Jacksonville, Fla. (March 5, 2026) – The Jacksonville Symphony Gala set a new benchmark on February 28, 2026, raising a record $1.14 million to support its music education and community impact programs. The total was revealed on stage by Gala Emcee and Auctioneer Magen McRoberts during a Broadway-inspired concert led by Music Director Courtney Lewis.
The evening featured a dinner on the Moran Theater stage presented by Chef’s Garden, a luxury auction and a special performance by the Jacksonville Symphony, Broadway stars Meghan Picerno and Jay Armstrong Johnson in Jacoby Symphony Hall, followed by an exclusive after-party. Ann Hicks, a longtime advocate for the arts and dedicated supporter of the Jacksonville Symphony, served as the gala’s honorary chair, lending her influence and vision to the event’s success.
“I’m honored to support the Symphony in its mission to bring this glorious music to our community and to the next generation of artists and music lovers,” said Ann Hicks.
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity and support at this year’s gala,” said Steven B. Libman, president and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony. “Ann’s dedication to the arts and belief in the transformative power of music is central to our work. The funds raised will allow us to continue providing music education to more than 60,000 students annually and to inspire the next generation of musicians and arts enthusiasts.”
The Symphony Gala Committee co-chairs were Ryan Schwartz and Sally and Ross Singletary. Their leadership and commitment to the Symphony and Northeast Florida’s cultural vitality were instrumental in making the evening a success.
“We are proud to support the Symphony and celebrate this cultural jewel of our city,” said Sally and Ross Singletary. Schwartz added, “The Symphony’s mission is more important now than ever, and I’m honored to be part of such a meaningful and successful event.”
Title sponsor Arcus Capital Partners and all gala attendees also contributed to the evening’s achievements.
The Symphony Gala underscores the Jacksonville Symphony’s role as a cultural cornerstone of Northeast Florida, combining world-class performances with vital educational and community programs that reach tens of thousands of students and families each year.
About the Jacksonville Symphony
The Jacksonville Symphony is Northeast Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering 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
352-207-0719
ssilliman@jaxsymphony.org