106th Season 2025-26
Season
106th Season 2025-2026 | American Perspectives
Celebrating its 106th concert season, the 厙ぴ勛圖 Symphony Orchestra is the oldest in Mississippi and a vibrant cultural force. This years theme, American Perspectives, showcases the diversity of American musicfrom Gershwin and Copland to bold modern voices like John Adams and Julia Wolfe. With student musicians from around the globe and renowned guest artists, the Symphony continues Bringing the world to Mississippi! Join us for a powerful season of music, meaning, and connection.
Opening Night
Field of Blue
Thursday, September 25, 2025 7:30 p.m.
The Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the
Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium
Our season opens with the unbridled optimism of John Adams exuberant fanfare and the poignant lyricism of George Walkers lament for a beloved grandmother. Haydns dazzling 2nd cello concerto will feature our own Alexander Russakovsky. Brahms final symphony is a masterpiece of technique meeting expression and is one of the finest works of the Romantic era.
PROGRAM
- John Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine
- George Walker Lyric for Strings
- Franz Joseph Haydn Cello Concerto No. 2 in D with Alexander Russakovsky
- Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 4 in E Minor
Die Fledermaus
October 30 and 31, 2025 7:30 p.m.
November 1, 2026 1 p.m.
The Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the
Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium
By Johann Strausss II
October 30 and 31, 2025 7:30 p.m.
November 1, 2025 1 p.m.
The Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the
Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium
With familiar music and, of course, waltzes, the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre
Company returns to the stage with a comedy that sparkles with period charm. A prince
throws the costume party of the century, and everyone is determined to be there. Two
gentleman attendees, out for a night out on the town, are pranked by one of their
wives and her maid. This soon escalates into an epic battle of the sexes, filled with
disguises, flirtations and comedic deceptions. No matter how the evening ends, one
thing is for sure you can blame it on the champagne!
Stars
November 6, 2025 7:30 p.m.
The Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the
Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium
Our season continues with two works inspired by the heavens. Mary Lou Williams is best known as a teacher and mentor to a whos who list of jazz icons such as Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk and Dizzy Gillespie. Aaron Diehl, one of the foremost jazz pianists of our time, has traveled the world championing Zodiac Suites with its melding of jazz and classical ideas. Mozarts final symphony places a tremendous coda on his symphonic legacy with his legendary grasp of melody and drama.
PROGRAM
- Mary Lou Williams Zodiac Suite with the Aaron Diehl Trio
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony No. 41 in C Jupiter
Holiday Choral Spectacular
December 2 and 4, 2025 7:30 p.m.
Main St. Baptist Church
Dont miss this annual community celebration of the season with choir and orchestra. Our program features all the ensembles within Southern Miss Choral Activities, including the Southern Chorale, Southern Miss Concert Choir, and Southern Miss pop a cappella ensemble, Spirit of Southern, with the full Hattiesburg Choral Union presenting Morten Lauridsens radiant strains of eternal light. Strauss 1872 trip to the U.S. inspired a series of compositions, including his festive welcoming waltz. Our holiday tradition will have you singing along and dancing toward a new year!
Star-Spangled
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 7:30 p.m.
Bennett Auditorium
Winners of the William T. Gower competition showcase the immense talent to be found in the Southern Miss School of Music. Drawn from 15 different countries, our symphony musicians bring the worlds talent to Hattiesburg. One of Beethovens most celebrated symphonies demonstrates his dramatic flair, gift for lyricism and unprecedented power that changed music forever.
PROGRAM
- Concerto Competition Winners
- Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A
Bars of Red
Thursday, March 26, 2026 7:30 p.m.
The Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the
Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium
A most extraordinary evening opens with Ravels tender evocation of innocent youth. Gershwins iconic score takes us on a Parisian sojourn filled with American influence and the blues. Julia Wolfes mesmerizing cantata Her Story dramatically explores the historic struggle for women to secure equal rights. Scored for large orchestra and womens voices, with stage direction by Anne Kauffman, scenic design by Jeff Sugg, and production by Bang on a Can, you wont want to miss one of the cultural events of the year in Mississippi.
PROGRAM
- Maurice Ravel Pavane pour une enfante d矇funte
- George Gershwin An American in Paris
- Julia Wolfe Her Story
Closing Night
Ground of White
Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:30 p.m.
Main St. Baptist Church
The majestic voices of the Hattiesburg Choral Union present the poetry of Robert Frost in a tender fashion. Aaron Coplands mighty third and final symphony is often referred to as the essential American symphony. This work personifies the Dean of American composers voice, which defines American music. It also prominently features his Fanfare for the Common Man.
PROGRAM
- Randal Thompson Frostiana
- Aaron Copland Symphony No. 3
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