The Jacksonville Symphony has announced its 2026-27 season. As Music Director Courtney Lewis leads the symphony in his 12th year, the season coincides with enhancements to Jacoby Symphony Hall, including improved acoustics, upgraded seating and technical updates designed to elevate the listening experience.
The season features a mix of core repertoire, new work and returning audience favorites across all series.
The Florida Blue Classical Series centers on major symphonic works alongside contemporary voices.
The season opens with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat major, K. 482 and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake (Sept. 25 and 26) and includes programs such as Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 (Nov. 6 and 7), Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 paired with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 (March 19 and 20, 2027) and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 1 (April 30 and May 1, 2027). Additional repertoire includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” (Feb. 19 and 20, 2027), Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Symphony No. 2 (Jan. 8 and 9, 2027) and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7 alongside Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto (May 21 and 22, 2027).
The season also features special one-night-only concerts including a new commission, “The Flying Ace” (Nov. 14), an original score created for the 1926 silent film produced in Jacksonville at Norman Studios. Marking the film’s 100th anniversary, the score is written collaboratively by a group of composers led by Carlos Simon and will be performed live alongside a screening of the film. Additional special programming includes Rick Steves’ “Europe: A Symphonic Journey” (Jan. 23, 2027), combining live orchestral performance with storytelling and multimedia elements.
The Terry Family Foundation Pops Series includes programs highlighting music from film, Broadway and popular artists. Concerts include “Stevie Wonder & More: The 70s & Beyond” (Oct. 2 and 3), “Music of the Knights: Elton, McCartney & Lloyd Webber” (Oct. 23 and 24), “John Williams & Steven Spielberg” (Feb. 5 and 6, 2027) and “Blockbuster Broadway: Les Misérables, Wicked & More” (April 2 and 3, 2027).
Additional programs feature “Tony DeSare: Sinatra & Beyond” (Jan. 15 and 16, 2027), “7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience” (March 5 and 6, 2027), “ABBA & Friends: Thank You for the Music” (April 23 and 24, 2027), “Cirque de la Symphonie” (May 14 and 15, 2027) and “Parrots + Palms: The Songs of Jimmy Buffett & Friends” (June 4 and 5, 2027).
The Symphonic Night at the Movies Series includes “Home Alone in Concert” (Nov. 20 and 21), “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert” (Feb. 12 and 13, 2027) and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert” (May 7 and 8, 2027).
Holiday programming includes Holiday Pops (Dec. 3-6), First Coast Nutcracker presented by VyStar (Dec. 18-20) and Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 19 and 20). Additional seasonal programs include Holiday Brass, Organ & Percussion (Dec. 12) and Holiday Big Band (Nov. 22).
The Fleet Landing Coffee Series features Friday morning performances, including Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony (Sept. 18), “Music of the Knights” (Oct. 23), Holiday Pops (Dec. 4), “Tony DeSare: Sinatra & Beyond” (Jan. 15, 2027), “John Williams & Steven Spielberg” (Feb. 5, 2027) and “Mozart: The Vienna Years” (March 12, 2027).
The JP Morgan Chase Jazz Series continues with performances by the Jacksonville Jazz Collective and guest artists, while The Concert Organ Series brings organist Greg Zelek back along with a new face, Brett Miller.
Select performances throughout the season are included in the Greta Challen Berg Artist Series, honoring one of the original incorporators of the Jacksonville Symphony Association. These concerts reflect the symphony’s commitment to artistic excellence and a range of orchestral programming.
Season subscriptions and ticket packages are now on sale, offering savings, free ticket exchanges and priority seating. Single tickets will be available on July 8.
To explore the full season and ticket options, go to JaxSymphony.org or call the box office at 904-354-5547.
