Jackson Symphony completes their 55th season

JACKSON, Tenn.– More than 100 music lovers filled the room at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church Sunday for the Jackson Symphony’s last performance of the season.
“We have season tickets,” said Shirley Maniss. “We go to just about every one. We just love the music. Jackson is so fortunate to have this symphony.”

The “Bach to Beatles” chamber concert featured only the brass quintet, who performed about ten selections ranging from classical, like Bach, to the more modern, like the Beatles.
“With Bach people were very silent and quiet and listening and the Beatles, I looked down the row and there were so many feet tapping,” said Maniss. “You could tell they knew what the Beatles music was.”

Without the full orchestra, Sunday’s performance was more intimate than other concerts.
“At a regular symphony concert the brass pieces are way behind you,” said President of Board of Directors Jackson Symphony Association Nancy McMahon. “I loved being closer so I could actually watch them with their instruments.”

Before each number the musicians were able to interact with the crowd explaining the origin of each piece, which typically isn’t done.
“They taught me some things about the older pieces that they played and the different styles of music,” said McMahon.

The musicians say they are blown away by the Jackson community’s support for the arts.
“We are eagerly awaiting the next program to be published and we’ll buy season tickets regardless because they’re just that good,” Maniss said.

Wednesday the Jackson Symphony will announce their 2016-2017 concert season.
According to Nancy McMahon, next season will kick off with the Starlight Symphony on August 27.