So in Love

A Special Valentine’s Day Romantic Evening

featuring: Allison Jenkins and the Tyler Kemp Jazz Trio

Indulge in a night of romance and enchantment at So in Love, a mesmerizing Valentine's Day concert that will sweep you off your feet! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with soul-stirring melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and passionate performances that celebrate the power of love. You’ll hear songs made famous by Billie Holiday, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. Let the music of renowned performers touch your heart and ignite the spark of romance as you bask in the warm glow of affection. So in Love promises to be a magical experience that will leave you feeling truly cherished.

At this annual concert, we bring together the perfect blend of entertainment, art, and generosity. Experience the thrill of our dual auction events - the captivating "Silent Auction" and the exhilarating "Live Auction." Delight in the diverse array of art pieces generously contributed by local and out-of-town artists. These works are beautifully showcased for your admiration and bidding pleasure during the "Silent Auction," which commences at 6:00 pm. Prepare to be dazzled by our "Live Auction," which features exclusive dinners and travel vacations. Be a part of this magical evening where every bid and contribution help make a difference.

Date: 
Friday, February 14, 2025

Time:
7:00 p.m.  (Cocktails and silent auction begin at 6:00.)

Location:
Brandon Hall - 73 Natchez Trace Pkwy., Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$75

Allison Jenkins is no stranger to the music scene in Jackson. She studied opera performance at Millsaps College, and continued her studies at Boston Conservatory. However, fate had a different direction and Alley began writing and performing her own music. With Matthew Magee, she formed the band Wooden Finger, and collaborated on the album "All this time, still we're lost” as well as their second album, “Take And See And Do What You Want.”

In May 2007, Allison performed with Swing de Paris in the Ballet Mississippi Spring Performance featuring a new ballet titled Django, joining the band and providing a new twist and energy to the gypsy jazz music.  Allison has written lyrics to many of the Django Reinhardt songs such as Blue Drag andMelodie Au Crépuscule (Love’s Melody) while performing the many American standard tunes of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald in the Django style.

Allison has also performed in many theatrical productions of The Dialogue of the Carmelites, Creation, Macbeth, at Millsaps College; Through The Looking Glass with the Fondren Players; My Fair Lady, The Marriage of Figaro and Carmen with the Mississippi Opera and Pelleas and Melisande and Manon while in Boston. Allison teaches voice and piano and is working on writing and illustrating her first book.

Tyler Kemp is a pianist, collaborator, educator, and music director based in Jackson, MS.  Known for artistry and creativity in a wide range of styles, he is at home in classical, musical theatre, jazz, pop, and worship genres.  He maintains an active performance calendar as a soloist and music director throughout the southeast. He just completed his tenth year on the music faculty at Mississippi College, and serves worship director at Bellwether Church. He earned degrees in Piano Performance (B.M. and M.M.) from Mississippi College. 

MISSISSIPPI MUSICIANS MONTH

During the 2024 session, the Mississippi State Legislature passed a groundbreaking initiative to honor the state's musical legends by designating each March as "Mississippi Musicians Month." Recognizing Mississippi as the "Birthplace of America's Music," this act pays tribute to iconic figures like Robert Johnson, Jimmie Rodgers, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Leontyne Price, Jimmy Buffett, and many more who have influenced global music culture. With more Grammy Award winners per capita than any other state, Mississippi's musical legacy shines bright. Join us each March to celebrate the unparalleled contributions of Mississippi's musical artists. Let the world hear the soulful rhythm of Mississippi’s music and musicians!

Highlights from the Great American Songbook II

Greatest Hits from Broadway and Hollywood Films

Featuring Mayor Dan Gibson, vocal and piano

“BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!”

