Jacksonville, Fla. (December 10, 2025) — The Jacksonville Symphony is proud to announce that Music Director Courtney Lewis’ contract has been extended through June 2032, marking yet another milestone in the organization’s ongoing commitment to artistic excellence and community impact. While his current contract runs through 2027, the Board voted last month to approve a five year extension. Lewis, who has served as Music Director since 2015—a position endowed by Preston Haskell in 2009—continues to shape the Symphony’s identity with vision, innovation and extraordinary musicianship.
“Under Courtney Lewis’ leadership, the Symphony reaches new levels of excellence year after year,” said President & CEO Steven B. Libman. “His high musical standards and deep rapport with our musicians have elevated the ensemble to new artistic heights. Courtney’s passion and his belief that orchestral music is essential to a thriving community embody the values that guide our mission. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we fuel the Symphony’s growth with his leadership secured through 2032.”
Currently in his eleventh season as Music Director, Lewis has brought an ambitious and imaginative approach to programming, commissioning and artistic development. His tenure has been defined by an expansion of the Symphony’s repertoire—from Mahler and Bruckner symphonies to modern masterpieces—and a renewed commitment to presenting the music of today’s leading composers. Under his baton, the Symphony has also attracted exceptional young talent, infusing the organization with fresh energy and reinvigorated spirit. This influx of emerging musicians has enriched the orchestra’s sound, strengthened camaraderie and deepened commitment.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to lead this wonderful orchestra for the last decade,” said Lewis. “I believe they're now one of the finest in the country and I'm delighted to be continuing to work with them for the foreseeable future.”
Media coverage beyond Jacksonville testifies to the national attention Lewis continues to attract. In a 2025 review of one of his most recent guest appearances with the Grant Park Orchestra, one critic wrote that Lewis “elicited solid contributions from every department of the orchestra,” praising his style as “lucid of beat, firm of rhythm, articulate of gestures,” by Chicago Classical Review. Another recent critic, Nona Rapotan, reflected that his interpretation of his performance with the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania was “an expression of a rare combination of playfulness and depth,” suggesting that his musical leadership transcends to an emotional level.
Board Chair Matthew Marcin added, “Courtney’s vision and leadership have propelled the Jacksonville Symphony forward in remarkable ways. His contract extension reflects the Board’s confidence in his ability to
inspire, challenge and elevate the orchestra. We are excited for what the next several seasons will bring as he continues the Symphony’s artistic trajectory.”
A conductor recognized internationally for his clarity of musical expression and creative programming, Lewis has appeared with major orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Grant Park Orchestra, George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and Hallé Orchestra. Prior to his work in Jacksonville, he served as Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic and has held leadership roles with the Minnesota Orchestra and Boston’s acclaimed Discovery Ensemble.
Since his inaugural season in 2015/16, Lewis’ performances with the Jacksonville Symphony have been marked by energy, stylistic expression and emotional depth. This contract renewal ensures the Symphony will continue advancing its mission to enrich Northeast Florida through symphonic music of the highest caliber—while further strengthening its position as one of the region’s leading cultural institutions.
About the Jacksonville Symphony The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering live performances at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 155,500 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides music instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras. For more information about the Symphony, visit JaxSymphony.org.
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Media Contact: Savannah Silliman Marketing and Public Relations Manager Jacksonville Symphony ssilliman@jaxsymphony.org