MSO’s ‘Season of Genius’ comes alive with innovation and artistry
Fab guest artists and a fun new venue, plus MSO’s best yet!
Jackson, Mississippi — The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) announces its 81st season – a lineup brimming with great music, world-class guest artists and spotlight moments for top players – in an array of delightful venues. Special features this season include a Star Wars showcase and the exciting debut of emerging music at a remarkable concert space that sets the stage for more to come.
Season tickets are now available for MSO’s 2025-2026 season celebrating genius at every level: great composers of classical, contemporary and current music, crafted concert experiences by Conductor Crafton Beck, and extraordinary MSO musicians at the pinnacle of performance.
“Our orchestra has never had such depth of talent, of artistry in every section as we have now,” beamed Beck. Because of that, MSO’s big concerts can be even grander, plus the programming can focus on gifted smaller ensembles in more intimate settings where audience proximity heightens the connection with the musicians and the music.
“For example, our musicians will be able to breakout with great flair, as we take a deep dive into the Star Wars canon,” continued Beck. “It’s an unprecedented review of top selections from almost every Star Wars film plus Rogue One!”
“Then look for unique performances of novel cutting-edge music in our laidback special edition concert at Duling Hall – “Quad Fusion,” said Beck of a slate that delivers unexpected delights in a casual, club-like evening focused on recent music grabbing attention in urban hot spots across the country. The concert weaves a powerful spell with a riveting percussion quartet by Viet Cuong, compelling arrangements by Thomas Adès and DBR’s Voodoo Violin.
World-class guest artists add their star power to the MSO stage in larger-orchestra Bravo concerts presented by the Selby & Richard McRae Foundation. Pianist Alon Goldstein and violinist Will Hagen, both returning audience favorites, bring dynamic personality, musical sensitivity, plus virtuosic precision and verve to appearances around the globe and right here in the metro area. Hagen shines in the brilliance of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, while Goldstein keys into the drama and passion of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1.
Other standout moments include such audience favorites as Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique, Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony, Stravinsky’s Pulcinella, and the ever-popular candlelit Mozart concert.
Additional season highlights include young Ecuador-born composer Emilio Villacis’ heartfelt From a Brother to the World, top prize winner in the 2024 Premier Orchestral Institute Composition Competition, plus a bassoon and strings spotlight composed by Wynton Marsalis. Plus, no season is complete without the magic, sparkle and charm of the always-breezy Pepsi Pops concert on the Rez each spring.
MSO ushers in its 81st season with new Executive Director Janet Reihle onboard, bringing key skills in community building and engagement to the task.
Come along for a first-class adventure in gorgeous, provocative, can’t-miss music that has never been more ravishing, or more relevant. Explore the season at www.msorchestra.com then secure your seats and savings on season tickets, with an email or phone call: patronservices@msorchestra.com, 601-414-6005
MSO is supported in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
What: A Season of Genius, MSO’s 81st season
When: September 9, 2025 through May 8, 2026
Where: Jackson Metro Area
Website: msorchestra.com
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