MS HC66

Commends the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra on its 75th Diamond Anniversary season during the 2019-2020 season as the largest professional performing arts organization in the state, serving over 75,000 Mississippians annually through more than 120 concerts statewide.

Recognizes the MSO's origins tracing back to February 1944 at Belhaven College and its first official concert performance on October 19, 1944, at Hotel Heidelberg in Jackson with an overflow crowd of 500.

Acknowledges current Conductor and Music Director Crafton Beck in his 19th season and President/Executive Director Michael Beattie serving since 2004, along with previous conductors Theodore Caskey Russell, Lewis Dalvit, and Colman Pearce.

Highlights the MSO's educational impact through programs serving over 17,000 public school children annually in grades four through six, kindergarten "Kinder Concerts" with 3,000 students, 550 students in string instruction programs, and three youth orchestras selected by audition statewide.

Recognizes the MSO's $1.7 million annual budget supported by the Jackson Symphony League, National Endowment for the Arts, Mississippi Arts Commission, City of Jackson, and various individuals, foundations, and corporations.