Joyful combo of past, present charms in MSO concert
Violin duet and Beethoven’s first symphony are among the highlights
Jackson, Mississippi — Mississippi Symphony Orchestra beckons with “Alluring Charms,” a February 15 chamber concert at St. James’ Episcopal Church that weds early music touchstones and captivating contemporary works for a warm welcome to the season ahead.
MSO Maestro Crafton Beck’s own Baroque-inspired Concerto Grosso opens the evening. Commissioned in 2020 by arts patron and close friend Dr. Keith Robbins, it captures the sparkle of early music characterized by the likes of Bach and Vivaldi, along with Beck’s fresh, present-day take. This joyous combination, an immediate hit with listeners and MSO players, is back by popular demand.
St. James’ Compline Choir, led by Jonathan Trotter, shares a rare a capella treat with MSO’s audience – the powerful song and hypnotic chants of contrasting 16th century Thomas Tallis works, Psalm 2 and Videte Miraculum, sung from the aisles to arresting effect. The Renaissance-era selections fill a niche in the program’s sweep of “modern” music history and hit a timely note, too, with Videte Miraculum’s connection to the February 2 celebration of Candlemas.
Steve Reich’s playful, mesmerizing Duet (1993) spotlights MSO violinists Bonnie Brown and Daniel Jones in a rhythmic weave of music that proves irresistible.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 (1800) commands the program’s second half. The composer’s first symphonic venture celebrates the influences of Haydn and Mozart, while also letting his own voice shine. “It’s very Haydn-esque, but it’s very much Beethoven, too,” Beck said.
“It’s thrilling to do [Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1] in the Chamber Series, because we’re doing it with the size orchestra that it should be performed,” Beck added. “It’s a much more intimate sound, and much more intimate for the audience.”
MSO’s Chamber Series is sponsored by Communication Arts Company. The orchestra’s 80th Anniversary Season Spectacular is supported in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
“Alluring Charms” concert tickets are general admission – $28 for adults and $5 for students, kindergarten through college (with valid student ID). For tickets or more information visit msorchestra.com, email patronservices@msorchestra.com, or call 601-414-6005. The onsite box office will open at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the concert.
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
What: “Alluring Charms,” MSO Chamber Series Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025
Where: St. James’ Episcopal Church, 3921 Oak Ridge Drive, Jackson MS