​Slip on your jeans and get ready to time-travel! This year’s Beethoven & Blue Jeans concert takes a groovy turn as we celebrate the Meridian Symphony’s 65th Anniversary with a symphonic journey through two iconic musical moments—1865 and 1965.

From the genius of Ludwig van Beethoven to the revolutionary sounds of The Beatles, this concert pairs beloved classical works with orchestral takes on pop music that changed the world. It’s a bold, joyful mashup of centuries and styles— bridging Bonn and Liverpool, sonatas and singalongs, all with the full force of a live symphony orchestra.

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A native of Mississippi, Guest Conductor/Pianist Christopher Ray has been praised by Opera News for his “clarity and sensitivity” and by the Boston Music Intelligencer for his “excellent conducting.” In the 2025–26 season, he makes a major operatic debut at Des Moines Metro Opera conducting Carlisle Floyd’s Of Mice and Men. The season also brings Ray’s Carnegie Hall debut, as well as appearances with the Vermont Symphony and Meridian Symphony Orchestras, and recital performances around the country.

Before the concert, join us for our beloved BBQ picnic, where local youth musicians will take the spotlight and set the stage with live entertainment, good eats, and a warm sense of community.

Whether you’re a lifelong classical fan or a Beatles superfan, Beethoven & The Beatles is a one-of-a-kind night of music, memories, and Mississippi soul. Come hungry, come casual, and come ready to celebrate 65 years of unforgettable sound!