Symphony Opens 104th Season with Exciting Latin Music
Mon, 09/25/2023 - 02:40pm | By: Mike Lopinto
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) presents the opening night of the 104th
season of its renowned Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. on the Thomas
V. Fraschillo Stage at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium.
Opening Night features the rhythmic music of South America. It will be a rousing night of Latin rhythms that will have everyone dancing in the aisles!
Individual and season tickets may be purchased online at usm.edu/symphony.
“We are so excited to begin our 104th season with this fantastic, multicultural program,” said Dr. Michael Miles, music director of the symphony noted. “Our audience will be able to transport themselves to the land of Carnival through this incredibly vibrant and rhythmic music.”
The symphony welcomes guest conductor, Sarah Higino, director and conductor of the Projeto Volta Redonda Cidade da Música, one of the largest public music programs in Brazil, to conduct Villas Lobos’ Choros No. 10. The orchestra will be joined by the Hattiesburg Choral Union in this work conjuring the spirit of Carnival.
Southern Miss percussion professor, Dr. John Wooton, is featured on two works he composed, Bembe My Way and Amigos de Borinquen, which were orchestrated by Southern Miss alum Bill Murphy. Also on the program is the Concerto for 3 Percussionists and Orchestra by South American composer, Lissandro Parada. He will perform and be joined by two percussionists from Patagonia, South America, Angel Frette and Jeronimo Molina.
The 2023-24 Symphony Season Series is titled “Voyages,” exploring music from all around the globe. From Spain and Italy to Austria and Brazil and many other stops, audiences will hear the Latin rhythms of South America, the stylish music of Spain, and the power and expression of the Austro-German symphonic tradition.
Along the way patrons will hear music depicting pine forests in Rome, songs about lost love, and an opera inspired by the painting The Adoration of the Magi. A Hattiesburg favorite, audiences will ring in the season at the annual Holiday Choral Spectacular!
General admission concert ticket prices are $20. Season tickets enjoy a discount equal to one free concert, and students are welcome, free of admission with ID.
Visit USM Symphony for more information.