The American Journey
Journey through the music that tells America’s story—from its landscapes and struggles to its triumphs and traditions. Featuring works by Copland, Thomson, Florence Price, Soon Hee Newbold, and more.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 4 PM
St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
465 11th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 4 PM
St. John’s Cathedral
256 E Church St, Jacksonville, FL
Program
Virgil Thomson — The Plow That Broke the Plains
Florence Price — Toccato from Suite No. 1 for Organ (featuring Tim Tuller)
Soon Hee Newbold — American Landscape
Robert Wendel — The Tall Ships
Edward MacDowell — Second “Indian” Suite 1. Legend
Aaron Copland — John Henry
Lin-Manuel Miranda (arr. Brubaker) — Suite from Hamilton
Simple Gifts
Celebrate the season with an afternoon of uplifting music featuring American classics, beloved holiday favorites, and festive orchestral works. From Copland’s Simple Gifts to Leroy Anderson’s Christmas Festival, this joyful concert offers something for the whole family.
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 4 PM
Jacksonville Public Library - Main Library
303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Program
Mark O’Connor — Americana Symphony -Variation VI: Splendid Horizons
William Grant Still — Symphony No. 3, Sunday Symphony
Aaron Copland — Simple Gifts
Brian Balmages — (Up)Lifted
Arr. Halcombe — ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Leroy Anderson — A Christmas Festival
Arr. McKennon — We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Hooray for Hollywood
A family-friendly celebration of unforgettable movie music featuring iconic themes and beloved film scores performed live by the Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville. Designed for audiences of all ages and abilities.
Sunday, March 7, 2027 | 4 PM
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Program
Elmer Bernstein — The Magnificent Seven (Symphonic Suite)
Alan Silvestri (arr. de la Rosa Oliva)— Back to the Future (Suite for Orchestra)
John Williams — Star Wars
1. Main Title
3. The Imperial March
Leonard Bernstein (arr. Mason) — Selections from West Side Story
John Powell (arr. O’Loughlin) — How to Train Your Dragon
Rodgers and Hammerstein (arr. Bennett) — Oklahoma!
The American Sound
Celebrate the composers whose music helped define America’s unique voice in classical music. From sweeping landscapes and mighty rivers to beloved American stories, this program showcases the rich musical traditions that continue to shape our nation’s sound.
Saturday, May 1, 2027 | 4 PM
Hibernia Baptist Church
7100 US-17, Fleming Island, FL 32003
Sunday, May 2, 2027 | 4 PM
Jacksonville Jewish Center
3662 Crown Point Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Program
Aaron Copland — An Outdoor Overture
Ferde Grofé — Mississippi Suite
Robert Wendel — Sea to Shining Sea
George Gershwin (arr. Whitney) — Selections from Porgy and Bess
Florence Price — Colonial Dances (for orchestra)