It’s autumn, which means it’s finally symphony season! I don’t know if I’ve shared this on my blog before, but I actually really love going to my local symphony. It’s always been one of my favorite things to do wherever I live, and Jacksonville actually has an amazing symphony, aptly named the Jacksonville Symphony!
Last year, I got season tickets and it was the best decision ever. It may be an “old lady” thing to do (that’s what I’ve been told my friends and family because it’s typically only older people who appreciate the symphony), but I don’t particularly care. I like it.
By purchasing the tickets in bulk and becoming a season ticket holder, the prices go down because they give you a discount. Typically, ticket prices range from $25 to $80. If you don’t get season tickets, they do sometimes have special discounts on select demographics, shows or nights. Honestly, I can’t imagine why you’d pay $80, the $25 seats are just fine and that’s usually where I sit. You do also have to pay for parking, which ranges from $5-20, depending on location.
The Jax Symphony splits its season into different concert series. There’s the classical series, where you can listen to Beethoven, Bach, etc.; the opera and flute series; pop series, where you can listen to holiday songs or, like, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin songs; concertos with special guests; the organ series (a personal favorite); and…. movies live in concert!!
This movies live in concert is always very popular, especially with younger audiences, because the symphony will play the music live while showing a movie on a large projection screen. For example, you’ll watch Harry Potter while the movie plays on a screen and the symphony plays the background music live. This year, there are three movies in concert: Rocky I, Jurassic Park I, and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I AM SO EXCITED FOR ALL OF THESE!! I went to these last year, where they played HP4 and Star Wars, and it was incredible!
As I mentioned earlier, I also really enjoy the organ series. There is a huge organ in this symphony hall and it’s absolutely amazing whenever they bring it out for the organ series. I also enjoy the classical and pop series, but you really can’t go wrong with any of their shows.
Honestly, I think that going to the symphony is so incredibly underrated. It’s fairly cheap and highly immersive. The way that the music sweeps over you – it gives me chills every time! And sometimes I get so overwhelmed with gratitude for living in a world with such beautiful live music. Plus, in the pandemic-era, going to the Jax Symphony was my first live show in over 2 years, so it’s always been an emotional experience for me. Sappy, I know. I just wish that I could spread the word to please go to your local symphony – or opera or ballet or just local music and arts in general! They’re struggling so much and we, as a society, can’t afford to lose them.
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Thank you for reading! Have you ever been to your local symphony (please say yes!)? Let me know in the comments below and like this post if you want more like it!
Xoxo’s
Emmalee
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Emmalee Mauldin 