Welcome to the
Meridian Symphony Orchestra
2025/2026 Season!
We invite you to join the Meridian Symphony Orchestra for this season of "NEW HORIZONS: A SEASON OF REFLECTION AND RENEWAL." Join us in celebrating Maestro James Ogle's final season with the MSO. After ten seasons with us, Maestro Ogle will be retiring at the end of this season.
His passion, artistry, and dedication have transformed our orchestra and shaped the cultural heart of our community. We proudly celebrate this decade of leadership and a lifetime of music as he conducts his final celebratory season with the MSO.
Our concerts this season will bring both reflection and renewal as we celebrate and also explore who will lead us into future seasons. Be among the first to experience the vision of our Artistic Director finalists as they share the podium during the Winter and Spring concerts with bold, inspiring musical programs.
Season Concert Schedule:
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November 1, 2025, "An American Retrospective." Conducted by Maestro James Ogle at Centennial High School.
Join us for a powerful and diverse concert experience showcasing some of the nation’s most iconic composers. From bold marches to tender elegies, this program captures the energy, complexity, and spirit of the American sound. Featured works include George Gershwin’s rousing Strike Up the Band, Charles Ives’ inventive Variations on America, and Frank Ticheli’s poignant An American Elegy. The journey continues with Aaron Copland’s vivid portrait of the American West in Billy the Kid, and the rhythmic brilliance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Danzón" from his ballet Fancy Free.​​
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December 13 & 14, 2025, "Home for the Holidays" Saturday evening & Sunday afternoon matinee. Conductor James Ogle at Meridian High School.
Celebrate the season with a magical evening of music! This festive concert features a sparkling lineup of holiday favorites, classical gems, and cinematic delights. The program opens with Sebesky’s whimsical A Christmas Scherzo, setting the stage for a joyful musical journey. Audiences will be enchanted by selections from Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker, including the March, Arabian Dance, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Chinese Dance, and Russian Dance. Movie lovers will enjoy Christmas at the Movies, arranged by Kronstadt, while traditional favorites like Deck the Halls (arr. Dragon) and The Bells of Christmas (arr. Kronstadt) are sure to bring warmth and nostalgia. The celebration continues with Tyzik’s vibrant Chanukah Suite and the playful twists of Lovrien’s Minor Alterations. No holiday concert would be complete without Leroy Anderson’s iconic Sleigh Ride and the grand finale, A Christmas Festival. Join us for an evening filled with joy, wonder, and the unforgettable sounds of the season!​
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February 28, 2026 "Spotlight Series" at Meridian High School with Maestro James Ogle conducting Tchaikovsky as well as selections conducted by Artistic Director finalists. One of this season’s Young Artist Competition winners will perform with the Symphony.
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May 2, 2026 "Future Sounds" at Meridian High School. Maestro James Ogle conducts the finale from Stravinsky's Firebird suite with additional selections conducted by Artistic Director finalists. Another of this season’s Young Artist Competition winners will perform with the Symphony.
Artistic Director Search
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra invites qualified conductors to apply for the role of Artistic Director. Applications are being accepted through October 1, 2025.
Interviews will be held in October, and two finalists will be selected to audition during the season. Each finalist will program, rehearse, and conduct one subscription concert on either February 28 or May 2, 2026. A final decision will be made in June 2026.