The Great American Songbook is a universally acknowledged collection of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the first half of the 20th century that have stood the test of time. The songs published during this “Golden Age” include popular tunes from the 1920s to the 1960s that were created for Broadway musicals and/or Hollywood films. These were songs written by composers such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Cole Porter, or performed by singers such as Al Jolson, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and many others during that era. Whether they came from vaudeville or Tin Pan Alley, the radio, or the silver screen, the very best of these songs became a permanent part of our Great American Songbook.

Join Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson as he performs MORE of his favorite hits from the Great American Songbook.

Date: 
Thursday, March 20, 2025
(Note: Spring Pilgrimage is from March 9 through April 9, 2025)

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Location:
Stanton Hall - 401 High St., Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$35

Songs of the South

featuring: Susan Ruggiero, soprano

Experience the rich musical heritage of the American South in a captivating concert featuring a diverse selection of songs inspired by Mississippi and its southern neighbors. Allow yourself to be transported by soulful melodies, lush harmonies, and poignant lyrics with songs by American composers as we celebrate the unique voices and stories of the South. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of Mississippi through this musical offering!

You will hear songs from Southern composers such as Florence Price, William Grant Still, and Luigi Zaninelli, as well as songs inspired by the South, like Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville Summer of 1915” and excerpts from Southern-inspired musicals such as Show Boat, Oklahoma, Finian’s Rainbow, and Porgy and Bess

Date: 
Saturday, March 29, 2025

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Location:
Lansdowne, 17 Marshall Rd., Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$35

Susan Ruggiero is an active performer and educator based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She has been described as having a voice that is“stunning and pure”—State News, East Lansing, Michigan. Ruggiero has performed as a principal artist with the New Orleans Opera, Natchez Festival Opera, Shreveport Opera, Mississippi Opera, Opera South, Blue Lake Opera, Wildwood Opera Theatre, Kentucky Opera, and Opéra Louisiane. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards including: Shreveport Opera’s Singer of the Year Competition, Mozart Award in the National Orpheus Vocal Competition, and district winner in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

An active recitalist, Ruggiero performs regularly both as a soloist and chamber musician. In addition to performing extensively throughout the United States, Ruggiero has performed as a recitalist in Italy at Scuola Musicale di Milano (Milan), Sala San Tommaso del Palazzo Boncompagni-Roccasecca (Roccasecca), Ostia Antica (Rome), and the Conservatory of Music (Terni). As a concert soloist and recitalist, Ruggiero has also performed throughout Brazil at venues such as Festival Música no Mar de Minas (Alfenas), Paço da Liberdade (Curitiba), Festival Música nas Montanhas (Poços de Caldas), Universidade Federal do Paraná (Curitiba), and Escola de Música et Belas-Artes do Paraná (Curitiba).

Dr. Ruggiero is an Associate Professor of Music at William Carey University where she teaches, voice, flute, and music theory, and directs and produces operas. In the summers she serves on the faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. Ruggiero holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from Louisiana State University, a double Master of Music in Voice and Flute Performance from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from Michigan State University.

Dr. Brian Murphy is active as a soloist, collaborative pianist, vocal coach, church musician, and pedagogue. He has performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist and presented master classes across the United States, Mexico, Chile, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Murphy joined the Winters School of Music faculty at William Carey University in 2015, where he teaches piano, piano-related courses, music history, and collaborates with singers, instrumentalists, choral ensembles, and Carey Opera. Brian also performs with his father, Slater Murphy, organist, in the father-son duo, Murphy Mixture. During his time at Carey, Murphy has received five Top Teacher awards from Steinway and Sons. Prior to his appointment at William Carey University, Murphy taught and collaborated at Mercer University and Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. While in Georgia, he also worked as the Assistant Choral Director and collaborative pianist for the Middle Georgia Choral Society.

Murphy completed the Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at The University of Southern Mississippi. He holds a double Master of Music in Collaborative Piano and Choral Conducting from Mercer University, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Mississippi College. Brian remains an active member of the Music Teachers National Association, the Mississippi Music Teachers Association, and the Hattiesburg Music Teachers League. In addition to music, Brian is also an avid runner and marathoner. He uses principals of marathon training in his pedagogy and his practice structure with his students. Brian lives in Hattiesburg with his wife, LeAnn, who teaches in the Petal School District. They have one son, Patrick, and one daughter, Elizabeth.

