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 and Executive Director Jenny Mann said.
MSO Music Director and Conductor Crafton Beck credits a value system of cultural pride built into our blood here. Strengthening that foundation are memories that hold the masterworks dear plus eyes and ears open to contemporary creative genius at home and abroad. Beck said, “The fact that we do sustain it year after year says a lot of things. I think it says that this community clearly wants to embrace and support the arts.”
There are many spectacular reasons to do so in the season ahead, with an incredible lineup of stellar guest artists – world-renowned harpist Emmanuel Ceysson, acclaimed cellist Patrice Jackson, viola da gamba expert Lisa Terry, tabla master Sandeep Das and award-winning pianist Scott Cuellar. MSO’s flagship Selby and Richard McRae Foundation Bravo Series thrills with the grand, full-orchestra experience, and Chamber Series delights and moves with a more intimate, personal reach.
The repertoire reads like a Greatest Hits list, with symphonic splendor by Sibelius, Prokofiev, Brahms and Schumann, plus such in-demand audience favorites as Ravel’s Bolero and Respighi’s Pines of Rome, just to name a few.
MSO’s ever-expanding community reach bears even more fruit in this season’s Pops Series, as the orchestra teams up with top-notch, Jackson-rooted performers in exciting new ways. The debut of JackTown Sons, formerly known as Compozitionz on the party band circuit, launches the soul-stirring quartet onto the orchestral stage, enhancing the already irresistible appeal of old-school R&B with lush layers of sound. Magnetic folk and soul singer/songwriter Teneia Sanders brings an extra sparkle to Pepsi Pops, boosted by newly orchestrated arrangements that take her killer songs to the next level. This celebration of our own “hometown heroes,” as Mann calls them, echoes Mississippi’s motto as the birthplace of America’s music.
Saluting Composer John Williams’ decades of dominance on the movie soundtrack scene, MSO devotes an entire evening’s to his works prompting moving cinematic memories and a fun chance for fan cosplay.
As always, beloved traditions – from tremendous masterworks to chamber music charmers and treasured pops classics – lay the foundation for live music experiences that are a cut above all the rest.
Harking back to that mighty oak symbol, Mann noted a key parallel working in MSO’s favor. “Just as a tree adapts with its surroundings, we have, too,” she said. “We’ve remained consistent in that we want to be reflective of our community and what’s going on around us. That is demonstrated in our programming – what we play, where we play, the students that we’re teaching and the audiences that we’re reaching.” And, that’s all happening with a keen eye toward the future, as MSO proceeds with a 5-year strategic plan and new initiatives to be announced soon. “So, we continue to adapt.”
Just as MSO observes its 80th anniversary, there are even more to salute this season. This is the 75th anniversary of the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra. “The youth orchestra milestone definitely shows us that children need this in their lives, that it’s important to them,” Mann said. “It’s an important part of development for these students, but it is also showing that kids do have a love for music. When people say, ‘Young people don’t love classical music, they only love pop music,’ we can say, ‘That’s not true.’ Because, for 75 years, kids have identified with and loved this music. They keep coming back and having a wonderful time being a part of it.”
The Jackson Symphony League celebrates its 70th anniversary. “That’s 70 years of service to their community,” Mann said. “What an amazing contribution that group of dedicated individuals has made. It’s a testimony to their commitment and service to people here in Mississippi – a commitment to making people’s lives better.”
As Maestro Beck embarks on his 25th season with MSO, he takes pride in the MSO board of directors’ engaged and creative leadership through the years, as well as his own longevity in his role. He takes pride, too, in the exciting work they’re doing together. “I wouldn’t be here if we weren’t doing such amazing music and continuing to grow and exceed ourselves.”