Two masterworks by the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius are featured as the Southern Miss Symphony closes its 2024-2025 season. The program opens with a new work by Jessie Montgomery, who represents one of the most important new voices on the American musical scene.

USM's own Borislava Iltcheva will perform with virtuosity and lyricism in Sibelius’ mesmerizing concerto. Syrian-American composer Kareem Roustom’s work is inspired by Arabic poetry and is a true tour-de-force for orchestra. Sibelius’ seventh and final symphony is among the most original ever composed. Confined to a single movement, the work represents the composer’s pursuit of a fusion of form, beauty and efficiency. 

PROGRAM

Jessie Montgomery – Starburst

Jean Sibelius – Violin Concerto featuring Borislava Iltcheva

Kareem Roustom – Ramal

Jean Sibelius – Symphony No. 7 in C