Mississippi Symphony Orchestra announces 2023-2024 schedule. See what's new
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Members of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra this week announced the schedule for the symphony's upcoming 2023-2024 season, promising “A Season of Fresh Voices” to mark the performing arts organization’s 79th year.
In addition to the symphony’s traditional series of 12 concerts in the Jackson metro area, two new performances will be on the schedule this year called “Symphony in the CommUNITY.”
“This is the product of a collaborative effort between Rev. Reginald Buckley of Cade Chapel MB Church and Symphony Music Director Crafton Beck,” said Chantel Lott, MSO director of communication and development. The program will include guest musicians and is designed to “expand the reach of the symphony into the community,” she said.
Other highlights of the season:
A first-time collaboration with Jackson State University’s Phillis Wheatley Poetry Festival this November will spotlight four of Margaret Walker’s greatest poems, including her famous “For My People.” Her words will come to life in songs by composer Randy Klein, special guest vocalist Aurelia Williams and the combined choirs of Tougaloo College and Mississippi College.
A new concerto for violin and orchestra by James Sclater of Clinton will honor MSO concertmaster and lifelong friend Shellie Kemp in January.
A major new piece celebrating Native American heritage next March — James Lee III’s Visions of Cahokia, inspired by the pre-Columbian settlement at the center of Mississippi culture.
These are “three brand new things(that have) never been done here that people will love,” said Jenny Mann MSO president and executive director.
As in previous seasons, most of MSO’s concerts fall into one of three categories: “Bravo,” “Chamber” and “Pops.”Sponsored by the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation, the Bravo series is primarily held at Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson. These are considered the symphony’s flagship performances and usually include special guest artists. The Pops performances, featuring more contemporary, popular music, are also often held at Thalia Mara but culminate with the annual outdoor “Pepsi Pops” concert each spring at the reservoir. The Chamber series offers attendees traditional classical music in smaller, more intimate settings.
Additionally, the symphony will tour the state and perform as guests in other cities and towns. Some of those locations in previous years have included Vicksburg, Pascagoula, McComb, Brookhaven, Poplarville, Greenville, Greenwood, Canton, Columbus, Cleveland, Meridian and Hattiesburg. The annual “Symphony at Sunset” held on the grounds of The Cedars and sponsored by the Fondren Renaissance Foundation each September in Jackson is considered one of these guest appearances. That event has been scheduled for Sept. 28 and admission is free with the gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
Here is a concise roundup of the official 2023/24 Mississippi Symphony Orchestra season (all performances are from 7:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.):
2023
Sept. 9: Chamber 1: Beloved Baroque, held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral featuring spirited concertos & brass highlights.
Oct. 7: Bravo 1: Totally Tchaikovsky held at Thalia Mara Hall featuring the Romantic Era gamut of emotion.
Oct. 21: Pops 1: Back to Back held at Thalia Mara Hall featuring the music of piano men Billy Joel & Elton John.
Oct. 29: Symphony in the CommUNITY, concert and conversation at Cade Chapel MB Church featuring 5th Child, Teneia Sanders & the Cade Chapel Chorale.
Nov. 4: Bravo 2: American Constellation, jubilant voices & vivid classics held at Thalia Mara Hall featuring pianist Randy Klein & vocalist Aurelia Williams.
2024
Jan. 13: Chamber 2: Mozart (and Friends) by Candlelight, ambience and music of the Classical Era held at the Belhaven University Center for the Arts featuring flutist Amulet Strange & harpist Kristina French.
January 27: Bravo 3: Heroines & Heroes, concerto debut and Beethoven’s favorites held at Thalia Mara Hall featuring concertmaster Shellie Kemp.
Feb. 10; Pops 2: Heart Beats, love songs & Hollywood themes held at Thalia Mara Hall featuring pianist Scott Cuellar.
Feb. 24: Chamber 3: Striking Surprises, playful pacing & a classical timpani solo held at St. James Episcopal Church featuring timpanist Bud Berthold.
March 9: Bravo 4: Alluvial Soundscape, a tribute to ancient Mississippian Culture held at Thalia Mara Hall featuring clarinetist Ken Graves.
April 13; Bravo 5: Ultimate Fusion, saxophone spotlight & monumental Shostakovich held at Thalia Mara Hall featuring the Project Fusion Saxophone Quartet.
April 21: Symphony in the CommUNITY, concert and conversation at Cade Chapel MB Church featuring the Mississippi Valley State University Singers, pianist Tyler Kemp, poetry of Terrance Hayes & the Cade Chapel Chorale.
April 27: Chamber 4: Vibrant Echoes, historic reflections & music that resonates held at Woodworth Chapel, Tougaloo College featuring MSO’s Woodwind Quintet & String Quartet, plus pianist Stephen Sachs.
May 10: Pops 3: Pepsi Pops, chart topping hits held at Old Trace Park on the Reservoir featuring movie, Broadway, pops favorites & a fireworks finale.
Mann said symphony musicians include teachers, community and business leaders, medical professionals, church performers and more, and that the MSO is committed to raising their pay and appreciation for their deep community roots.
“We want to celebrate and highlight what special artists all these people are throughout the season,” Mann said.
The MSO receives significant support from the Jackson Symphony League and is also funded in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mississippi Arts Commission, the City of Jackson and numerous other individuals, foundations and corporations.
Subscriptions are on sale now at www.msorchestra.com for all concerts. Subscribers enjoy the best possible choice of seats, cost savings over the per-concert price, first notice of all MSO developments, and more benefits. You may also call the MSO box office at 601-414-6005 for more information.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra announces 2023-2024 schedule
