PROGRAM
Courtney Lewis Conductor
Les Roettges Flute
Kayo Ishimaru-Fleisher Harp
Susanne Burgess Soprano
Jacksonville Symphony Chorus
University of North Florida Chorale
Jacksonville Symphony Principals Les Roettges and Kayo Ishimaru-Fleisher shine in Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp, a work of charm and delicate interplay. Poulenc’s Gloria fills Jacoby Symphony Hall with vibrant harmonies, brought to life by chorus and soprano, Susanne Burgess. The evening closes with Tchaikovsky’s lush and expressive Serenade for Strings, a beloved masterpiece overflowing with warmth and passion that inspired the likes of famed choreographer George Balanchine.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart · Concerto for Flute & Harp
Francis Poulenc · Gloria
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky · Serenade for Strings
Watch Insight with Music Director Courtney Lewis
Program notes
Spotify playlist
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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 eleventh 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
Les Roetteges Principal Flute
Les Roettges has been the principal flutist for the Jacksonville Symphony since 1986. He has performed and taught at the Eastern Music Festival for more than 20 years and also teaches at Jacksonville University and with the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras....continue reading
Kayo Ishimaru-Fleisher Principal Harp
A native of Osaka, Japan, Kayo Ishimaru-Fleisher began her musical studies on piano at age three and transferred to harp at age ten. She continued her formal study at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music...continue reading
Susanne Burgess Soprano
Susanne Burgess announced herself as a rising operatic star with her Summer 2025 performances of Norina in Don Pasqule for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Critics hailed her performances as “perfection incarnate” (Broadway World) and “one of the best witnessed on the company’s stage in years” (ReviewStl). For her performances, OTSL awarded her the Mabel Dorn Reeder Award, and Burgess has been invited to return in a future season... 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. The tradition of making great music with the Jacksonville Symphony started in 1985 with a roster including many professional musicians and skilled amateur performers. Since 2012, the Chorus had been led by esteemed choral director and composer Donald McCullough...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...continue reading
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