An orchestral premiere, plus Stravinsky’s ‘Pulcinella’ and Haydn’s ‘Bear’
Jackson, Mississippi — Mississippi Symphony Orchestra joyfully heralds the arrival of spring with its “Spring Delights” chamber concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at St. James’ Episcopal Church. Energetic and lighthearted rhythms, orchestral wit and a fresh, new voice combine in a captivating toast to the season.
“Once again, a lovely program for St. James’,” MSO Conductor Crafton Beck said.
“Spring Delights” invites listeners to ditch the buttoned-up doldrums of winter and embrace the budding promise of spring.
Igor Stravinsky’s 1920 Pulcinella, marking the start of the composer’s neoclassical period, opens the evening. Stravinsky punched up the traditional Neapolitan commedie dell’arte character and 18th century music for the modern age with plenty of sparkle and mischief of his own in this work composed for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes.
Next, MSO presents the orchestral premiere of From a Brother to the World by Emilio Villacis of Ecuador, winner of the Premier Orchestral Institute’s second annual International Composition Competition in 2024. Revised for full orchestra especially for this chamber concert, Villacis’ work is a letter to his older brother, full of nostalgia, love and longing. Villacis was living in the Middle East when he composed it, and he included touchstones he and his brother shared, such as a Game of Thrones chord and bits reminiscent of folk celebrations back home.
Joseph Haydn’s 1786 Symphony No. 82, known as “The Bear,” brings the concert to a vivacious close. The nickname is a nod to the lumbering, rustic music of its finale that reminded 18th century listeners of dancing bears, a popular street and tavern entertainment of the day. Haydn’s playful motifs and the piece’s cheery vigor infuse this symphony with irrepressible joy – just perfect for the start of spring.
“Spring Delights” is part of MSO’s Chamber Concert Series presented by Keesler Federal Credit Union. This concert is sponsored by Lesly Gaynor Murray in memory of Stephen C. Edds. MSO is supported in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
General admission tickets are $28 for adults, and $5 for students, kindergarten through college (with valid ID). Purchase advance tickets at www.msorchestra.com or contact Patron Services at 601-414-6005 or patronservices@msorchestra.com. The box office will open at the venue, 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the concert.
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
What: Spring Delights, Chamber Series concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026
Where: St. James’ Episcopal Church, 3921 Oakridge Drive, Jackson, MS
Website: msorchestra.com
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