Today, Visit Jackson and Jackson Convention Complex announced in a press conference the reopening of Thalia Mara Hall!

MSO President/Executive Director Janet Reihle spoke on behalf of the Symphony:

“In 1968, when the doors of the Jackson Municipal Auditorium first opened, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra found more than a stage. We found a home. In this hall, we now proudly call Thalia Mara Hall, the symphony also transformed into “Mississippi’s” orchestra and grew into the largest performing arts organization in the state performing in the state’s premier performance venue.

For almost 60 years of our 80-year history, these walls were filled with the music of our incredible musicians — full symphony masterworks, popular music celebrations — and each year thousands of students discovered the power of live symphonic music for the first time in our educational concerts.

When Thalia Mara Hall closed, the orchestra was left without its home, but never without its heart or commitment to providing access for all to the arts.

Today, we give our deepest thanks to the leadership of the City of Jackson, the State of Mississippi, Visit Jackson, and the Convention Center for bringing us back where we belong. Reopening this hall is not just the restoration of a building or landmark — it is the return of a cultural promise and a commitment to the arts. We are so proud to be part of that effort.

We come home with excitement and momentum:

Join us here for “Star Wars,” an interactive adventure on February 14th (Valentine’s Day), because we all know Star Wars is a love story.

We invite you to get glamorous, walk the red carpet, and enjoy the beauty of “Ultimate Beethoven” on February 28th.

And don’t miss an amazing guest artist, as he reawakens the keys of that grand piano that has been patiently waiting inside, at our “Mighty Keys” concert.

Plus very soon, we will announce a performance that could only happen here, in this hall — a new addition to our season that will mark a significant moment for Jackson and for Mississippi celebrating us as the birthplace of America’s Music as it should be celebrated with Mississippi’s own orchestra.

This hall was built for moments like this. And today, the music of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra comes home to Thalia Mara.”

Photos by Scott Crawford