The Fat Lady Sings for the Young Patrons Program of the Natchez Festival of Music! This year, the Festival will again provide world class live musical performances, jazz, Broadway, opera and Outreach Programs to the Miss-Lou as it has done for nearly a quarter of a century. The season kicks off with the April children’s program and continues with the May 4-25 season productions.

Recognizing the long-standing importance of the Natchez Festival of Music in the Miss-Lou and that this Festival will no doubt endure for years ahead, the Festival continues to promote and enhance programs for young patrons to ensure future audiences and access to the arts in the Miss-Lou.

Through special events, arts advocacy, affordable packages and community outreach, the Young Patrons Program of the Natchez Festival of Music attracts arts enthusiasts from kindergarten through the age of 45.

The festival’s annual Children’s Opera — Billy Goats Gruff — in April will reach nearly 10,000 school children K-6 with approximately 20 productions in Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Walthall, Lincoln, Pike and Wilkinson counties in Mississippi and Concordia and Tensas parishes in Louisiana.

These children are exposed to the classics in a fun way! These unique opportunities enrich artistic and cultural experiences, teaching the children about the pleasures and rewards that come with music while grooming the next generation to appreciate the arts.

Through sponsored tickets, area music teachers and their students, as well as to K-12, college students and families enjoy live entertainment, jazz, Broadway and opera productions at reduced prices.

Young adult patrons, age 45 and younger will find special packages very affordable for young families.

This year, the Young Adult Patrons Package includes the Bel Canto Gala with Superstars Paul Groves, Lucas Meachem, Emily Pulley, Maryann Kyle and Robert Grayson with the Gala at Gloucester, the Musical Wine Tasting at Briarvue, and Alejandro Drago’s Tango at the Prentiss Club — all for $160 for two young adults! This is a $340 value.

Additionally, there will be two free performances — not to be missed — the Rossini, Puccini and Martini piano performances of Pablo Sotomayor at the Eola and the lecture by Dr. David Sansing on Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, the Black Swan, at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Further, there are a number of performances that are paired with exclusive as well as free receptions and “meet and mingle” with the artists.

For more about these and many other fun events, along with the line-up, bios and pictures of the young artists soon to arrive in Natchez, see the “Fat Lady for Young Patrons” and “News” tabs on the Festival website at natchezfestivalofmusic.com.

Let’s make this the most fun Festival season yet!

 

Lauren Jones is a Natchez resident and web designer.