​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.

 

Instead of our traditional outdoor barbecue, the celebration moves indoors with an extended intermission designed to bring guests together in a more relaxed, engaging setting. Enjoy a curated selection of BBQ sliders and sweet treats—including crowd favorites like banana pudding shooters—alongside beverages from Magnolia Beverage and Coca-Cola of Meridian.

Guests will also have the opportunity to browse and bid on a selection of silent auction favorites, as well as attend a special book signing with Rhonda DiBiase. With more time to mingle and more to enjoy, this updated experience offers the perfect complement to an evening of incredible music.

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!