Friday Musicale Announces its 2015-2016 Concert Season
July 6, 2015
Friday Musicale today announced its 126th concert season, which presents the greatest number of free, professional concerts in the Greater Jacksonville community. Friday Musicale’s 2015-2016 concert season promotes the organization’s strategic directional change of programming through artists’ diversity in programming, age, ethnicity and musical style.
Opening the concert season on October 9, 2015 is Simply Three, who “with old school training, but with a new school sound … is re-shaping convention with its original works and innovative arrangements that blend classical style with popular songs of today. Since its inception in 2010, the group has been praised as ‘having what it takes’ (Boston Philharmonic) for its ability to impress audiences with a multitude of genres, being equally at home with performing works by composers such as Puccini and Gershwin to artists like Adele, Coldplay, and Michael Jackson. Simply Three continues to capture the true essence of the classical crossover field by combing their technical virtuosity and captivating musicality with an openness to genre hopping.”
Local up and coming producer, arranger, and drummer through the jazz, r&b, and gospel scene John Lumpkin will be presented in concert, John Lumpkin & The Covenant, on November 6, 2015.
The MarNai Duo, in concert on February 5, 2016, comprised of violinists Mariana Hill and Naira Cola, has wowed audiences with their programs of traditional classical repertoire along with brilliant unconventional arrangements of Arias, Spirituals, Gospel, and other genres of popular tunes done with a classical touch.
February 19, 2016 The Mana Quaret, will be in concert, who has “since its inception in 2007, presented fresh interpretations of 21st-century repertoire and many virtually unheard of 20th-century masterworks.” In 2009, the group became the first saxophone quartet in history to receive the coveted Grand Prize at the Coleman International Chamber Ensemble Competition.
Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev will be in concert on April 8, 2016.
May 20, 2016, Colombian-American cellist Christine Lamprea will perform. Christine was the First Prize winner of the 2013 Sphinx Competition and joined the Sphinx Soloists Program, as as such is presented as soloist with major orchestras worldwide.
Friday Musicale will continue its tradition of presenting student competitions in December and May. Friday Musicale will present its Scholarship Laureates in concert on December 27, 2015 and May 27, 2016 with its Outstanding Young Pianists in concert on January 8, 2016.
For a full concert season listing, please visit Friday Musicale’s website.
Founded in 1890, Friday Musicale is the oldest nonprofit musical organization in the State of Florida. Friday Musicale’s mission is bringing exceptional musical programs, education, scholarships and opportunities for the Greater Jacksonville community. Friday Musicale positively impacts the greater community of all ages and diverse backgrounds through excellent musical arts endeavors and values contributing to the quality of life, broad accessibility to concerts and excellence in artistry.
For additional information or photos, please contact Executive Director Mandie McKenzie via 904-355-7584 or mandie@fridaymusicale.com.
