News from Britt Hill – February 2024

IT’S FEBRUARY! The days are getting longer, and there’s plenty of news to share from the Britt hill.

You might have noticed that we’ve been announcing shows in a different way this year. After talking with plenty of you about the desire to organize your summer schedules and hearing the same from our bands, we’ve decided to announce shows as they’re confirmed for the first time ever! It’s a big shift that we hope gives you the chance to get things on your calendars early, and we’re really excited about it.

The BFO calendar will be announced on February 22 at our season announcement event. Tickets are still available for that party (call the box office!), which will include a performance by a string quartet of BFO musicians led by concertmaster Iggy Jang. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the BFO, and I hope you’ll join us. Maestro Peter Bay will be in attendance talking about the programs, and we are thrilled to welcome him back for half of this season!

The second half of the BFO season will be led by Maestra Alexandra Arrieche, and friends, you are going to love her. Alex is an international rising star, and just finished up a tour leading the renowned BBC Symphony Orchestra alongside the band Toto. She’s amazing, fun, and full of ideas, and I’m so excited to introduce her to you this summer.

In late January, our first Britt Presents shows went on sale, too. We have plenty more where that came from, and you can look forward to announcements in the coming weeks, with tickets going on presale to members on March 11 and April 8.

Meanwhile, at the hill, we’re embarking on some exciting garden projects: starting the planning phases of the potential sculpture garden and finishing up the landscaping near the front parking lots that was promised a decade ago. Each of these projects involves multiple of our Jacksonville community members and neighbors, and I’m beyond grateful to each of them for their support, knowledge, and generosity of spirit. It’s a joy to live and work with you!

All best, Abby