The Jacksonville Symphony received a $15 million gift from an anonymous donor, the symphony announced March 18.
It is the largest single gift in the orchestra’s 75-year history, according to a news release.
The donation will “significantly shape the orchestra’s future and strengthen its economic and cultural impact on Jacksonville” and “will empower the symphony to continue raising the orchestra’s artistic profile through artistry and innovation,” the release said.
“We are truly in and of our community, and this generous gift stands as a testament to the love and support that drives us forward, affirming that our work and presence matter deeply to those we serve,” Steven Libman, president and CEO, said in the release.
“In addition to programming music that our audiences know and love, we believe that commissioning new music is an essential part of an orchestra’s work,” Courtney Lewis, music director and conductor, said in the release.
“These generous funds are essential to ensuring that we engage and inspire all audiences in Jacksonville, now and in the future, through a wide variety of programming and special performances,” he said.
The symphony performs at Jacoby Symphony Hall in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other area venues. It reaches more than 165,000 people through more than 95 performances each season.
The nonprofit also operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras.
The symphony announced a record $5 million donation Oct. 24 from longtime supporters Preston and Joan Haskell.
Visit jaxsymphony.org for more information.