This Sunday, February 2, 2025, music lovers in Jackson, Mississippi, are in for a treat. Opera Mississippi will present Vibrations: The John Alexander National Vocal Competition Winners Concert, a special event celebrating the incredible vocal talent of tomorrow’s stars. The concert will take place at St. Dominic Chapel (894 Lakeland Dr.) at 3:00 P.M., and the best part? Admission is free, with donations accepted to support Opera Mississippi’s educational programs and future performances.
The concert will showcase the stunning vocal abilities of the 2024-2025 winners of the prestigious John Alexander National Vocal Competition. After reviewing over 300 applicants from across the United States, eight extraordinary vocalists have been chosen as finalists. These talented individuals represent the finest in classical and musical theatre artistry, each bringing their unique voices and skills to the stage.
The event’s emcee, Senator John Horhn, will guide the audience through this extraordinary afternoon. A longtime champion of the arts and community development, Senator Horhn has been serving as a Mississippi State Senator for 32 years. Throughout his career, he has shown a deep commitment to the arts, having previously worked with the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Mississippi Film Office, and the Mississippi Tourism Office. His passion for storytelling and his experience in the entertainment industry will add a personal touch to the concert, making it an even more memorable occasion.
The concert program promises to be diverse and exciting. Audiences will enjoy a rich selection of arias from modern operas such as Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw and Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking. There will also be traditional works by opera giants like Giuseppe Verdi and Gaetano Donizetti, alongside beloved musical theatre numbers from Kurt Weill’s Happy End and Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. With such a broad range of music, the concert will truly highlight the versatility and depth of the vocalists on stage.
The performances will be accompanied by Tyler Kemp, a talented Jackson-based pianist whose name is well-known to local audiences. His skill and artistry will elevate the concert, providing a perfect musical backdrop for the powerful voices of the competition winners.
This concert is not only an opportunity to hear exceptional music, but it also honors the legacy of John Alexander, the internationally acclaimed tenor from Meridian, Mississippi. The event is made possible by the generous support of the Robert M. Hearin Foundation, ensuring that the legacy of both Alexander and the John Alexander Vocal Competition continues to inspire and nurture future generations of performers.
As the next generation of operatic and musical theatre talent takes the stage, the audience will witness the beginning of what promises to be a new era in the world of vocal performance. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of opera or new to the genre, this concert is sure to captivate and inspire.
Opera Mississippi invites everyone to come out and support the arts in Mississippi, enjoy a free afternoon of beautiful music, and celebrate the extraordinary young talent that will shape the future of vocal performance.
See you this Sunday for an unforgettable afternoon of music, passion, and inspiration!