BB, King of the Mississippi Blues

Celebrating the BB King Centennial

Featuring: Internationally Known Blues Artist
Vasti Jackson

Join us in a once-in-a-lifetime centennial celebration honoring the legendary BB King, the King of the Mississippi Blues, starring internationally known Mississippi recording artist, Vasti Jackson. Immerse yourself in the timeless music and enduring legacy of this iconic blues pioneer whose soulful guitar licks and heartfelt lyrics have captivated audiences for generations. Experience a night of electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and soul-stirring melodies that pay homage to the unparalleled talent and influence of BB King. Let us come together to celebrate a true musical icon whose impact on the world of blues is immeasurable. Don't miss this historic event celebrating the life and music of a true legend.

Vasti Jackson is a world-renowned guitarist, vocalist, composer, and producer hailing from Mississippi, the heartland of the blues. With a career spanning over fifty years, Vasti has garnered multiple Grammy nominations and a host of prestigious awards, including the 2022 JMA Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2015 Albert King Lifetime Guitar Award. He is a true renaissance man in the world of music, effortlessly traversing from blues and soul to jazz, gospel, reggae, and country.

Date: 
Saturday, April 26, 2025

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Location:
Natchez Civic Center, 215 Franklin St, Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$35

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s

THE MAGIC FLUTE

(with English Dialog)

The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the world’s most famous musical stage productions. It involves Tamino, a handsome young prince, who finds himself in a magical land between the sun and the moon. There he encounters a giant serpent, the evil Queen of the Night, and her daughter, Pamina, who is being held captive by the high priest, Sarastro. With the assistance of Papageno, a comical bird catcher, and other magical characters, Tamino is able to free and save Pamina. However, both she and Tamino must then face the terrifying ordeals and trials of water and fire together, while only being protected by his magic flute, which has the power to change men’s hearts. It is a virtuous story of triumph, courage, and wisdom overcoming evil.

It is said that The Magic Flute was the greatest operatic success of Mozart’s entire career. It is unlike anything else that he ever wrote, and is, without question, an absolute masterpiece of musical theatre. The story is a combination of serious and life-threatening situations combined with moments of side-splitting, slapstick comedy and special effects. No matter the direction the story takes, the music is always beautiful, always magical, and always Mozart!

This family-friendly, musical stage production is suitable for all ages. It’s FUN for everyone!

Date: 
Friday, May 2, 2025

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Location:
Natchez City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St., Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$45

Slavic Serenade

A Musical Journey with the Szlubowska-Belsky Duo

Marta Szlubowska, Violin | Svetlana Belsky, Piano

The "Szlubowska-Belsky Duo" is an electrifying and award-winning violin-piano ensemble. Marta Szlubowska, former Concertmaster of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and Svetlana Belsky, a highly acclaimed pianist based in Chicago, join forces to create a captivating musical experience. Hailing from Warsaw, Poland, and Kyiv, Ukraine, respectively, Marta and Svetlana infuse their performances with the rich tapestry of their Slavic heritage. Their synergy as both virtuoso musicians and kindred spirits shines through as they delve into their native music and engage audiences with their shared temperament and fervor for the art.

Prepare to be spellbound by iconic compositions such as Cezar Franck's "Violin Sonata" and Fryderyk Chopin's "Nocturne," alongside the enchanting melodies of Karol Szymanowski's "Myths" and Mykola Lysenko's "Romance." Through this musical journey, you will be transported to a realm of beauty and romance reminiscent of nineteenth and early twentieth-century Europe. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the magic of this international duo as they bring their passion and talent to the stage!

