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Premier Orchestral Institute and Summer Music Festival
Premier Orchestral Institute and Summer Music Festival
Now a two-week experience!
Visit the full POI website for details.
POI Basics
MSO’s Premier Orchestral Institute and Summer Music Festival is a highly esteemed string workshop that unites individuals from across the globe in Mississippi each summer. POI is open to elementary-age, middle school, high school, college-age, and adult musicians.
POI, which began in the mid-90s, provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn from and collaborate with world-class faculty and other talented musicians in 4 orchestras for up to 2 weeks in Mississippi’s capital and hub cities.
– Features 4 orchestras
– Participants from 21 foreign countries
– International Composition Competition winner’s world premiere
– Hosted at Millsaps College (Jackson) and the University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg)
– Open to musicians of most ages
Also, the annual winner of MSO’s International Composition Competition is celebrated through the world premiere of the winning composer’s piece. The immersive POI workspace fosters artistic growth and cultural appreciation leading Mississippi’s international reputation in music education.
International Composition Competition
The POI International Composition Competition (started in 2023) provides an opportunity for composers of all nationalities to premiere their compositions and encourages composers to include folk music elements in their compositions to preserve cultural heritage. The competition by design provides a wider music range of music for the institute faculty and advanced students orchestra (Master Camerata), during the Premier Orchestral Institute summer Music Festival.
Educating the “next generation of musicians” through 4 orchestra experiences.
This immersive string instrument summer music experience with four orchestras, kicks off in Jackson at Millsaps College and continues in Hattiesburg at the University of Southern Mississippi. Middle school, high school and college age musicians are invited to learn from world-class faculty from around the globe.
Young Haydns is like a musical treasure chest for beginner students! It’s where they discover all the cool tools to inspire their musical journey.
Da Capo Strings Orchestra is perfect for students who are transitioning from the beginner level to the next, having a more in depth orchestra training, keep improving their instrument technique, all while enjoying a fun and rewarding experience!
Virtuosi is an ensemble for middle school and high school age participants. Students engage in daily lessons and rehearsals, benefit from sectional rehearsals and master classes led by POI Faculty, and showcase their talents at the closing concert of POI, all while enjoying a fun and enriching experience!
The Master Camerata orchestra is the pinnacle ensemble at POI, featuring our faculty members and pre-college/college-level students. Participants of all ages (with no age limit) are welcome. Within the string section, students have the great opportunity to learn in real-time by collaborating closely with their professors and other seasoned musicians during rehearsals and performances. This professional atmosphere provides invaluable preparation for aspiring musicians.