A Symphony Extravaganza: From Mozart's Glow to Epic Heights
The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is set to captivate audiences with a series of electrifying performances in 2025, ranging from the stirring strains of Mozart to the iconic melodies of John Williams. These events, featuring world-class musicians and a diverse repertoire, promise to be a feast for music lovers. Highlights include Chamber 2: Mozart Glow's candlelit concerts, Bravo 3: Magnificent Strings with harp virtuoso Emmanuel Ceysson, and the epic finale of Bravo 5: Epic Heights. Join us as we explore the dynamic calendar of musical gems crafted by MSO.
Krommer’s dynamic Concerto No. 2 for Two Clarinets flows in the hands of MSO’s finest and centers an evening that opens with Cimarosa’s Caio Maria Overture and closes with a rousing feel-good finish of Mozart’s huge, daring and unforgettable Symphony No. 40. This cozy, candlelit evening captivates with pure music at its absolute best!
Brilliant guest harpist Emmanuel Ceysson shares the infectious passion and virtuosic splendor that rocketed the young Frenchman to global prominence in Gliere’s irresistibly gorgeous Concerto for Harp. This can’t-miss concert thrills, too, with Brahms’ rapturous masterwork Symphony No. 1, an all-time musician and audience favorite.
The creative, joyful verve of MSO Maestro Crafton Beck’s Baroque-influenced Concerto Grosso is back by popular demand in an exquisite evening that also delivers the short works of Tomas Tallis as an a cappella treat by the St. James’ Compline Choir. The contrasting minimalist fun of Steve Reich’s Duet follows, and the rich textures and innovative splendor of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 deliver a fitting, high-point finish.
John Williams’ sweeping breadth of music has become the soundtrack of our moviegoing lives. Going far beyond his Star Wars universe, MSO spins a golden evening of sci-fi, fantasy, and movie themes — E.T., Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark and more — that activate imaginations and invite cosplay fun.
Grammy-winning guest tabla master Sandeep Das, a member of the Silk Road Ensemble, tells the stories of distant lands in Dinuk Wijeratne’s spellbinding Concerto for Tabla and Orchestra in a concert that heralds the Hindu spring festival Holi. The evening further entrances with Erik Satie’s Gymnopedie and Prokofiev’s exhilarating Symphony No. 5.
This delightful evening takes full advantage of Woodworth Chapel’s excellent acoustics – from Saint-Saens’ vibrant Septet to Mozart’s virtuosic Oboe Quartet featuring MSO’s Julie Hudik. Don’t miss the welcome return of Jessie Montgomery’s mesmerizing Strum in the spotlight with the Mississippi Symphony String Quartet and Stravinsky’s Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet in a standout moment for MSO’s new Principal Clarinet
In an evening designed to excite, favorite guest artist Scott Cuellar returns for a deep dive into the extremes of piano virtuosity with Rachmaninoff’s sumptuous and spirited Piano Concerto No. 3. Sibelius’ powerful Symphony No. 5 caps the evening and the Bravo Series with an awe-inspiring finale
Against the backdrop of a balmy sunset, a starry night sky and the gentle waves of the Rez, MSO treats listeners young, old and in-between to a lineup of favorites from stage, screen and the top of the charts. Bring the kids, bring the parents, bring a date, bring some friends, bring a picnic if you like — this outdoor charmer fits all. Count on the always-splendid fireworks at the end to unite the crowd with a feel-good exclamation point!
The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra's 2025 season is a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together. With an array of performances ranging from Baroque masterpieces to Hollywood classics, each event is designed to captivate and inspire. As the final notes fade and the audience departs, they carry with them the echoes of an unforgettable experience, one that continues to resonate long after the music has stopped. Join MSO in celebrating the timeless beauty and boundless energy of music throughout this remarkable season.