The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will open its 106th season on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the Hattiesburg campus. The season, titled American Perspectives, features music in celebration of America’s 250th birthday, under the direction of Music Director Gregory Wolynec.
The season opens with two brief works by American composers: John Adams’ iconic Short Ride in a Fast Machineand George Walker’s poignant Lyric for Strings. The first half of the program will close with a dazzling work for cello and orchestra by Haydn, featuring School of Music faculty member Alexander Russakovsky. His performance of the D major cello concerto—a cornerstone of the repertoire—will showcase the work’s demanding virtuosity compared to many similar pieces from the Classical period.
The second half of the concert features the masterful Symphony No. 4 by Johannes Brahms. Named by composer and critic Robert Schumann as Beethoven’s successor when he was barely 20 years old, Brahms carried the weight of that comparison for decades, laboring 21 years before completing his first symphony. While his music reflects the influence of earlier masters, it was uniquely his own, earning him near-universal acclaim among musicians.
“It is difficult to put into words what Brahms’ symphonies mean to most musicians,” said Wolynec. “For me, this work is about as close to perfection as any composer could achieve.”
The Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra represents a study in international collaboration as students from across the globe unite through music. It is one of the premier ensembles of the School of Music, offering an intense performance schedule covering classical to pop musical styles. The ensemble draws both students and renowned guest artists from around the world, truly “Bringing the world to Mississippi!”
Remaining tickets are available online, or by calling the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 800.844.8425 or 601.266.5418. For more information, visit the Symphony website.