Jackson arts leaders frustrated by city communication with Thalia Mara Hall shutdown Stakeholders adjust, hope for better communication going forward Jackson, Mississippi — Jackson arts leaders unite in their plea ..read more

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s opening Chamber concert “Beloved Baroque” is a magnet for many to indulge in the rich charm of early music masterworks that stir the soul and lift the heart. But, as MSO proves yet again on September 7 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, there’s always something new to bring to the table ..read more

MSO opens 80th season with ‘Beloved Baroque’ Viola da gambist Lisa Terry returns, Principal Trumpet Davan Sagara debuts Jackson, Mississippi — The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra heralds its milestone 80th season with ..read more

The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra marks its 80th year with “A Season Spectacular.” The mighty oak tree that traditionally symbolizes this milestone anniversary couldn’t be more fitting for an institution with such deep community roots, a performance schedule that branches out across the state, and a repertoire and guest artist roster that reach around the world. Hitting the big 8-0 is a testament to MSO’s endurance, strength, and longevity. “It shows that our community is committed to having an orchestra and that we have been a pillar within our state for eight full decades,” MSO President a ..read more

MSO’s 80th season touts ‘Spectacular’ lineupRenowned guest artists, homegrown greats among the many highlights Jackson, Mississippi — The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra rolls out its 80th season with a glittering roster worthy of the milestone celebration, packed with world-class soloists, showy classics and an expanding showcase for Mississippi-rooted talent. 2024-2025 with MSO unfolds as “A Season Spectacular” in irresistible performances across three popular concert series: Bravo – grand, full-orchestra experiences, Chamber – intimate, appealing evenings, and Pops – fun, contemporary g ..read more

Pepsi Pops, on May 10 at Old Trace Park on the Barnett Reservoir, delivers its usual infectious mix of marvelous melodies by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and a charming outdoor setting to enjoy them. This year, as the captivating tradition reaches its 43rd year, the concert also brings a prime chance to recognize the 75th season of the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra – MSO’s educational arm and a vital stake in our community’s music for the future. MYSO will join Pepsi Pops at the park as part of the pre-concert entertainment, starting at 5:45 p.m., as picnickers begin arriving and ..read more

Pepsi Pops strikes up the music, lights up the skyTunes from the screen, stage and top of the charts, plus fireworks! Jackson, Mississippi — The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s annual Pepsi Pops concert promises a prime setting, beloved pop tunes, and splashy pyrotechnics for an irresistible evening, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Old Trace Park on the Barnett Reservoir. The 43rd annual Pepsi Pops closes out MSO’s Season of Fresh Voices with some of the freshest in town — the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra, this year celebrating its 75th anniversary. MYSO’s 40 young musicians wi ..read more

“Vibrant Echoes,” Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s final chamber concert of the season, April 27 at Tougaloo College’s Woodworth Chapel, celebrates the rhythmic thread of Black musical traditions and influences in America, from the late 19th century clear through to contemporary times. Its relevant setting, at the historically Black college that played a key role in America’s civil rights struggle, enhances the resonance. Among its many highlights is James P. Johnson’s Yamekraw, A Negro Rhapsody, with Stephen Sachs as the piano soloist, reveling in the rhythms and jazzy exuberance of the work ..read more

MSO’s ‘Vibrant Echoes’ resonates at TougalooHeritage of Black music is foundation of Woodworth Chapel concert Jackson, Mississippi — Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s “Vibrant Echoes” presents a concert ode to the legacy and enduring spirit of African American music, in an acoustically rich, historical setting where it feels right at home – Tougaloo College’s Woodworth Chapel, 7:30 p.m., April 27. The concert opens with contemporary American composer and flutist Valerie Coleman’s stirring signature work Umoja, an anthem of unity and an apt introduction for the evening’s lineup. The title i ..read more

Joel Thompson’s Seven Last Words of the Unarmed is a searing reach into the human heart and a powerful cry for social justice. The Atlanta-based composer’s choral work is the centerpiece for MSO’s “Symphony in the Community” spring concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Cade Chapel M.B. Church in Jackson. Giving it voice is the 55-member-strong Mississippi Valley State University Choir, led by MVSU Director of Choral Activities Brandon Cash. Thompson, troubled by killings of unarmed Black men by authority figures and inspired by Iranian-American artist Shirin Barghi’s #lastwords project, used t ..read more