don’t miss being a part of this tradition and experiencing what has been heralded as “the greatest story ever told...the most majestic music ever conceived.”
George Frideric HANDEL | Messiah
This program runs approximately 2 hours 30 minutes with a 20-minute intermission.
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Featured Artists
Courtney Lewis Music Director, Haskell Endowed Chair
Anchored in the belief that music holds the power to transform lives, Courtney Lewis has established himself as one of his generation’s most dynamic conductors. Currently in his ninth season as Music Director of the Jacksonville Symphony, Lewis has designed an ambitious mission to enrich the surrounding community with innovative symphonic programming, creating the highest quality of art possible, accessible to all...continue reading | Photo by Liz Linder, lizlinder.com
Erica Schuller Soprano
Praised for her “lively personality, abundant charm, and luscious vocalism” (Chicago Tribune), and “warm, agile soprano” (Chicago Classical Review), soprano Erica Schuller is a versatile performer, recognized for bringing committed artistry to a broad musical repertory...continue reading
Amanda Crider Mezzo-soprano
Mezzo-soprano Amanda Crider has been recognized for her “gleaming vocalism” (Boston Globe), “star acting” (Urban Milwaukee), and “superbly clear diction and warmly burnished timbre” (South Florida Classical Review). In demand for performances of classical and contemporary opera alike, Ms. Crider created the role of Alma in Keeril Makan and Jay Scheib’s Persona in its world premiere with the Beth Morrison Projects and later at LA Opera...continue reading
James Lay Tenor
American-born James Ley is a graduate of the Opera Studies program at New York’s prestigious Juilliard School, a former member of both the Salzburg Young Artist Project and the Opernstudio at Bayerische Staatsoper and a finalist of the 2022 Operalia Competition...continue reading
Sidney Outlaw Baritone
Lauded by the New York Times as a “terrific singer” with a “deep, rich timbre,” Sidney Outlaw is an “opera powerhouse” who has delighted audiences in the U.S. and abroad with his “weighty and forthright” sound (San Francisco Chronicle) since 2010 when he exploded onto the international scene after winning the Grand Prize at the Concurso Internacional de Canto Montserrat Caballe. ...continue reading
Jacksonville Symphony Chorus
With some of the area’s finest voices, Jacksonville Symphony Chorus members come from all walks of life who share the spirit of singing great choral music. With a three-decade tradition of making great music with the Jacksonville Symphony, the roster includes many professional musicians, skilled amateur performers and students. Since 2012, the Chorus had been led by esteemed choral director and...continue reading
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