Symphony hosting winter concert Feb. 24

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s “Striking Surprises” concert, 7:30 p.m. February 24 at St. James’ Episcopal Church, warms to classical music with a hint of the unexpected, in a concert that showcases MSO Principal Timpanist Bud Berthold and delivers Haydn’s best- known symphony.

Concert opener Entr’acte for Strings by contemporary Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw continues this season’s “Fresh Voices” theme. Her evocative work riffs on the classical form and takes it forward, with captivated listeners relishing the ride. “It’s a lovely piece for the strings,” said MSO Maestro Crafton Beck. “It really sets up the rest of the program beautifully.”

Soloist Berthold, MSO’s principal timpanist for decades, takes the spotlight in Jiri Družecký’s Concerto for Six Timpani, a classical-era composition pioneering for its percussion focus and charming in its buoyant appeal.

The timpani does not often get a shot at a featured solo, particularly in a chamber concert. “That is pretty unique,” MSO President and Executive Director Jenny Mann said. Družecký’s concerto centers the pitched percussion instrument out front, maximizing its melodic potential and expanding its usual baseline and punctuation role with the orchestra.

General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students, kindergarten through college (with valid student ID). Visit msorchestra.com for advance tickets and information. Tickets will be on sale at the door if capacity permits.