March 12, 2023 Concert Program Concert Program
-Symphony #9, Mvt 4, excerpt (L. van Beethoven)
-Blue Danube (Johann Strauss II)
-Trepak from The Nutcracker (P. Tchaikovsky)
-Farandole from L’arlesienne Suite No. 2 (G. Bizet)
-In the Hall of the Mountain King (E. Grieg)
-Symphony #9, Mvt 2, excerpt (J. Hadyn)
-Olli the Alligator (A. McKennon)
-The Syncopated Clock (L. Anderson)
Hosted by the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) (
Website) this concert is for people of all abilities, including those with special needs where sitting quietly through a concert may be difficult.
“A lot of these families may never see a symphony downtown, or go to a theater,” said Nadine Terk, founder, board president and member musician of the Civic Orchestra. “A formal performance can be a stifling environment for a child or adult with special needs. There’s no talking, there’s no movement. Our concert takes all those traditional barriers to enjoying a classical concert, and throws them out the window.”
NFSSE music teacher Ciaran Sontag is working closely with Civic Orchestra conductor Dr. Marguerite Richardson to develop a program that guests of all ages will love. Among the pieces to be performed is “Ollie the Alligator,” by Jacksonville composer Anne McKennon.
Guests of the one-hour concert will be encouraged to interact with the music through movement, and bubbles and fabric strips will be made available. Silence is not required! There will also be designated “safe spaces” for guests who need to take a break from activities.
The Civic Orchestra will conclude its 2022-2023 with a final performance at the Jacksonville Jewish Center on May 7, 2023.