One of the questions I’m asked most often is why the string sections of the Jacksonville Symphony sometimes change where they sit between pieces in a concert. Loyal symphony goers will remember that when I arrived in Jacksonville, we adopted two new positions for the string instruments. Your previous music director, Fabio Mechetti, preferred the common arrangement of first violins, second violins, violas, cellos and basses fanning from the left to right of the stage. Now we have two seatings: the first only slightly different from Fabio’s, with the violas on the outside (where the cellos previously sat) which I like for 20th century repertoire. I’m told this was how the orchestra sat during Roger Nierenberg’s time. The second seating is completely different: the first

Continue readingMusical Chairs: why orchestras sit the way they do

This week, we announced the Jacksonville Symphony’s 2017-18 season, and you may have read about the new five-year contract signed with our musicians earlier this month. We’re increasing musicians’ salaries to levels that match our peers, adding six full-time musicians to the orchestra, and increasing the orchestra’s season from 35 to 38 weeks. Last season, we increased our classical weekends from 10 to 12, and next season we’ll expand again to 13 with the addition of Fanfare, a single season-opening concert. It’s a thrill to be working with an orchestra, staff and board that are committed to building the best symphony for you, right here in Jacksonville. At the heart of the season you’ll hear many beloved masterpieces. Something about writing a Fifth symphony inspired

Continue readingAn exciting season awaits Symphony fans