Jacksonville, Fla. (September 10, 2026) — The Jacksonville Symphony opens its 2026/27 Season with Mozart & Tchaikovsky on September 25 and 26 in a renovated Jacoby Symphony Hall. Led by Music Director Courtney Lewis, the program features selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 in E-flat major, K. 482, with Van Cliburn bronze medalist Evren Ozel and Guillaume Connesson’s Maslenitsa.
"If you’re looking for a concert that lifts you out of the everyday into a whirlwind of irrepressible energy, this one’s for you," said Lewis. "It showcases the cinematic power and emotional depth of symphonic music, and celebrates the power of love to transcend all obstacles."
Ozel is an international performer highly sought-after for his technical skill and artistry. He is the bronze medalist of the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (2025), a recipient of a 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and a 2022 Salon de Virtuosi Career Grant. He is also an Ambassador Prize Winner of Concert Artists Guild’s 2021 Competition.
“[Ozel’s] entire performance brought forth that extra spark of spontaneity and inspiration that distinguishes an exceptionally gifted artist from a solid one.” — South Florida Classical Review
Audiences will experience Ozel performing alongside Symphony musicians in a dynamic program while enjoying the new seats, carpeting and acoustic enhancements in Jacoby Symphony Hall. Tickets are available at JaxSymphony.org.
This performance is part of Greta Challen Berg Artists Series and the David M. Hicks Piano Series and sponsored by Florida Blue.
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 180,000 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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