You have one of the most incredible opportunities right at your doorstep! Experience the many music concerts that are in full bloom this Spring.
This specially curated list will give you just a hint of all the possibilities!
See you soon!
Student Music Showcase
Showcasing the stellar and varied talents of the Southern Miss School of Music students, this hour-long showcase features undergraduate and graduate student performances as part of the National Association of Schools of Music accreditation visit. The public is encouraged to attend this special evening of music!
February 2, 2026 - 7:30 p.m.
Marsh Auditorium
Free
Ensemble Music Showcase
Featuring the premier performing ensembles of the School of Music, this incredible evening of music will include a “sampler” of the Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Southern Chorale, and Jazz Area, as well as some of our larger studio ensembles. Presented as part of the site visit by the National Association of Schools of Music, the public is invited to share in this incredible opportunity to hear all of the top performing groups in one hour-long showcase.
February 3, 2026 - 7:30pm
Mannoni Performing Arts Center Free
Februy
Star-Spangled
Winners of the William T. Gower competition showcase the immense talent to be found in the Southern Miss School of Music. Drawn from 15 different countries, our symphony musicians bring the world’s talent to Hattiesburg. One of Beethoven’s most celebrated symphonies demonstrates his dramatic flair, gift for lyricism and unprecedented power that changed music forever.
Presented with generous support from Partners for the Arts.
PROGRAM
Concerto Competition Winners
Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 7 in A
February 10, 2026 - 7:30 pm
Bennett Auditorium
Ticketed southernmiss.com/tickets
Connoisseur's Series presents Ariel Quartet
Distinguished by its virtuosity, probing musical insight, and impassioned, fiery performances, the Ariel Quartet has garnered critical praise worldwide for more than a quarter of a century. Formed when the members were just teenagers, the Ariel was recently named recipient of the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award granted by Chamber Music America. In addition to maintaining a busy international touring schedule, the Quartet serves as the Faculty Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music.
The Connoisseurs Series is made possible by the annual support of the Mr. and Mrs. James Simrall, Jr. Arts Endowment. The Connoisseurs Series is a premiere event series representing each applied area (Brass, Jazz, Piano, Voice, and Woodwinds) with annual guest artist performances. These renowned performers augment the training our students regularly receive by the world-class faculty housed within the School of Music and add to the rich musical offerings presented annually to the Hattiesburg and regional community.
Presented with generous support from Partners for the Arts.
March 3, 2026 - 7:30 p.m.
Faculty Artist Series presents Dr. Pablo Hernandez, oboe
Oboist Pablo Hernandez will present a Faculty Recital featuring a diverse program that explores the expressive range of the oboe in collaboration with fellow University of Southern Mississippi faculty artists. He will be joined by Michael Bunchmann on piano, Nick Ciraldo on guitar, and Kim Woolly on bassoon in performances that intertwine lyrical beauty with rhythmic vitality. The program also includes a distinctive interdisciplinary collaboration with Allen Chen, whose live ceramic art will unfold alongside the music, creating an immersive experience that bridges sound, form, and visual expression.
This recital invites audiences to experience an evening of artistry that celebrates creative collaboration across disciplines and showcases the oboe’s remarkable versatility in both traditional and contemporary contexts.
March 11, 2026 - 7:30 p.m.
Marsh Auditorium
The Southern Chorale Home Concert
Southern Miss Choral Activities presents The Southern Chorale in a Tour Home Concert. The ensemble is recently back from spending several days on a recruitment tour that featured exchanges with schools and several concert appearances.
March 30, 2026 - 8 p.m.
Parkway Heights United Methodist Church 2420 Hardy St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401-5911
Drop the Mic with Spirit of Southern
The School of Music presents Drop the Mic with Spirit of Southern, USM’s pop a cappella group. This laid-back event is an exciting and fun night of music and fellowship that you do not want to miss! (ticketed at the door)
April 16, 2026 - 8:00 pm SwitchYard
309 Mobile St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401-3406
$10 - Ticketed at the door
Wind Ensemble Concert
The premier wind band presets and evening of familiar and new works in a concert featuring student musicians at the top of their performing studies.
April 30, 2026 - 7:30 pm
Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at Mannoni Performing Arts Center Free
Ground of White
The majestic voices of the Hattiesburg Choral Union present the poetry of Robert Frost in a tender fashion. Aaron Copland’s mighty third and final symphony is often referred to as the essential American symphony. This work personifies the “Dean of American” composer’s voice, which defines American music. It also prominently features his “Fanfare for the Common Man.”
Presented with generous support from Partners for the Arts.
PROGRAM
Randal Thompson – Frostiana
Aaron Copland – Symphony No. 3
May 7, 2026 - 7:30 pm
Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at Mannoni Performing Arts Center TIcketed
June
FestivalSouth
Join us in Hattiesburg, Mississippi as we honor the artistry that has shaped our nation’s soul – not only with stars and stripes but also with the spark of imagination. Enjoy three weeks with more than 50 art, music, theatre, and dance events that will showcase the American spirit as we thrive through the arts.
June 4 - 27, 2026 - Various times
Various locations
Ticketed and free events
Visit festivalsouth.org for complete details
The School of Music is dedicated to its longstanding international reputation for excellence. We provide musical and educational opportunities for professional and artistic growth. Students work with distinguished faculty who perform on world-class stages and teach at international festivals.
They perform in ensembles such as the Southern Chorale, the USM Symphony Orchestra, the USM Wind Ensemble, the USM Opera and Musical Theatre, and the USM Jazz Band. Our students perform at regional, national, and international events, and attend master classes with guest artists.
At USM, students master their musical artistry and thrive as a 21st-century musician.
