Name: American Essence
Start: 2025-03-29T19:30:00
Location: Link Centre Concert Hall

Embark on a melodic journey with the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (NMSO) as it orchestrates an enchanting series of concerts that beautifully interweave classical mastery and innovative expressions. From the heartwarming harmonies of Christmas classics to the evocative strains celebrating American composers, these events promise to elevate the spirits and captivate audiences with their impressive musical narratives. Whether it’s the thrilling oboe performances or the powerful choral traditions, the NMSO offers something for every music aficionado this season.

A Symphony of Seasons: NMSO's Majestic Musical Journey

Experience the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra's captivating musical journey through their upcoming events: 'Spirit of the Wild', 'American Essence', and 'Sacred Choral Traditions'. These concerts showcase musical masterpieces, celebrate legendary composers, and bring powerful performances to the heart of Tupelo, Mississippi. From the exotic tones of the oboe to a symphony of voices, join us as we delve into the spirit, essence, and sacred legacy of classical music.

The Vibrant Symphony of Spirit, Essence, and Sacred Traditions

Join the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for a captivating series of concerts that celebrate musical diversity and cultural heritage. From the exotic tones of the Spirit of the Wild to the profound American Essence and the soul-stirring Sacred Choral Traditions, these events bring together acclaimed musicians and composers for an unforgettable musical journey. Highlighted by performances from Titus Underwood, Artina McCain, and more, these concerts promise to engage and inspire audiences with their rich tapestry of sounds and stories.

A Symphony of Diversity: Celebrating Cultural and Musical Heritage

The North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (NMSO) invites you to embark on an extraordinary musical journey with its upcoming 2025 events. From the thrilling oboe concerto 'Spirit of the Wild' to the evocative 'American Essence' featuring works by pioneering American composers, and the harmonious 'Sacred Choral Traditions,' these performances promise to captivate and inspire. With acclaimed musicians such as Titus Underwood and Artina McCain gracing the stage, audiences will experience a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates the diverse and dynamic world of orchestral and choral music.

A Symphony of Sounds: North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra's Musical Journey

The North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (NMSO) is set to captivate audiences with an exciting trio of events, showcasing the remarkable talents of both local and international musicians. From the exotic sounds of 'Spirit of the Wild' to the powerful 'American Essence' and the timeless beauty of 'Sacred Choral Traditions,' these concerts promise to deliver an unforgettable musical experience. With the expertise of renowned artists like Titus Underwood and Artina McCain, and the combined forces of local choirs, these events celebrate the rich tapestry of orchestral and choral music.

Harmony in Tupelo: A Celebration of Music and Culture with the NMSO

Artina Mccain

North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

The NMSO opens the season with a night of soaring imagination, luminous beauty, and the enduring spirit of the American dream. Celebrating America at 250, the program opens with she flies with her own wings, a bold and upliftingorchestral fanfare by Oregon composer Kenji Bunch that celebrates independence, courage, and forward motion. The luminous and deeply moving blue cathedral — one of the most beloved orchestral works of our time — by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Jennifer Higdon is an ethereal, soaring, and profoundly beautiful modern classic that presents moments of reflection, wonder, and emotional resonance. The program culminates in Peter Boyer’s powerful Ellis Island: The Dream of America. Combining orchestra with spoken narratives drawn from real immigrant stories, this work brings history to life with emotional immediacy and cinematic sweep. The program is a tribute to resilience, hope, and the diverse voices that shaped a nation.

Ellis Island: The Dream of America

Join us for a dazzling Tupelo holiday tradition, where toy soldiers march, snowflakes dance, and the Sugar Plum Fairy reigns. With stunning choreography, enchanting music by Tchaikovsky performed by the NMSO, and breathtaking costumes, this beloved ballet is an annual festive treat for all ages.

The Nutcracker 2026

Itawamba Community College & Northeast Mississippi Community College Choruses, NMSO Children’s Chorus

Celebrate the magic of the season with one of Mississippi’s most spectacular holiday traditions! Christmas with the NMSO brings the warmth, wonder, and joy of the holidays to life in a grand musical celebration for the whole family. Featuring the outstanding choruses of Itawamba Community College and Northeast Mississippi Community College, along with the NMSO Children’s Chorus, this powerful community collaboration fills the hall with soaring voices and festive spirit. Sing along to beloved holiday classics and discover fresh new favorites. From heartwarming carols to majestic seasonal showpieces, this unforgettable evening will leave you inspired and ready to celebrate the season.

Christmas with the NMSO

Experience a powerful and moving celebration of Chickasaw history, culture, and identity in this landmark presentation of Lowak Shoppala’ (Fire & Light) by acclaimed Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate. This monumental work blends orchestra, narration, children’s chorus, traditional Chickasaw and contemporary dance, classical and traditional vocalists, and Chickasaw storytellers into a breathtaking theatrical journey. Across eight vivid scenes, music and movement illuminate the enduring spirit, resilience, and beauty of the Chickasaw people. Presented in collaborationwith the Chickasaw Inkana Foundation, this special event also celebrates the opening of the new Chickasaw Heritage Center in Tupelo — marking a historic and meaningful moment for our entire community, the region, and the state of Mississippi. An unforgettable evening honoring the past while inspiring the future.

Chickasaw Heritage: Lowak Shoppala’ (Fire & Light)

Clara Schumann, preeminent pianist of her generation, looks back from late in her astonishing career at the two breathless weeks that changed her life forever. It was August, 1856, in the tiny Swiss resort of Gersau on Lake Lucerne. Clara’s husband Robert, towering composer of German romanticism, has been dead for three weeks. Robert’s young protégé, Johannes Brahms, is with Clara – along with Brahms’ younger sister and two of Clara’s seven children. Clara is 36. Johannes, 23. They are desperately in love — they’ve been in love, all with the tacit approval of Robert, who is now gone. They’ve come to the banks of Lake Lucerne to decide, once and for all. Two actors, in three scenes placed between four movements – one from each of Brahms’ four symphonies – we experience the possibilities of what might have happened.

Johannes at the Lake — Story by Robert Ford

Step into a world of magic, adventure, and unforgettable melodies with The Wonderful World of Disney! This spectacular orchestra program features beloved songs and sweeping scores from your favorite Disney films in a dazzling live performance the whole family will treasure. From enchanted castles to heroic journeys, each piece will transport audiences into the heart of Disney’s most cherished stories and characters. The performance also features a special collaboration with members of the Tupelo Ballet, who help bring the music to life with stunning choreography and beautiful costumes inspired by Disney classics. Enjoy a variety of fun activities for children and families before the concert and at intermission designed to make the day even more magical. Join us for The Wonderful World of Disney — a thrilling and enchanting celebration of music, imagination, and family fun!

The Wonderful World of Disney

A program of wonderful musical masterpieces by extraordinarily gifted American composers. The NMSO performs an exquisite lament by Pulitzer Prize winner George Walker, two works by Florence Price — the first black female composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra: her passionate and powerful Symphony No. 1, with its musical reflections of Dvorak’s great New World Symphony, and also Price’s dynamic Piano Concerto. The NMSO welcomes the University of Memphis Artist-in-Residence Artina McCain, who also performs a delightful Dance Tribute by Ghanaian-American composer Fred Onovwerosuoke.

American Essence

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