MSO’s 80th season touts ‘Spectacular’ lineup

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MSO’s 80th season touts ‘Spectacular’ lineup
Renowned guest artists, homegrown greats among the many highlights

Jackson, Mississippi — The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra rolls out its 80th season with a glittering roster worthy of the milestone celebration, packed with world-class soloists, showy classics and an expanding showcase for Mississippi-rooted talent.

2024-2025 with MSO unfolds as “A Season Spectacular” in irresistible performances across three popular concert series: Bravo – grand, full-orchestra experiences, Chamber – intimate, appealing evenings, and Pops – fun, contemporary grooves for the whole family.

“I’m really excited about our guest artists – they’re the most diverse they’ve ever been,” MSO President and Executive Director Jenny Mann said. “It’s going to be a wonderful season of new voices for us.”

MSO’s flagship Bravo Series, presented by the Selby & Richard McRae Foundation, bursts with these significant draws: harpist Emmanuel Ceysson, tabla master Sandeep Das, cellist Patrice Jackson and the welcome return of pianist Scott Cuellar. “All of them are magnificent,” MSO Maestro Crafton Beck beamed. French-born Ceysson is recognized internationally as one of the world’s greatest harpists. “For us to have him here is just astonishing.” Grammy winner Das, a member of the famed Silk Road Ensemble, shares authentic repertoire from India – MSO’s first such spotlight in 30 years. Cellist Jackson, one of the first Sphinx Competition winners and a musician with deep ties to the capital city, shares her remarkable talents in Bravo and Chamber concerts this season, and pianist Cuellar is fast becoming a local favorite with his third MSO spotlight in as many years.

The Bravo Series repertoire is a powerful draw, too, with four great symphonies along with much-requested standouts. “We’re doing Sibelius No. 5, Prokofiev No. 5, Brahms No. 1, and we’re doing Schumann 4, too,” Beck shared. “Those are all amazing, extraordinary symphonies – big, romantic pieces.” Plus, audience favorites such as Ravel’s Bolero and Respighi’s Pines of Rome bring the passion for live music to a glorious pinnacle.

In addition to its up close and personal charm, the Chamber Series offers a string of concerts that bring on the music, welcoming cellist Patrice Jackson and viola da gamba expert Lisa Terry as guest artists and celebrating the virtuosity of exciting MSO newcomers and treasured stalwarts.

Hometown heroes sparkle in the Pops Series, as does the movie magic of composer John Williams. Witness the debut of JackTown Sons – the award-winning quartet formerly known as the Compozitionz – with a brand-new show of old-school R&B and soul-stirring favorites enhanced with full-orchestral verve. Take pride as Pepsi Pops provides a perfect platform for internationally-touring folk and soul singer/songwriter Teneia Sanders to bring her sterling songs back home. Plus, score big on fun and fantasy. “John William’s movie music is perfect for the whole family, and offers an opportunity to cosplay, which we certainly hope people will do,” Mann said.

Season tickets are now on sale for all of MSO’s brilliant concert series. Benefits include the best possible choice of seats, cost savings over the per-concert price, first notice of all MSO developments, and more opportunities to come. See the lineup at www.msorchestra.com and call today to reserve your seats (601-414-6005).

Cheers to 80 years! Join the celebration of a vibrant and vital Mississippi arts asset that continues to build on its longstanding support, strong community roots and stellar performance history.

A Season Spectacular, MSO 2024-2025 Season Tickets now on sale. Call 601-414-6005.