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.
Category: Symphony News
Post
Taylor Shorey set to shine in ‘Beloved Baroque,’ in two Vivaldi bassoon concertos
“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?
Post
MSO opens ‘Season of Genius’ with Baroque splendor
In this “Season of Genius,” the opening chamber concert for 2025-26 celebrates the exceptional music of one of the Baroque era’s greatest composers with no fewer than three Vivaldi concertos, showcasing the virtuosity of MSO Principal Bassoon Taylor Shorey in two of them.
Post
Announcing the 2025/26 Concertmaster!
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!
Post
You’re Invited! MYSO Open House Aug. 5
Come discover what makes the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra the premier musical home for young musicians in the tri-county area!
Post
POI 2025 Recap: Magical week of music, mentorship and unforgettable performances!
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.
Post
MSO’s POI: A life-changing week for musicians, a festival of music for all
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s Premier Orchestral Institute each June is so much more than a music camp summer intensive to hone students’ skills. The esteemed strings workshop showcases world-class guest artists and faculty, pulling in a tourism element with its Music Festival of nightly concerts open to the public.
Post
MSO’s summer institute brings a festival of music
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s Premier Orchestral Institute (POI) and Music Festival June 9-14 turns the capital city into a classical music hub – more than 100 participants, including internationally acclaimed music faculty and guest artists plus talented students from around the world – with a string of concerts that are open to the public.
Post
The charm of Pepsi Pops endures — 44 years of picnic-perfect appeal
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.
Post
Brilliant works and talents unite in MSO’s 81st ‘Season of Genius’
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.