JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Outdoor orchestral concerts featuring guests artists will return to Jacksonville late this spring, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra announced Thursday.
For the return of Starry Nights at Metropolitan Park, the symphony will host Chicago on May 31 and Christopher Cross on June 7.
The symphony is bringing back the concerts after a 10-year hiatus as part of its efforts to reach a larger audience.
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"The Jacksonville Symphony's goal this past year has been to continually expand its offerings to the community and engage all residents in Jacksonville's cultural gem," said David L. Pierson, president of the Jacksonville Symphony Association. "Thousands of residents remember the wonderful outdoor concerts in Metropolitan Park, as the orchestra collaborated with some of the great pop talents. Starry Nights is Jacksonville's version of ‘Saturday in the Park' - with an entire orchestra."
Opening Starry Nights is Chicago, an American band formed in 1967 that describes itself as a "rock and roll band with horns." Chicago is of the longest-running and most successful rock groups in history and was inducted this year into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
A week later the symphony will welcome American singer-songwriter and five-time Grammy Award winner Christopher Cross. With hits such as "Sailing" and "Ride Like the Wind," his debut album. He won an Academy Award with "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)," for the Dudley Moore film comedy Arthur.
Table seating as well as lawn chair seating is available for the evening concerts. Subscription table seats for both concerts are available now and single-event tickets go on sale April 7. For tickets, call 904-354-5547 or visit the Symphony Box Office at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those who subscribe for an entire table by April 4 and receive a complimentary bottle of wine for both events.
Gates for both concerts open at 6 p.m., with concerts begin at 8:15 pm. Concerts take place rain or shine, unless conditions endanger the safety of artists and the public. [More details and ticket information at jaxsymphony.org]
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