Founded in 1955, the Jackson Symphony League (JSL) has contributed greatly to the success and vitality of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) through its exhaustive efforts in education, information, and fundraising.
JSL has an annual membership event in the fall to recruit new members and officially kick off the MSO Season. In the spring, JSL holds another event, which has come to be known for its exceptional programs. JSL has sponsored the annual MSO Gala since its inception in 1960. The Gala is the largest single fundraiser for MSO. This glittering evening is highlighted by live and silent auctions, an elegant dinner, and dancing to top off the “event of the season.” A portion of the proceeds from the Gala fund the Eddie Hodges Scholarship Foundation Trust.
Education is an important component of JSL. Every year, JSL assists with children’s concerts; Kinder Concerts; Family Fun Concerts; and, the Premier Orchestral Institute, a weeklong summer day camp during which students receive musical instruction and perform a recital in an orchestra setting. Continuing its mission to reach out to the community’s youth, the Jackson Symphony League is proud to offer the JSL Sub Deb program to metro area girls in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Founded in 1960, Sub Debs assist MSO as volunteers at concerts and other events, as well as help raise funds for MSO.
In 1969, the Jackson Symphony League began what is now known as Pepsi Pops. Held in May at the Reservoir, this annual outdoor concert is staffed by volunteers from the League and its Sub Debs. The evening is always highlighted by a magnificent fireworks display at the conclusion of the concert.
JSL is grateful to its members and supporters from the community who help bring awareness to the value of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra to our state.