Baroque Splendor: An Evening with J.S. Bach
Thursday, Sep 10, 2026 | 6:00 & 7:30 PM
Music Building Recital Hall
Mississippi State University
Experience the brilliance of Johann Sebastian Bach in “The Art of Joy: A Celebration of Bach.” This vibrant program features the lively Orchestral Suite No. 1, the energetic Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, the elegant Wedding Cantata (BWV 202), and the radiant Sinfonia from Cantata BWV 42. From graceful dances to lyrical arias, join us for an evening of Baroque beauty and boundless joy.
Jazz at Renasant
Tuesday, October 13 | 6:30 PM
Renasant Bank Plaza
Starkville, MS
An annual favorite and gift back to the Starkville Community, the musicians of the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra present an evening of jazz on the Renasant Bank Plaza. No ticket purchase necessary.
Community Chorus and Friends
Monday, Oct 26, 2026 | 7:30 PM
First Baptist Church
Starkville, MS
This program features Mass of the Children, by John Rutter, presented by the Community Chorus and treble choirs of the Starkville Oktibbeha County School District's Partnership School; led by Peter Infanger and Sara Horan. The traditional Latin Mass text is augmented with British poetry by Thomas Ken, William Blake and John Rutter himself. Each choir will also present selections on their own to round out the program making a lovely evening of beautiful choral music to be enjoyed by all.
Christmas Fanfares
Saturday, Dec 5, 2026 | 7:30 PM
First Baptist Church
Starkville, MS
Experience the brilliance of the season with Christmas Fanfares, an exhilarating holiday celebration featuring the majestic sounds of brass, organ, and choir. From triumphant fanfares and timeless sacred carols to beloved Christmas favorites, this festive program shines with warmth, joy, and holiday spirit. Rich choral harmonies join dazzling brass quintets and soaring organ in stirring renditions of O Come, All Ye Faithful, Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming, and O Holy Night, while spirited arrangements of Jingle Bell Rock, The Christmas Song, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and Frosty the Snow Man add sparkle and fun for audiences of all ages. Whether proclaiming the wonder of the season or inviting everyone to sing along in celebration, Christmas Fanfares is a joyful musical tradition that will fill your heart with Christmas cheer and leave you ringing in the holidays with a smile.
School concerts available, please contact the MSU Department of Music for more information.
The Composer's Living Room
Thursday, Feb 4, 2027 | 6:00 & 7:30 PM
Music Building Recital Hall
Mississippi State University
Step into The Composer's Living Room, an intimate evening of chamber music that invites audiences to experience the warmth, conversation, and artistry of music as it was first imagined. Antonín Dvořák's charming Terzetto in C Major opens the program with lyrical melodies and spirited folk-inspired rhythms, followed by Gerald Finzi's beloved Five Bagatelles for clarinet and chamber strings, a collection of elegant miniatures filled with wit, nostalgia, and expressive beauty. The evening culminates in Felix Mendelssohn's extraordinary Octet in E-flat Major, a youthful masterpiece whose soaring melodies, dazzling virtuosity, and joyful exuberance have captivated audiences for nearly two centuries. Rich in intimacy and brilliance, this concert offers a rare opportunity to hear chamber music at its most personal—and most exhilarating.
Starkville-MSU Symphony Gala
Saturday, Feb 27, 2027 | 7:30 PM
Location TBD
Join us for an inspiring evening that celebrates the enduring power of the symphony to enrich lives and connect our community through music. The Symphony Gala is our signature event honoring the musicians, patrons, volunteers, and friends whose generosity makes each season possible. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy exceptional hospitality while investing in a future filled with outstanding performances, educational opportunities, and meaningful outreach across our region. Every gift strengthens the orchestra's ability to inspire young musicians, engage new audiences, and present transformative artistic experiences that elevate our community. Together, we ensure that the music continues to resonate far beyond the concert hall, creating a lasting legacy of excellence, opportunity, and shared community pride.
Triumph to Transcendence
Saturday, Apr 17, 2027 | 7:30 PM
Bettersworth Auditorium, Lee Hall
Mississippi State University
This remarkable evening traces an extraordinary musical journey—from brilliance and virtuosity to reflection and transcendence. Overture 'Ruy Blas', Op. 95 opens the concert with sparkling energy and dramatic flair before showcasing the exceptional artistry of the winner(s) of the Mississippi State University Solo Artist Competition. Following intermission, the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra and chorus unite for Requiem in D minor, K.626, one of the most revered works ever composed. Filled with moments of breathtaking power, profound sorrow, radiant hope, and transcendent beauty, Mozart's final masterpiece continues to captivate audiences with its timeless exploration of humanity, faith, and the enduring power of music. Whether experiencing this iconic work for the first time or returning to it once again, this unforgettable performance promises an evening of inspiration and artistic excellence.
Echoes & Resonance
Thursday, Apr 29, 2027 | 6:00 & 7:30 PM
Music Building Recital Hall
Mississippi State University
Experience an evening where rhythm, melody, and orchestral color come vividly to life. The concert opens with the sparkling wit of Domenico Cimarosa's Il Matrimonio Segreto Overture before showcasing the thunderous brilliance and astonishing agility of six timpani in Georg Druschetzky's remarkable concerto. Aaron Copland's haunting Quiet City offers a moment of quiet reflection with its unforgettable dialogue between trumpet and English horn, creating one of America's most poignant musical landscapes. The program concludes with Emmanuel Séjourné Soar's exhilarating Concerto No. 1 for Marimba and String Orchestra, a dazzling contemporary work that blends lyrical beauty with breathtaking rhythmic energy. From playful elegance to powerful resonance, this concert celebrates the orchestra's remarkable palette of sound.
Wingo Pops: The American Tapestry
May 27, 2027 | 7:30 PM
Bettersworth Auditorium, Lee Hall
Mississippi State University
From majestic fanfares and beloved folk melodies to sweeping portraits of the American landscape, Wingo Pops: The American Tapestry celebrates the rich traditions, enduring ideals, and diverse musical heritage of the United States. Featuring iconic works by John Williams, Aaron Copland, Morton Gould, and Carmen Dragon, this inspiring program traces the nation's story through music that reflects courage, innovation, faith, and the beauty of the American spirit. Audience favorites including Apollo 13, Shenandoah, Simple Gifts, and Battle Hymn of the Republic lead to a rousing finale with Bagley’s National Emblem March. Joined by special guest speakers, the Starkville-MSU Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience an unforgettable evening honoring the people, places, and shared traditions that weave together America's musical tapestry.