MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The Meridian Symphony Association has announced its 65th season, themed “Legends & Legacy,” highlighting decades of musical milestones and the final season of Maestro Peter Rubardt’s leadership.
The season opens Sept. 18 at The MAX with “Cellobration! Bach, Bohemia, & a Bit of Jazz,” a performance led by Rubardt and featuring world-renowned cellist Mark Kosower, Principal Cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra. The evening includes works by Bach, Dvořák, and Gulda, blending classical and jazz influences to launch the anniversary season.
The Symphony’s popular Peppermint Pops returns Dec. 6 at the MSU Riley Center with “Hooray for Holly-Days!”The holiday performance will include Broadway and film favorites and feature the Meridian Symphony Chorus under the direction of Dr. Kristen Johnson Gunn. This performance marks Rubardt’s final holiday appearance with the symphony.
OrKIDstra! will be held Jan. 30, 2026, at Evangel Temple, offering families a whimsical introduction to orchestral music with “A Magical Musical Adventure.” The concert will feature The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by Benjamin Britten, puppetry by Huntsville MET, and guest conductor Jorge González of William Carey University. The event is free, supported by the Phil Hardin Foundation and The Paul & Sherry Boardhread Foundation.
The annual Gumbo Gala is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2026, at the MSU Riley Center. The Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser will include New Orleans cuisine, casino games, and live music, benefiting the Symphony’s arts and education programs.
The season will conclude April 25, 2026, with “Beethoven & Blue Jeans,” also at the MSU Riley Center. Guest conductor Christopher James Ray, a Mississippi native, will lead a performance that blends Beethoven’s classical works with orchestrated Beatles music. A community BBQ picnic and local youth performances will be held before the concert.
The Meridian Symphony’s 65th anniversary season serves as a farewell to Maestro Rubardt, who will conclude his tenure with the organization after years of artistic leadership.
For tickets and more information, visit www.meridianso.org or call (601) 693-2224.
