Composer John Williams’ legendary genius plus Valentine’s Day fun
Jackson, Mississippi — Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is back at Thalia Mara Hall Saturday, February 14, presenting an epic concert of galactic thrills across the entire Star Wars saga with a fun Valentine’s Day slant perfect for families, fans, friends and dates, too.
The 7:30 p.m. concert trumpets the reopening of Jackson’s grandest venue and MSO’s first Pops concert of its 81st season. This can’t-miss occasion wraps in all there is to love about the characters who swashbuckled their way into our hearts and the music that propelled their adventures. Plus, it marks MSO’s celebratory homecoming to Thalia Mara Hall.
“As the largest performing arts organization in the state and a longtime legacy of Mississippi’s premier performance venue, MSO once again fills this iconic hall with the sound, scale and splendor only a full orchestra can deliver,” MSO President and Executive Director Janet Reihle said.
“We have thoughtfully designed this reentry to be not just a series of concerts, but full artist experiences, beginning with an interactive Star Wars program that delights all ages and creates a joyful bridge between generations,” Reihle said. “We invite grandparents and parents to introduce a new audience to the sheer power of live symphonic music.”
In addition to the stellar music onstage, expect light sabers for sale and cosplay fans paying tribute to Star Wars characters. Costuming is welcome and encouraged for attendees who want to join in on the fun, enhancing the concert experience for all. Photo ops will be available, with both Star Wars and Valentine’s Day themes. The reopening of Thalia Mara Hall also brings the return of beverage and concession sales, both pre-concert and during intermission.
In scores spanning Star Wars movies and other blockbuster films, composer John Williams created much of the most iconic film music of current generations. MSO’s concert program of selections from nine main Star Wars films – eight scored by Williams and another from Rogue One by Michael Giacchino – capture the saga’s breadth, depth and stature in pop culture.
MSO’s Pops Series is presented by the Keesler Federal Credit Union. The Star Wars concert is sponsored by the Meyer and Genevieve Falk Endowment Fund for Culture and Arts, a fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi. Recording and broadcast of this concert is by Mississippi Public Broadcasting. MSO is supported in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Reserved-seat tickets for the “Star Wars” concert are $43 and up for adults. Discounts are available 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: Star Wars Pops Series Concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026
Where: Thalia Mara Hall, 255 E. Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS
Website: msorchestra.com
MSO’s season continues at Thalia Mara Hall with Bravo Series concerts “Ultimate Beethoven” February 28 and “Mighty Keys” April 11, restoring all the glamour and elegance of a night at the symphony. World-class guest artists and audience favorites – violinist William Hagen and pianist Alon Goldstein – are back by popular demand.
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