On Thursday, the Natchez Festival of Music presents the University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in “Eternal Elegance, An Evening of Beautiful Music of Mozart and Beethoven,” a splendid performance of beautiful pieces perfect for relaxation and unwinding after a busy first day of Fall Pilgrimage.

The performance will be at Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m., and the Grape Escape Club Room will open an hour before each performance.

With any symphony performance, the orchestra generates tremendous energy. All ages love it, and this is a perfect opportunity to share the experience with your school-age children.

Additionally, the Festival’s Eminent Board will be introduced at this event. It is composed of those who have, through the years, consistently and significantly contributed their time, resources and personal effort to ensure the continued success of the Festival and positive impact on the community at large.

Those members are Leon Atkins, David Ball, Ethel Banta, Hedy Boelte, Tony Byrne, Burnley Cook, John Deakle, Bob Dearing, Merkel Dupuy, Fred Emrick, Terry Estes, Jeanette Feltus, I.J. Florence, Katherine Killelea, Alan Kocheck, Dr. Donzell Lee, Lynn Leet, Brad LeMay, David Paradise, Marie Perkins, Lani Riches, Ron Riches, Ricky Smith, Ed Songy, Holmes Sturgeon, Ron Switzer, Mike Tatum, Tom Taylor, Neil Varnell and Bobbye Wynn.

Season and individual tickets are now available through Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at info@natchezpilgrimage.com or 601-446-6631 or 800-647-6742 or at the performance venue.

Ask about special discounts for students, parents with students K-12 and active military. For more information about the Festival and restaurant, hotel and B&B specials with tickets and to follow the Festival, visit natchezfestivalofmusic.com.

 

Jay Dean is artistic director for the Natchez Festival of Music.