The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music is pleased to announce the 105th season of the Symphony Orchestra under new music director, Gregory Wolynec. Entitled “New Worlds,” the season will include a wide range of works from Mozart and Haydn to Stravinsky and Sibelius. Of note to previous season ticket holders is a return to reserved, tiered seating through the Southern Miss Ticket Office. Patrons may once again select their preferred seats for the year.
Season tickets are now available. All tickets are available at the Southern Miss Ticket Office, 800.844.8425 or 601.266.5418. Individual concerts go on sale Sept 3.
“I am delighted to be joining you in Hattiesburg to begin my work with such incredibly talented musicians,” said Wolynec. “I look forward to introducing myself musically with a series of programs that feature composers and works that have shaped by career.”
The extensive and varied program includes Dvořák’s “New World Symphony,” Elgar’s “Enigma Variations,” Stravinsky’s “Petrushka,” and Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 7,” among others. An array of guest artists joins the orchestra this season. They include, acclaimed folk musician Stephen Seifert and the immensely talented School of Music faculty members, Borislava Iltcheva, violin, and Meredith Johnson, soprano. The Symphony will collaborate with the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company for a production of “The Music Man,” and continue the traditional “Holiday Choral Spectacular.”
After an exhaustive international search, Wolynec was selected as the Director of Orchestral Activities and to oversee the graduate program in orchestral conducting. A committed educator, Wolynec has taught at all levels of public school and collegiate education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Clarinet Performance from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music as well as Master or Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting from Michigan State University. He was a recipient of a Fulbright Grant to Prague, Czech Republic, where he studied conducting at the Prague Conservatory. There he also worked with the Karlovy Vary Symphony.
“I would like to express a sincere thank you to the Hattiesburg and Southern Miss communities,” Wolynec continued. “My wife, Lisa, and I have felt so welcomed at every step of our move. We look forward to getting to know you all and sharing in some wonderful music this season at the symphony.
Learn more about the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra.
2024-25 SEASON AT A GLANCE:
Opening Night
October 3, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Bennett Auditorium
Dvořák’s New World
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Symphony No. 32 in G, k. 318
Conni Ellisor – Blackberry Winter with Stephen Seifert, mountain dulcimer
Antonín Dvořák – Symphony No. 9 in e minor, “From the New World”
October 31 – November 2, 2024 | 7:30 p.m., November 2 | 1 p.m.
Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the
Mannoni Performing Arts Center
Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company presents
The Music Man
There’s trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Funny, warm, romantic and touching, The Music Man is family entertainment at its best. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been entertaining audiences since 1957 and is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation. With a one-of-a-kind, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets and sentimental ballads, which have become popular standards, this critically acclaimed Broadway classic is an all-American institution.
November 7, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Bennett Auditorium
Elgar’s Enigma
Joseph Haydn – Symphony No. 6 in D, “Le Matin”
Osvaldo Golijov – Songs for Soprano and Orchestra with Meredith Johnson
Edward Elgar – Enigma Variations
December 3 and 5, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Main Street Baptist Church
Holiday Choral Spectacular
Don’t miss this annual community celebration of the season with choir and orchestra. Featuring several ensembles within Southern Miss Choral Activities, including the Southern Chorale, Southern Miss Concert Choir, and Southern Miss’ pop a cappella ensemble, Spirit of Southern, the program also includes area high school and middle school choirs in an audience favorite kickoff to the holidays!
March 13, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center
Future Stars
Ivette Herryman-Rodriguez – Un danzón a mi manera
William T. Gower Concerto Competition Winners
Igor Stravinsky – Petrushka
Season Finale
April 24, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center
Majestic Sibelius
Jessie Montgomery – Starburst
Jean Sibelius – Violin Concerto featuring Borislava Iltcheva
Kareem Roustom – Ramal
Jean Sibelius – Symphony No. 7 in C