PROGRAM
Courtney Lewis Conductor
Ailyn Pérez Soprano
Isabel Leonard Mezzo-soprano
Jacksonville Symphony Chorus 40th Anniversary
University of North Florida Chorale
Jacksonville University Singers
A profound scene comes to life in the movie Maestro, when Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) conducts Mahler’s epic Second Symphony. Experience this blockbuster moment live as Music Director Courtney Lewis opens the Jacksonville Symphony’s 75th Season with Mahler’s magnum opus, handpicked by Lewis for its sheer beauty. Setting the stage for a season rich in artistry, emotional depth and musical discovery, be swept away by operatic stars Ailyn Pérez and Isabel Leonard, over 150 choral voices and the full power of the Jacksonville Symphony. From life’s beginnings to its triumphant rebirth, embark on an emotionally transformative journey in this once-in-a-lifetime, symphonic experience.
Gustav Mahler · Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”
Part of the Greta Challen Berg Artist Series
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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 tenth 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
Ailyn Pérez Soprano
Hailed by The New York Times as "a beautiful woman who commands the stage" and "a major soprano," Ailyn Pérez is in demand at the world's leading opera houses and cultural capitals. As Opera News observes, "The phrase 'an embarrassment of riches' might have been invented to describe the combination of talents that belong to Ailyn Pérez…continue reading
Isabel Leonard Mezzo-soprano
Three-time Grammy Award winning artist Isabel Leonard has established herself as one of the most in demand performers as a star on the world’s leading stages and screens. The 2024 – 2025 season sees Ms. Leonard’s much anticipated return to Opéra National de Paris as Rosina in Damiano Michieletto’s production of Il barbiere di Siviglia, conducted by Diego Matheuz, and her house debut with Gran Teatre del Liceu as Anita in a concert performance of Bernstein’s West Side Story, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel...continue reading
Jacksonville Symphony Chorus
Celebrating its 40th Anniversary 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. The tradition of making great music with the Jacksonville Symphony started in 1985 with a roster including many professional musicians and skilled amateur performers...continue reading
University of North Florida Chorale
The Chamber Singers are the most select choral ensemble at UNF and serve as the primary fundraising and touring ensemble and typically perform ten to twenty concerts throughout the academic year. This versatile group was spotlighted on the world stage as they sang the national anthem to open the 2012 Florida Republican Debate, broadcast live on CNN-HD to over 5 million people...continue reading
Jacksonville University Singers
The Jacksonville University Singers are a professional student vocal ensemble maintaining a robust repertoire, a significant performance schedule, and an active, powerful presence in the community. Members are responsible for learning notes and rhythms on their own, reserving rehearsal time for music-making and ensemble-building...continue reading
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