The Jacksonville Symphony will present its 2024-25 Concert Organ Series with three versatile performances in Jacoby Symphony Hall. The concerts are all centered around the renowned Bryan Concert Organ, but each has a unique theme along with new faces to the series.
The Organ Chamber Concert kicks off the series at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, with string and woodwind members of the Jacksonville Symphony, organist Matt Bickett and conductor Nathaniel Efthimiou. Bickett is an award-winning performer, and local to Jacksonville, serving as director of music ministries and organist at the historic Riverside Presbyterian Church.
Bickett and Symphony musicians will perform an hour and 15 minutes of music by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Josef Rheinberger, Florence Price and others. One piece to be featured is composed by Piotr Szewczyk, one of the Symphony’s section violinists. Next in the series is a new program, “Holiday Brass, Organ & Percussion,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 with brass and percussion members of the Jacksonville Symphony, organist and series curator Greg Zelek and guest conductor Matthew Wardell.
“With the perfect combination of organ, brass and timpani, we will perform fan-favorite holiday tunes, both together in ensemble, as well as solo works that will be familiar to all who attend,” said Zelek. “Bring your family and friends to hear the great Bryan Concert Organ like you’ve never heard it before, and I look forward to celebrating with you all!” The finale of the 2024-25 Concert Organ Series is a solo organ recital performed by Zelek at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8. Guests can truly appreciate Zelek’s innovative technique and expression while he performs music spanning several musical eras.
Tickets are available at JaxSymphony.org or by calling the box office at 904-354-5547.
This concert series is sponsored by JF Bryan, and this season is dedicated to the Bryan Family.
