Jacksonville Symphony to present tribute concert to Johann Sebastian Bach

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The Jacksonville Symphony will present a concert honoring famed composer Johann Sebastian Bach Oct. 19, 20 and 21 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in the Jacoby Symphony Hall.

The Symphony will be joined by Matthew Halls, a conductor who specializes in the performance of Baroque music. Halls first came to prominence as a keyboard player and early music conductor, but the Brit is now known for his dynamic work with major symphony orchestras and opera companies, along with his probing interpretation of music from all periods.

Increasingly in demand by North American symphony orchestras, Halls has performed with ensembles such as the Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestras, Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Utah Symphony, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and National Arts Centre Orchestra. His debut with the Toronto Symphony — where he led Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony — captured much of the energy and excitement that its first audience felt at its premiere nearly 200 years ago according to the Toronto Star.

The Florida Blue Masterworks performance of “Bachtoberfest 2018: The Reformation” will contain a dual tribute. The first salute is to Bach, a notable composer of the Baroque era and a major influence on virtually all composers since that time period. Meanwhile, the second will honor the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door of Wittenberg Castle, protesting the Catholic Church’s practice of granting plenary indulgences. Luther’s actions launched the Protestant Reformation, which changed the course of modern European history. With his “Reformation” Symphony, Felix Mendelssohn memorialized the anniversary of the Augsburg Conference in 1530, but his symphony is inevitably associated with Luther’s bold stance.

One hour prior to every Masterworks performance, patrons can enter Jacoby Symphony Hall and join the program’s conductor and guest artists for an informal discussion of the concert repertoire. Concert times are 8 p.m. on Oct. 19 and 20, and 3 p.m. on Oct. 21.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (904) 354-5547 or visit www.jaxsymphony.org. The Times Union Center for the Performing Arts is located at 300 Water St. in Jacksonville.