In the fading light of day on the breezy shore of Barnett Reservoir, boats bob on the water, little kids bop in front of the musicians onstage and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra delivers music of our memories at Pepsi Pops. Patriotic classics, movie themes, Billboard and Broadway hits are kicked up a notch by symphonic splendor and the laidback, outdoor charm of springtime in Mississippi.
In its 81st year of performances, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s “Season of Genius” is a testament to all the top intellect, skill, passion, craftsmanship and creativity that converge in a lineup of concerts designed to inspire and intrigue, excite and delight. MSO branches out, too, adding a new venue to the mix with a fall concert at Duling Hall.
After a nationwide search for a new president and executive director, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) found the right candidate, right next door in Flowood. Native Mississippian Janet Reihle, most recently executive director of the Chamber of Flowood & Visitor Center, brings fresh perspective and multi-layered experience to the MSO helm, building on a career in nonprofits, development, community building and tourism in central Mississippi. Reihle is on the board of the Mississippi Tourism Association and will now also be on the board of directors of the Flowood Chamber & Visitor Center.
Pianist Scott Cuellar returns to the solo spotlight with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for a third straight season, racking up back-by-popular-demand bona fides and continuing to build a reputation as an audience favorite in Jackson. See why at MSO’s “Epic Heights” concert on April 12, 2025.
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s final chamber concert of its 80th anniversary Season Spectacular does present quite the spectacle — a revolving cast of musicians, up close and personal, in classical, contemporary, even current works, playing with all the spirit and virtuosity the music demands.
Sandeep Das, guest artist of the March 8 “Vibrant Colors” concert, grew up learning Indian classical music and has played those concerts around the world since 1990. Meeting cellist Yo-Yo Ma — “one of the greatest human beings of our time,” Das said — exposed him to the world of Western classical music. “Before then, I didn’t know what an orchestra was, I had never played with one.”
John Williams’ film scores and themes are deeply ingrained in our entertainment DNA. Just try hearing “Dun-Dun…. Dun-Dun” without feeling the fearful dread of a shark’s approach or the cymbal-crashing, trumpet-blaring start of Stars Wars’ Main Title without conjuring that galaxy far, far away.
Today’s show features MSO’s upcoming “Bravo 3: Magnificent Strings” feat. Emmaunuel Ceysson, happening February 1st. This entire episode will be dedicated to highlighting Mr. Ceysson’s performance, profession and future projects, as well as the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s impact on the arts in the state, and upcoming shows. Stay tuned, buckle up and hold on tight...
Tuesday, January 28 at 3:30 pm – The Daily Sip with Walt Grayson on WJTV Crafton Beck spoke with renowned Mississippi storyteller Walt Grayson on The Daily Sip, sharing what makes the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra unique along with a sneak peak at upcoming concerts, celebrity talent and fun times in children’s programming. Capping 25 years...
MSO Violinists Bonnie Brown and Daniel Jones will bring Reich’s 1993 work to captivating life, as their intertwining threads weave a mesmerizing pull upon listener’s ears and imaginations. The evening’s program also offers the rare a capella treat of two Thomas Tallis works by the St. James’ Compline Choir, directed by Jonathan Trotter.