Marta Szlubowska is a concert violinist, teacher and a proud Polish-American. She is the former Concertmaster and Soloist of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in Jackson, Miss. (2005-2022). Her concerts have taken her to over 15 countries throughout Europe and the Americas.
Ms. Szlubowska received her Bachelor’s in Violin Performance and Artist Diploma degrees from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and Master’s Degree in Violin Performance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Dr. Svetlana Belsky was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and now resides in the United States. Svetlana is a renowned recitalist, author, teacher and lecturer.  She is a Steinway Artist and the winner of The American Prize 2019 for her recording of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Her teaching credits include leading the Piano Program at the University of Chicago for 15 years as well as countless masterclasses in the US, Asia and Europe.  She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Peabody Institute and her Doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music. 

Date: 
Thursday, May 8, 2025

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Location:
Waverly, 790 Highway 61 S., Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$35

 Behind the Legends A Conversation with Best-selling Author Ellis Nassour on Patsy Cline and Jesus Christ Superstar

Best-selling author Ellis Nassour, renowned for his celebrated biography of country music legend Patsy Cline, will present a lecture, discussion, and Q&A featuring two of his most notable works: Patsy Cline: Honky Tonk Angel and his new book Jesus Christ Superstar: Behind the Scenes of the Worldwide Musical Phenomenon. 

Patsy Cline: Honky Tonk Angel is widely regarded as the definitive biography of the iconic singer, tracing her journey from humble beginnings to stardom. Nassour explores her personality, the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, her mentoring of Brenda Lee, Dottie West, and Loretta Lynn, and the tragic plane crash that took her life at just 30. Just as the best of her life began, it ended; yet, the music has seen the test of time. 

Jesus Christ Superstar: Behind the Scenes of the Worldwide Musical Phenomenon explores the creation of the groundbreaking rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Nassour offers insights into its origins, the fusion of rock music with Biblical themes, and its global impact on Broadway, world stages, and film. He reveals behind-the-scenes chaos, controversies, and exclusive interviews with key figures, uncovering how the production almost didn’t happen.

Nassour is a native of Vicksburg, Miss. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, he joined The New York Times, later becoming director of artist relations for Universal Pictures/MCA Music, then an editor/feature writer at the New York Daily News. He is an international arts journalist and longtime contributor to Playbill magazine. He is most proud of The Mamie and Ellis Nassour Arts & Entertainment Collection, the largest of its kind in the southeast, dedicated in memory of his parents, in the William Faulkner Archive at the University of Mississippi.

Mr. Nassour will sign copies of his books.

Complimentary coffee and pastries will be served.

Location: Elms Court - 542 John R Junkin Drive, Natchez, Miss
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Admission: Free

Always…Patsy Cline

Featuring: Diana Glaze as Louise Seger, Patricia Garner as legendary singer, Patsy Cline and Tyler Kemp and the Bodacious Bobcats Band

Experience the magic of country music with "Always...Patsy Cline," a captivating musical tribute to the legendary singer Patsy Cline. Journey back in time to the golden era of country music as you immerse yourself in Patsy's timeless hits and heartfelt ballads. Feel the emotion and soul of her music come alive on stage through stunning performances and heartfelt storytelling. Join us for a night of nostalgia, laughter, and tears as we celebrate the enduring legacy of one of country music's most beloved icons. Don't miss this unforgettable musical experience that will leave you singing along and tapping your toes all night long.

Date: 
Saturday, May 10, 2025

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Location:
Natchez City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St., Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$35

Patricia Garner has. B.S. in interior design from The University of Southern Mississippi and is the owner of Patricia Garner Interior Design. She has been designing and remodeling homes in Mississippi and Louisiana for the past 25 years. She was born in New York City, has a background in the arts, and has lived and traveled throughout Europe. Her mother was a Juilliard-trained opera singer.

