NEW WORLDS - The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra 105th Season 2024-25
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Gregory Wolynec
MUSIC DIRECTOR
It is with the greatest possible enthusiasm that I invite you to join us for the 2024-25 season with The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. I am delighted to be joining you in Hattiesburg to begin my work with such incredibly talented musicians. I look forward to introducing myself musically with a series of programs that feature composers and works that have shaped by
This season will include an astonishing range of works from the great Viennese classicists Mozart and Haydn to Romantic masterpieces by Dvořák and Elgar to works by 20th century luminaries Stravinsky and Sibelius to the genre blending voices of Osvaldo Golijov and Ivette Herryman-Rodriguez. Acclaimed folk musician Stephen Seifert will join us as a featured guest, as well as the immensely talented Borislava Iltcheva and Meredith Johnson. I so look forward to collaborating with the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company for a production of The as well as continuing the fine tradition of the Holiday Choral Spectacular. It will truly be a season you will not want to miss.
I am delighted to announce the return of reserved, tiered seating through the Southern Miss Ticket Office. Patrons will once again have the ability to select their preferred seats for the year. Season tickets will be available starting June 24, and individual concerts go on sale September 3.
Finally, I would like to express a sincere thank you to the Hattiesburg and Southern Miss communities. 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. To The Top!
Sincerely,
Gregory Wolynec Director of Orchestral Activities
The University of Southern Mississippi
Opening Night
Dvořák’s New World
October 3, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
Bennett Auditorium
With the opening program of his tenure directing the USM Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Gregory Wolynec chose three works to tell the story of his journey to Hattiesburg. Mozart’s charming symphony is in the form of an operatic overture with all of the melodic genius and grace that the Viennese master was famous for. Nashville-based Conni Ellisor’s Blackberry Winter was written for acclaimed dulcimer performer Stephen Siefert. It effortlessly blends the folk and classical worlds in a unique and uplifting fashion. Dvořák’s most famous symphony featured prominently
There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Funny, warm, romantic and touching, 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-
follows traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.
Elgar’s Enigma
November 7, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
Bennett Auditorium
‘Papa’ Haydn was as popular with his musicians for his humor and political savviness as he was for his genre-defining symphonies. The "Morning’"symphony pairs classical form with Baroque virtuosity. Osvaldo Golijov has been one of contemporary music’s most important voices since his La Pasión según San Marcos sent shockwaves around the globe. These songs feature his hallmark blending of musical styles from around the world and will be brought to life by the School of Music’s own Meredith Johnson. Elgar’s masterpiece has earned its place at the core of the symphonic literature with lush beauty, seamless craftsmanship and a beguiling story.
December 3 and 5, 2024 - 7:30 p.m.
Main St. Baptist Church
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!
PROGRAM
Holiday Favorites
Plus
Otto Nicolai – Overture to The Merry Wives of Windsor Johann Strauss II – Emperor Waltz
most colorful score of his three great ballets for the Ballet Ruse, entrances with soaring melodies and rhythmic vitality. This story of a mischievous puppet brought to life helped the composer find his mature voice, which would change the world.
Un danzón a mi manera William
T. Gower Concerto Competition Winners
Season
Majestic Sibelius
April 24, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center
Two masterworks by the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius are featured as the Southern Miss Symphony closes its 2024-25 season. Our program opens with a radiant new work by Jessie Montgomery, who represents one of the most important new voices on the American musical scene. Our own Borislava Iltcheva will dazzle with virtuosity and lyricism in Sibelius’ mesmerizing concerto. Syrian-American composer Kareem Roustom’s breathtaking work is inspired by Arabic poetry and is a true tour-de-force for orchestra. Sibelius’ seventh and final symphony is among the most original ever composed. Confined to a single movement, the work represents the composer’s pursuit of a fusion of form, beauty and efficiency that has perhaps never been equaled.
WHEN YOU THINK MUSIC...THINK SOUTHERN MISS
The School of Music is dedicated to its longstanding international reputation for excellence. We provide musical and educational opportunities for professional and artistic growth. Students work with distinguished faculty who perform on world-class stages and teach at international festivals. Opportunities to perform in top-tier ensembles include the Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company, Jazz Band and the Southern Chorale. Students perform at regional, national and international events and attend master classes with guest artists. At Southern Miss, students master their musical artistry and learn to thrive as a 21st-century musicians.
The School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.
Celebrating their 105th concert season,
Celebrating their 105th concert season,
The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is the oldest orchestra in Mississippi. It is a study in international relations as students from across the globe come together for one purpose—music.
The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is the oldest orchestra in Mississippi. It is a study in international relations as students from across the globe come together for one purpose—music.
As one of the major ensembles and gems in the School of Music, the symphony offers an intense performance schedule covering classical to pop musical styles and drawing both students and guest artists from around the globe—the Symphony Orchestra truly is "Bringing the world to Mississippi!"
As one of the major ensembles and gems in the School of Music, the symphony offers an intense performance schedule covering classical to pop musical styles and drawing both students and guest artists from around the globe—the Symphony Orchestra truly is "Bringing the world to Mississippi!"
usm.edu/symphony
usm.edu/symphony
SIX INCREDIBLE SYMPHONY EVENTS
ORDER SEASON TICKETS
2949 W. Fourth St. Hattiesburg, MS
SEASON TICKETS
On sale through October 3.
$150 – Platinum - premium seating
$20 savings over individual tickets!
$110 – Gold - main floor
$15 savings over individual tickets!
$90 – Silver - main floor and upper balcony
$10 savings over individual tickets!
Choose ONE date for The Music Man
October 31, 2024 - 7:30 p.m.
November 1, 2024 - 7:30 p.m.
November 2, 2024 - 1 p.m.
November 2, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. and
Choose ONE date for the Holiday Choral Spectacular
