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Three wondrous holiday performances, to be presented in December by the Jacksonville Symphony and its partners, are sure to send audiences’ spirits soaring. In fact, these events should be placed on everyone’s “not to be missed” list. Performances are at the Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Water St., Jacksonville.
Holiday Pops
First up is the annual Holiday Pops concert, arguably the symphony’s most vibrant holiday tradition. This year, guest conductor Tim Hankewich, Broadway veteran vocalist Ryan Silverman, the Symphony Chorus and dancers from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts will join the Symphony in a show featuring some of the greatest holiday favorites.
“It’s a really fun, lively event,” said Symphony Marketing Manager Nichole Rivera. “It’s great for kids to come, as well.”
One of the highlights is the indoor snowfall, a source of great delight for children.
The Holiday Pops performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 3 p.m. Dec. 10. Santa will be available for photos with ticketholders prior to the 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 3 p.m. Dec. 9 performances.
Ticket prices vary. They can be purchased in advance at jaxsymphony.org/symphony-holidays.
The First Coast Nutcracker
Think you’ve seen The Nutcracker? Think again. The First Coast Nutcracker has been one of the Symphony’s premier events for more than a half century, and it’s the only one performed locally with a full, live symphony orchestra.
All the dancers are local, many from the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, and are under the direction of choreographer and artistic director Rhonda Stampalia. Associate Conductor Kevin Fitzgerald conducts the Symphony.
Each year, this presentation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet also uses all-new sets, adding to the spectacle.
Performances are 8 p.m. Dec. 15, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 16, and 2 p.m. Dec. 17.
Ticket prices vary. They can be purchased in advance at jaxsymphony.org/symphony-holidays.
Handel’s Messiah
Finally, the triumphant Messiah by George Frideric Handel will be performed by the Symphony and the full Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, with its more than 100 voices. The work has been popular with audiences since it debuted in 1742. Its iconic Hallelujah Chorus has long been celebrated and performed.
In fact, this is more than a performance; it’s an event. Music Director Courtney Lewis will conduct the Symphony.
Handel’s Messiah will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17. Ticket prices vary. They can be purchased in advance at jaxsymphony.org/symphony-holidays.
