Fall is officially upon us. As the weather starts to cool and festive decorations shine vibrantly all around, the joyous sounds of the holidays begin to waft through the air. The holidays are mere weeks away, and the Jacksonville Symphony is bursting with excitement to share this year’s festive programming with you. All December long, Jacoby Symphony Hall will be your destination for experiencing magical holiday performances and creating memories your family will forever cherish.
First Coast Nutcracker 50th Anniversary
December 16 through 18, 2022
The Jacksonville Symphony’s First Coast Nutcracker celebrates its 50th anniversary this season as a treasured community tradition in Northeast Florida and the only local performance with a full orchestra performing its score. This timeless production brings patrons together to revel in Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s breathtaking melodies performed by the musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony, stunning costumes, new storybook sets, and a magical Christmas tree that grows to 33 feet! As part of the symphony’s commitment to making the ballet accessible to all, there are more than 180 young community dance students who are provided with the unique opportunity to attend professionally supervised weekly classes to learn repertoire and work with illustrious choreographers and guest artists. Additionally, 1,250 community service tickets are given to deserving families throughout the First Coast region, and there are two special, educational performances of the First Coast Nutcracker that allow over 7,500 students to attend at reduced, accessible prices. Through these opportunities, this enchanting production spreads its magic to all who wish to experience it. Reserve your seats early!
Holiday Pops
December 8 through 11, 2022
As another one of the community’s most cherished family traditions year after year, the Holiday Pops concerts bring new life to festive classics through the wonder of live performances. Joining the musicians of the symphony to shine under the spotlight are dancers from Douglas Anderson School for the Arts, the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, conductor Tim Hankewich, and other illustrious talent. Featuring all new arrangements this season, many of your holiday favorites will fill Jacoby Symphony Hall with their warm and cheerful melodies for friends and the whole family to carol along to together.
Handel’s Messiah
December 17 and 18, 2022
Heralded as “the greatest story ever told … the most majestic music ever conceived,” George Frideric Handel’s Messiah has inspired audiences for centuries as one of the most beloved holiday works. Delivering its uplifting joy every season are the musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony, star guest soloists, and more than 100 voices of the Symphony Chorus. Patrons also play their part in the music by gathering together and rising to their feet for the “Hallelujah” chorus and other dazzling arias, creating a scene that is moving and heartfelt to witness.
The holiday season at the Jacksonville Symphony would not be complete without you, our audience. Every year we are overjoyed that you choose to make us a part of your holiday traditions. We look forward to seeing you again this year for the magic, boundless energy, and profound amazement in store.
Learn more and purchase tickets to any of the spectacular holiday concerts at www.jaxsymphony.org.
