Courtney Lewis discusses his life, work, and vision for the Jacksonville Symphony with Philip Gainsley.
...the concert was a benchmark, perhaps the most ambitious event in the ensemble’s 77-year history.Classical Voice North America · November 10, 2026
In 1926, a white director and all-Black cast filmed “The Flying Ace” in Florida. Six Black composers are giving it a full musical treatment with the Jacksonville Symphony.
The New York Times · November 11, 2026…the performance virtually immaculate, with precise playing through all sections.South Florida Classical Review · February 7, 2026
Playing to the music rather than the gallery is most definitely his style.Chicago Classical Review · July 17, 2025
Courtney Lewis is one of the chosen ones…Bookhub.ro · June 20, 2025
Conducted by Courtney Lewis…the New York Philharmonic’s strings again sounded superb, luminous at times…The New York Times · Mar 8, 2015
Brahms’s Third Symphony with Lewis and the Discovery Ensemble was lithe, ingeniously paced, and flat-out thrilling.The Boston Globe · February 3, 2013
It’s beyond debate that Lewis has been a transformative figure…leading the Jacksonville Symphony.Florida Times-Union · December 5, 2017
Lewis displayed authority and deep conviction, skillfully leading the San Diego Symphony. The players gave this energetic young conductor…everything he asked for.San Diego Story · March 25, 2019
In Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and Kevin Puts’ Fourth, the Minnesota Orchestra responded with two rewarding performances…A firm hand at the helm surely helped…Pioneer Press · June 11, 2014