Principal Clarinetist Jorge Diez made a splash onstage last year during his first season with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and is back in the spotlight for the upcoming Bravo concert “Epic Dreamscape,” November 22, 7:30 p.m. at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center.
It was, of all things, a class in the business of opera at the Boston Conservatory that left soprano DeAnna Tisdale Johnson with a key nugget about this business of life. Her professor was also the director of all the operas they presented. He told them, “No matter what happens with your career in music, you should keep in mind what your true purpose is, and your true purpose doesn’t necessarily have to do with music.”
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra cuts loose in its “Quad Fusion” concert Oct. 18, a first outing in the night club setting of Duling Hall and first concert primarily devoted to 21st century works. This is the music that perks up young ears and resonates with the rhythmic drive of current times, capturing a pulse that can’t be categorized or confined to a single genre. It’s the music emerging from urban hotspots across the country, where serious musicians and young composers gather to listen, jam, experiment and entertain audiences eager to hear the music of the moment.
The 38th annual celebration takes place February 12, 2026, at The Westin Jackson. We’re so honored to stand with this year’s fellow recipients: Jesse Robinson, Dottie Armstrong, Heather Christian, and Greg Harkins, each of whom has been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the arts in Mississippi.
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 commands the second half of MSO’s opening Bravo concert – “Orchestral Brilliance” – bringing a mighty and magnificent start to the flagship series that presents Mississippi Symphony Orchestra at its most grand.
MSO returns to Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center for its two fall Bravo concerts, as restoration continues at Thalia Mara Hall.
“What the heck is that?” That was Taylor Shorey’s response as a young high schooler, when his band director first brought up the bassoon. Up to that point, he’d never heard of one. A saxophone player, Shorey had his eye on the oboe for a switch from sax, but the band already had a couple of good oboe players. Why not try the bassoon?
MSO is proud to introduce Alexander Ilchev as our new concertmaster. This internationally acclaimed violinist brings a bold, expressive style and deep musical insight to the stage. We’re excited to have him lead the way in Season 81!
Come discover what makes the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra the premier musical home for young musicians in the tri-county area!
The Premier Orchestral Institute returned to Millsaps College for a magical week of music, mentorship and unforgettable performances! With participants hailing from 17 countries, POI partnered with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra to bring together a global community of musicians right here in Jackson, Mississippi.
