Brilliant candlelight setting toasts Mozart at the top of his game
Jackson, Mississippi — This January, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra pairs the glow of hundreds of candles with the soaring beauty of Mozart’s mastery to make a midwinter fan-favorite. With an atmospheric nod to the intimate 18th century setting that first heard the genius of his music, MSO celebrates the beloved composer at the peak of his creative powers in “Mozart Magic” – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, Chamber concert at Belhaven University Center for the Arts.
Beginning with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hauntingly powerful Overture to Don Giovanni and ending with the majesty and fire of his Symphony No. 39, the evening embraces Georg Abraham Schneider’s delightful Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola, in between.
This genius combination of Mozart’s drama and innovation with Schneider’s charming sinfonia concertante shines a light on the master’s stylistic impact on the works of others in his orbit and provides a lovely showcase for a musical dialogue between two of MSO’s most skilled string players – Principal Viola Ausra Jasineviciute and core violinist Ruvim Echiusciu.
Don Giovanni, the powerful and enduring opera masterpiece, met with rapturous reviews at its 1787 premiere in Prague and has been of great cultural influence ever since. “The biggest success in his lifetime,” says MSO Conductor Crafton Beck.
One of Mozart’s final three symphonies – Symphony No. 39 – may have never been presented while he was living but is frequently performed and recorded to this day. “This is it. It doesn’t get better than this,” said Richard Hudson, MSO Orchestra Artistic Operations Director and Principal Horn. “Everything clicked.”
Add the enchantment of cozy candlelight and exquisite music to a winter’s eve with friends and family!
As part of MSO’s mission to connect the lives of all Mississippians through the power of music, this concert repertoire will also be performed January 9th at The Ellis Theater in Philadelphia and January 11th at Church of the Holy Trinity Church in Vicksburg.
“Mozart Magic” is part of MSO’s Chamber Concert Series presented by Keesler Federal Union joined by sponsors Emerson “Bud” and Judy Robinson alongside State Street Group. MSO is supported in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Tickets for the candlelit “Mozart Magic” concert in Jackson are general admission: $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. The box office will open at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the concert and tickets will be available at the door.
Who: Mississippi Symphony Orchestra
What: Mozart Magic, Chamber Series Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026
Where: Belhaven University Center for the Arts, 835 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MS
Website: msorchestra.com
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