Patricia began performing in her 40’s. In 2015 she was asked to join the Hub City Players, and then in 2016, she performed in the musical Rock of Ages. She has also performed in LOL Netflix and Chill, as well as the Reel Big Movie Concert with the FestivalSouth Orchestra. In 2019 she was in Sister Act and the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Concerts. In 2023 she was in Beauty and the Beast and sang in the FestivalSouth finale concert, Iconic. Patricia regularly performs in church and public concerts.

The Heavenly Life:
A Child’s view of Heaven
Mahler- Symphony No. 4

Featuring: The Festival Chamber Ensemble,
Sarah Stembel, soprano & Jay Dean, conductor

Embark on a musical journey like no other with a breathtaking performance of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 4. Immerse yourself in the instrumental textures, intricate melodies, and emotional depth of this masterpiece as it unfolds before your eyes. Let the symphony's enchanting themes transport you to a realm of beauty and introspection, guided by Mahler's unparalleled musical genius. Join us for an evening of sublime artistry and profound musical expression that will leave you spellbound and inspired. Experience the sheer elegance of Mahler's Symphony No. 4 in a chamber orchestra performance that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Date: 
Thursday, May 15, 2025

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Location:
Natchez City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St., Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$35

Sarah Stembel, Lyric Soprano

Lyric soprano Sarah Stembel, a native of New Orleans, has graced stages across the Gulf South and beyond, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and versatile performances. Most recently, Sarah was an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera, where she performed in Carmen, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Luisa Miller. Prior to her time in Sarasota, Sarah performed with MiOpera as Edith in The Pirates of Penzance and with Dayton Opera as Doris Parker in Charlie Parker’s Yardbird. In the fall of 2022, she was a Resident Artist with Dayton Opera, further solidifying her reputation as an emerging talent in the operatic world.

Sarah completed her Master of Music in Opera Performance at the Maryland Opera Studio in 2021. While there, she brought to life the roles of Violante (Sandrina) in La finta giardiniera and Miss Wingrave in Owen Wingrave. In 2019, she played Musetta in La Bohème with The Natchez Festival of Music, a performance that marked a pivotal moment in her blossoming career.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2018, Sarah was featured in several productions with the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company. Her standout roles during this time included Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and Yum-Yum in The Mikado. Additionally, she appeared in the ensembles of Turandot, Rigoletto, Carmen, and Tosca, and participated in similar productions with Opera Mississippi.

Sarah has achieved significant success in vocal competitions, earning 1st place in the Gulfcoast Steinway Vocal Competition, 3rd place in the John Alexander National Voice Competition, 2nd place in the Voices of Mississippi Competition, and the grand prize in the Delta Symphony Concerto Competition.

 With her radiant voice and captivating stage presence, Sarah continues to establish herself as a rising star in the operatic world.

Whitney Houston…
Always Love You!

Featuring: coming soon!

Whitney Houston, also known as “The Voice,” was an iconic American singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, establishing herself as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Born in 1963, Houston's powerful voice and incredible range set her apart in the music industry. In 2025, music enthusiasts worldwide will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Whitney Houston's groundbreaking debut album, simply called Whitney Houston. Released in 1985, this iconic record launched Houston's illustrious career and showcased her unparalleled vocal prowess. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences, four decades after its initial release. Whitney went on to release a string of hit albums, including Whitney and The Bodyguard Soundtrack, which featured the timeless classic, "I Will Always Love You."

Throughout her career, Houston won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and achieved record-breaking success with her powerful ballads and soulful performances. Whitney Houston’s influence on the music industry is immeasurable, and she inspired countless artists with her vocal abilities and stage presence. She leaves behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans around the world. Her impact on music and culture remains profound, solidifying her status as one of the greatest voices in the history of popular music. Come join us for our blockbuster Festival Finale, Whitney…Will Always Love You!

Date: 
Saturday, May 17, 2025

Time:
7:00 p.m.

Location:
Natchez City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St., Natchez, Miss.

Admission:
$35