The Meridian Symphony Association’s upcoming Family Weekend offers something for everyone!
Just in time for Easter, we begin with Dove and Grammy award-winning vocalists Reggie and Ladye Love Smith, joined by the MSO String Ensemble and friends, for an evening of Gospel favorites aptly titled Gospel Comes Home, says Carra Purvis the Symphony’s Executive Director. Reggie, a current member of the Gaither Vocal Band, and Ladye Love, a prolific performer and backup singer, both love sharing the music of their Mississippi youth - an eclectic blend of gospel, country, and big-band all with a message of grace, hope and redemption.
These internationally loved musicians have performed in more than 12 countries and in such prestigious venues as the Super Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and the Grand Ole Opry, but they have never forgotten their Mississippi roots. Their voices have complemented some of the top talents in both country and gospel music, including Dolly Parton, George Jones, Lee Greenwood, Brenda Lee, Ricky Skaggs, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, and Patti LaBelle among many others.
“Gospel Comes Home is truly a homecoming for us, and we are thrilled to be back. We can’t wait to see all of our family and friends again, and to share the joy we have found through music all these years,” says Smith. The concert will take place at the MSU Riley Center on Saturday, April 9, at 7PM. Tickets can be purchased at meridianso.org/salon-concert or through the Riley Center Box Office: (601) 696-2200.
Next, join us for the world-famous production of Beethoven Lives Upstairs featuring Classical Kids LIVE! This unique production features a touching correspondence, dramatically underscored with the composer’s most beautiful excerpts, as a young boy slowly comes to understand the genius of Beethoven and the beauty of his music.
You will be captivated by more than twenty-five excerpts of Beethoven’s music, including the Moonlight Sonata, Für Elise, and the great Fifth and Ninth Symphonies. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors share anecdotes and observations based on true incidents from the composer’s life. Purvis states, “Presenting history, drama, music, and fun, this engaging concert is an ideal experience for families of all ages.”
After the performance, a character parade will lead us over to The MAX for an afternoon Family FunFest from 4pm-6pm! Planes, trains, and automobiles – sounds like fun for the smallest of princesses to the oldest train enthusiasts! Admission to Family FunFest is complementary with a Beethoven Lives Upstairs ticket.
These Family Concert Events will take place at the MSU Riley Center on Sunday, April 10 beginning at 3PM. For tickets, call the MSU Riley Center Box Office at (601) 696-2200.
The Meridian Symphony Family Weekend is sponsored by The Riley Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation, Anderson Regional Health System, Meridian Coca-Cola, & the MS Arts Commission.
Meridian Sounds Amazing!
