Jacksonville Symphony to premiere artist-in-residence Conrad Tao’s ‘Clang and Shudder’

• The Jacksonville Symphony is celebrating its 75th season with pianist and composer Conrad Tao as their Artist-in-Residence.
• Tao has been heavily involved with the Jacksonville community through school visits, masterclasses, and performances.
• As part of the residency, Tao has been commissioned to compose a new piece for the Symphony titled “Clang and Shudder”.

The Jacksonville Symphony is celebrating its 75th season and this milestone brings stellar programming, world-renowned guest artists and an incredible addition to our Artist-in-Residence program: pianist and composer Conrad Tao. His impressive career includes performances with internationally-renown orchestras, critically acclaimed recordings and compositions that challenge traditional boundaries in classical music. Our collaboration with Tao not only adds depth to the Symphony’s mission of enriching lives through symphonic music but also allows him to get to know the organization and community of Jacksonville on a deeper level.

An Artist-in-Residence program provides space and resources for artists to develop their work in collaboration with a host organization. Whether featuring a musician, composer, choreographer or playwright, these programs fuel the next generation of virtuosos around the world. We are grateful that we have the opportunity to host Tao as the Jacksonville Symphony’s Artist-in-Residence during this special anniversary season.

Tao joined us in October for performances in our Symphony in 60 and Matinee Series, as well as an outreach visit to Sandalwood High School, where he led a workshop on music theory. As part of the Symphony’s Artist-in-Residence program, visiting artists engage with students through interactive lessons, performances and Q&A sessions — an invaluable experience that fosters inspiration and learning. Beyond its educational impact, this initiative offers artists like Tao another chance to connect with the Jacksonville community. This month, he will further his engagement with young musicians by hosting a masterclass on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Jacoby Symphony Hall. This session, open to area piano students and faculty, will provide an exclusive opportunity for one-on-one instruction, offering a transformative experience.

After three consecutive seasons performing with the Jacksonville Symphony as a guest artist, Tao has become a fan favorite — he is almost like our 61st musician. He has formed so many great relationships with our staff, musicians, audiences, donors and Music Director Courtney Lewis. Back in October after his performance on the David M. Hicks Steinway & Sons Spirio piano, he dedicated his encore — a transcription of Art Tatum’s Cherokee — to donor Ann Hicks in celebration of her birthday, a very sweet touch to his visit.

As part of his residency, the Symphony has commissioned a new work from Tao, which will premiere in our upcoming Florida Blue Classical concert, “Conrad Tao & Rite of Spring” on April 4 and 5, 2025. Commissioning new music is an essential part of keeping classical music vibrant, providing opportunities to connect with new audiences, engage the community and provide a platform for artistic expression. Tao’s residency is generously supported by Charles and Sandra Johnston, passionate advocates for new works and admirers of Tao. I like to think of Tao as our George Gershwin; his ability to blend classical music with contemporary influences, including rock, brings a fresh energy to Jacoby Symphony Hall. New York Magazine has referred to him as “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music” — and we truly could not agree more.

The highly anticipated premiere of Clang and Shudder takes place April 4 and 5, 2025, led by Courtney Lewis and featuring the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season. I am very much looking forward to sitting in on these upcoming rehearsals since rehearsing a brand-new composition is a uniquely collaborative process. Tao will be present, making tweaks and changes as needed based on how the piece resonates in the hall. Witnessing this exchange between composer, conductor and musicians is quite fascinating, they are all in pursuit of an extraordinary final performance where every note, gesture and interpretation comes together perfectly.

Commissioning new works breathes life into the classical music of today, ensuring its continued evolution. The ultimate goal is for these commissions to become part of the classical repertoire, just as masterworks from the 17th and 18th centuries once did. This season, the Symphony is proud to present three commissions: Brittany J. Green’s TESTIFY!, which premiered September 27 and 28, 2024, in partnership with the League of American Orchestras’ Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program; Tao’s Clang and Shudder, premiering April 4 and 5, 2025, and Carlos Simon’s Zodiac, premiering during our season finale on June 6 and 7, 2025.

If you have not yet experienced the Jacksonville Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Season, now is the perfect time. With world-class programming, renowned guest artists and unforgettable musical moments, there really is something for everyone at the Jacksonville Symphony.

Steven B. Libman is president and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony.

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