Consider supporting chamber music groups in intimate settings in Jacksonville
When the pandemic first started, performance arts were among the hardest-hit industries in the country. Now that more people are back to getting out there’s no better time to consider supporting chamber music groups throughout Jacksonville.
Several groups in the area started simply because of their love of performing in more intimate settings instead of just with large symphonies.
One of them is the Florida Chamber Music Project, which opens its 10th season on Sept. 18 at the Beaches Museum Chapel in Jacksonville Beach.
Susan Pardue, a violist and member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, said she started a chamber organization because chamber music is different from being in a symphony where there’s a conductor and several people playing the same instrument among a large group of musicians. Chamber groups generally range from just two to 10 people. She loves both opportunities.
The Florida Chamber Music Project consists of five women who offer live classical music in intimate settings for residents of St. Johns County, St. Augustine, Clay County, and the surrounding areas of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
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“I’m so happy about celebrating 10 years this year. We were able to continue to play during the pandemic,” Pardue said. “It’s a reminder of how important music is and how it helps people.”
She said the biggest difference in her role at the symphony is that chamber music is interactive in a lot of ways, and there’s a special connection with not just composers and other musicians, but also with audiences. “We see it as an opportunity for friends to play music for friends.”
While the world is opening but not back to pre-pandemic conditions, Pardue believes that musicians like her feel an amplified appreciation for the ability to play together and bring the joy of live music back into audiences' lives.
San Marco Chamber Music Society
Eric and Ellen Olson agree. For the last 16 years, they’ve operated a nonprofit organization called the San Marco Chamber Music Society.
But for the first time, the pandemic forced them to livestream music. Last year they were able to perform half of the year in person and half of the year online. This year all of their performances will be in front of audiences.
When their season starts in September, they’re hopeful that the drop in attendance will pick up. They’re used to about 120 people, but audiences have dropped to about 80 people or less.
About half of their performances will be at their home base at San Marco Lutheran Church. Occasionally they play in venues in Live Oak, Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Crescent Beach and Dowling Park.
"Part of our mission statement is that our concerts be free to the public because we believe that great classical music should be accessible to everyone,” Ellen Olson said.
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Each of the chamber organizations is different. For instance, unlike a set group of musicians, the San Marco group uses various musicians from the Jacksonville Symphony and area universities. They perform all kinds of chamber music, using strings, winds, brass, piano, and sometimes percussion instruments.
“People shouldn’t be afraid of classical music,” Eric Olson said. “It’s very accessible and it can be fun. It’s very enriching. Some of our compositions might be 300 years old while others might be written in the last year.”
Members of chamber music organizations are passionate musicians that don't just perform in full-size concert halls with huge audiences. They play in rooms as well because they enjoy interacting with supporters, and they look for ways to support the community.
For years the San Marco group has held benefit concerts for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. So far they've raised more than $30,000 for diabetes research. And while the Florida Chamber Music Project has played at senior centers for several years prior to performing at paid events, last year they started volunteering time at the North Florida School of Special Education.
Everybody likes different types of music. But most people will agree that music offers a path to process feelings, get anger or sadness out, or relish good times.
Amy Rankin, a retired public relations professional, who also worked for the Jacksonville Symphony for a few years, said she wishes more people would be open to giving classical music a try, even if they're skeptical.
"I think that people will be surprised," Rankin said. "Music can transport you to different places in your mind and in your heart."
At a time of so many challenges brought on by the pandemic, there's no better time to remember that music can play a role in pushing you through difficulties. And there's no better time to support local chamber music groups in Jacksonville.
Marcia Pledger is the opinion and engagement editor for The Florida Times-Union. She can be reached at mpledger@jacksonville.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Consider supporting chamber music groups in Jacksonville
