About Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Memphis Symphony Orchestra in Concert
You never can tell what the Memphis Symphony Orchestra may have in store for audiences. One day they bring their best to bear on a staple of the repertoire like a Beethoven symphony, and the next you find them tearing into something entirely more modern and less ubiquitous, like a piano concerto by Doreen Carwithen. Perhaps they’re tucking into George Gershwin’s immortal American in Paris or offering up a cello concerto by Sir Edward Elgar. One thing audiences can always count on at an MSO performance: when the musicians let loose on a piece, they seem to tap into a kind of telepathic connection, with all hands working as one. There are moments when it sounds more like a single, polytimbral instrument than an orchestra. That precision combines with a very visceral urgency to produce a unique experience in classical music.
Memphis Symphony Orchestra Background
The roots of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra go back to 1953 and the founding of chamber orchestra the Memphis Sinfonietta directed by Vincent DeFrank. Seven years later, that ensemble became forevermore known as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, with cellist DeFrank remaining at the helm through the mid ‘80s. Originally, the orchestra’s HQ was the Ellis Auditorium, but in 2003 they took up residence in the city’s new Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Different music directors have taken the helm over the years, with Robert Moody coming on board in 2016. Through every era, the MSO has presented the indispensable repertoire of the classical canon while doing everything possible to keep things fresh. Comprised of musicians from across the globe, the orchestra regularly offers community concerts and educational programs in schools in addition to the usual concert calendar, remaining very much in touch with Memphis and the city’s cultural life.
Robert Moody really knows how to capture an audience with his knowledge, sense of humor, and skill. The orchestra was beautiful and I learned so much about Dvorak and his music. Bravo
The conductor have the history of the piece by Antonio Dvorak. Then he conducted the piece. It was superb.
Man next to me drove from North Carolina to hear talk and performed piece! The whole program was very special.
What a stunning evening of musical talent, history and intellectual deftness. Robert Moody is a marvel and a joy. His love of conducting is contagious and these treasures should not to be missed!
Had a great time. The band was wonderful and played all the favorite holiday songs. Very enjoyable and would definitely see the big band again. The cost of tickets also included a walk through the garden with all the Christmas lights!
Robert Moody was wonderful! Orchestra, choir, dancers & MSU band were all great & Moody brought the audience together with the meaning of the season! Best symphony Christmas program in years!
1 Orchestra medley of Elvis songs AWSOME 2 Conductors reading of Elvis as a philosopher. Great entertainer. Philosopher Not. Waste of time. UNSATISFACTORY 3 Bringing person out of audience to conduct. A total waste of entertainment time. Totally amateurish. Waist of my time. Was not funny. UNSATISFACTORY 4 Impersonator had great voice but did not sing hardly any of Elvis' big hits. He talked too much about nothing, chit chat about friends in audience, I could care less, Wasted a lot of time when he could have regaled his audience. Vocalist trying to be cute or funny. UNSATISFACTORY. 5 Not worth my $44, Said he was coming back next year, UNBELIEVABLE.
Absolutely tantalizing from beginning to end!!! The staff was extremely helpful!! The acoustics were amazing!! The orchestra was extremely talented and passionate!!
Storm Large was Awesome!!! She made us forget that a symphony was in the same room as her. Beautiful woman and beautiful voice.
We just moved to the area and didn't know what to expect. It was exceptional, we enjoyed it so much I bought tickets to another show.
