The Jackson Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Concert Series kicks off its 75th season with a centennial celebration of Rhapsody in Blue, blending French elegance and American jazz in a night of symphonic brilliance. The first concert of the season will be held at 7:30 p.m. on October 19, 2024, at the Potter Center and will feature guest artists Marika Bournaki, piano and the Ellipsos Quartet, saxophone.

The concert opens with Jonathan Bruce Brown’s Skyward!, a special piece for the JSO as he prepares to retire after many years of contributing to the orchestra. “We’re thrilled to celebrate Bruce Brown’s retirement from the JSO by performing Skyward!, a work he wrote for me,” said Jackson Symphony Orchestra Music Director Matthew Aubin.

Following Skyward!, the program will continue with Debussy’s Prélude à L’après-midi d’un faune and the world premiere of Fabien Waksman’s Saxophone Quartet Concerto A Dream for Artemis with the Ellipsos Quartet.

The second half of the concert brings the jazz-inspired sounds of Duke Ellington’s Black, Brown and Beige: Suite, which paints a powerful picture of African American history. The evening will conclude with Marika Bournaki’s highly anticipated performance of Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin’s timeless masterpiece that bridges the worlds of classical music and jazz.

“Our 75th season will feature some of classical music’s greatest hits like Rhapsody in Blue. From the beginning clarinet solo, this piece is instantly familiar and distinctly American,” added Aubin.

Pre-Concert Conversation: Join us at 6:30pm for a free, interactive lecture with Music Director Matthew Aubin.

Thank you to our sponsors: Consumers Energy, David E. and Patricia M. Eggert Fund, Dawn Foods, Alro Steel, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Huntington Bank, Walz Family Fund, MSUFCU, SPEDIDAM, and CNM.

Subscriptions for our 75th anniversary season are still available! With a range of performances from classical to multi-genre concerts, our subscription packages offer something for everyone.