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

There’s always one period in my season that ends up being slightly more travel and work than any sane individual should undertake, and this year it’s been January. In the weeks since the Jacksonville Symphony opened the year with Sibelius’ Seventh Symphony (about which I wrote last month), I’ve guest-conducted with the Asheville and Dallas symphonies and the Minnesota Orchestra. Here’s a snapshot of those weeks away from home. Sunday, Jan. 8: Recover from a very intense week with Jacksonville. Sibelius’ Seventh was one of those fiendishly difficult but rewarding projects that only come along a few times a year. In the afternoon I talk to the Jacksonville Jewish Community Alliance about the various projects we have going on. Tuesday, Jan. 10: Fly to Asheville,

Continue readingA crazy January!