Trio of community partner concerts in September fuses fun music and outdoor charm
Jackson, Mississippi — The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) gets out of the concert hall and onto lovely green spaces in and around Jackson for three September performances that are generously supported by community partners, and free and open to the public. Listeners young, old and in-between will easily get swept up in the relaxed, open-air gatherings, colorful sunsets and programs as breezy as the settings.
“We’re trying to make a beautiful evening that has a little bit of something for everybody – some Hollywood, some Broadway, some novelty, a march, a waltz, some pop tunes,” MSO Conductor Crafton Beck said of upcoming concerts. For example, “We’ll do some Burt Bacharach and the Beatles and then we’ll do music from ‘Twilight’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.’” The mix equals all-around enjoyment for musicians and the crowd in programs that are always lively. “We keep it fresh.”
Do not miss the chance to hear MSO in three different concert programs on successive Thursday nights throughout September:
Symphony on the Green, in partnership with St. Andrew’s Parents’ Association, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11, brings music to the lovely lakeside setting on the St. Andrew’s Upper School’s North Campus lawn in Ridgeland. Enjoy picnics and food trucks as MSO shares dreamy pop tunes, movie faves and more, with the pre-concert treat of St. Andrew’s violin student Bella Klein.
Sundown at Renaissance Fall Edition, in partnership with Renaissance at Colony Park, 7 p.m. Sept. 18, fills the destination Ridgeland shopping center with beloved superhero, fantasy and adventure flick themes that tie in nicely with the Malco Renaissance Cinema Bar & Grill onsite. Grab a bite and beverage from Renaissance restaurants and settle in for the show. “We just want to support the arts and local musicians as much as we can,” Renaissance Marketing Communications Director Jan Mattiace said.
Symphony at Sunset, in partnership with Fondren Renaissance Foundation, 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at The Cedars in Fondren is now in its 26th year, showcasing a neighborhood that has embraced the arts since its start. Stake out a picnic spot early for a festive gathering under the trees at Fondren’s historic cottage, complete with pre-concert music from the front porch. “It’s a great way to celebrate the neighborhood and celebrate the arts,” Fondren Renaissance Foundation Executive Director Doug Boone said. Expect thrills, passion, fun and a swell of patriotic pride in the musical selections. Burr & Forman is the presenting sponsor and Meadowbrook Wealth Advisors of Raymond James is the symphony sponsor.
The broad appeal of these concerts guarantees a perfect fit for families, kids, couples and friend groups of any age — anyone who relishes the way live music can brighten the night and bring people together.
Visit msorchestra.com for program, parking and venue details as well as information on MSO’s vibrant 2025-2026 “Season of Genius!”
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in partnership with St. Andrew’s Parents Association
What: Symphony on the Green, free open-air concert
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 11
Where: St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (North Campus), 370 Old Agency Road (Lake Sherwood
Wise), Ridgeland, 39157
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Renaissance at Colony Park
What: Sundown at Renaissance Fall Edition, free open-air concert
When: 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 18
Where: Renaissance At Colony Park, 1000 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, 39157
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Fondren Renaissance Foundation
What: Symphony at Sunset, free open-air concert
When: 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 25
Where: The Cedars in Fondren, 4145 Old Canton Rd, Jackson, 39216
Website: msorchestra.com
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