The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra–the oldest orchestral ensemble in Mississippi-proudly announces its 106th concert season, “American Perspectives,” exploring the vast variety of American music, from pioneering classics to bold modern voices.
Under the baton of Music Director Gregory Wolynec, student musicians from more than a dozen countries will present an electrifying season featuring acclaimed works and special guests. Season ticket packages are available now. Individual tickets go on sale Sept. 2 and are expected to sell out quickly. Secure yours by calling the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 601.266.5418 or visiting in person at the Pat Ferlise Center, 2949 W. Fourth St.
“American Perspectives will be a season of exploration,” said Wolynec. “Every program will explore different viewpoints that have helped shape our great land, alongside some of the greatest works to grace the classical stage. You won’t want to miss any of these special events!”
Season Highlights
Opening Night – Field of Blue
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. | Mannoni Performing Arts Center
The season begins with a powerful lineup: John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine, George Walker’s poignant Lyric for Strings, and Haydn’s virtuosic Cello Concerto No. 2, featuring Southern Miss School of Music faculty artist Alexander Russakovsky. The evening closes with Brahms’ masterful Symphony No. 4 in E Minor.
Die Fledermaus
Oct. 30-31 (evenings) and Nov. 1 (matinee) | Mannoni Performing Arts Center
The Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company returns with Johann Strauss II’s sparkling operetta. Expect comedy, waltzes, disguises and champagne-fueled delight in this perennial crowd-pleaser.
Stars
Nov. 6, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. | Mannoni Performing Arts Center
A celestial double-header: Mary Lou Williams’ jazz-infused Zodiac Suite, performed by the Aaron Diehl Trio, alongside Mozart’s majestic Symphony No. 41 in C Major “Jupiter.” A transcendent evening linking jazz and classical idioms.
Holiday Choral Spectacular
Dec. 2 and 4, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. | Main Street Baptist Church
A family favorite featuring Southern Miss choral ensembles––Southern Chorale, Concert Choir and Spirit of Southern––alongside the full Hattiesburg Choral Union. Join in radiant arrangements including music by Morten Lauridsen, Johann Strauss II, and seasonal favorites in this traditional citywide start to the holiday season.
Star Spangled
February 10, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Bennett Auditorium
Spotlighting winners of the William T. Gower Concerto Competition, in a concert of virtuosity culminating with Beethoven’s triumphant Symphony No. 7 in A Major, a masterwork of rhythm and lyricism.
Bars of Red
March 26, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Mannoni Auditorium
An imaginative cross-section of creativity: Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte, Gershwin’s blues-laced An American in Paris, and Julia Wolfe’s compelling, theatrically-staged cantata Her Story.
Closing Night – Ground of White
May 7, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Main Street Baptist Church
Featuring Randall Thompson’s Frostiana, weaving the poetry of Robert Frost into song, before closing with Copland’s iconic Symphony No. 3, including the stirring Fanfare for the Common Man––a quintessential American symphonic statement.
While only season tickets are available now, remaining seats will go on sale September 2. Early booking is strongly recommended.
About the Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1918, USM’s Symphony Orchestra is Mississippi’s longest-standing orchestral institution, performing a rich variety of repertoire and collaborating with distinguished soloists and ensembles worldwide. The ensemble underscores USM’s commitment to global music education, community outreach and creative excellence.