When acclaimed cellist Patrice Jackson and MSO Conductor Crafton Beck refer to Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, the name quickly becomes “Shosty” – musicians’ shorthand for convenience, surely, but also one of affection it seems. “When you have a piece as wonderful as some of his symphonies and concertos, you feel like you have a relationship with the man,” Beck said. For Jackson, an indelible moment has linked them for decades.

Cellist Patrice Jackson has always stood out, taking top prize at the national 2002 Sphinx Competition, performing with multiple symphonies, contributing to Broadway musicals on NBC, and accompanying top stars such as Stevie Wonder, Kanye West and Alicia Keys.