Mac Frampton

The second concert of the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra anniversary season will feature internationally renowned pianist Mac Frampton.

It is scheduled for Thursday at the First United Methodist Church on West Thompson Lane.

“It is an accomplishment for our hometown orchestra to be able to bring such a big name to the community. But MSO has done it in the past and will do it again,” said Birdie Ann Donnell, board president of MSO. “We hope the community will come out to enjoy this opportunity and support our hometown orchestra.”

According to Alkahests Artists Attractions, as a young Southern boy, Mac Frampton dreamed of playing the piano like Roger Williams.  

As a young man, he received top international piano awards, and won numerous piano competitions, including the much coveted Van Cliburn International Piano competition.  Mac Frampton has performed more than 3,000 piano concerts all over the world and in the United States.

Frampton will bring to the MSO stage former members of the Henry Mancini Orchestra, like Cecil Welch, trumpet and saxophonist Skip Lane, the voice of the Pink Panther.

Musicians from the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra will accompany him as well.

A versatile pianist, Frampton will be  present such old time piano favorites as “Moon River” and “Chariot of Fire,” the John Williams suite as well as music from “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Godfather” and “Gone with Wind” movies.  

“The preconcert program will be an additional treat,” said Board Member Minh-Triet Tucker, who organized this year’s preconcert program, adding there will be art exhibits by Rockvale Middle School students and the St. Clair St. Senior Citizen Art Club, along with artists Karen Brackman, Tommy Ellis and Pam Mack. Preconcert entertainment by Larry and Gay Pinkerton and the Eclectics begins at 6:30 p.m., concert seating starts at 7:30 p.m.    

Single concert tickets are $10, $25 and $40. Season tickets can still be purchased. Tickets may be purchased at the door on concert day if they are still available.  Tickets can be bought by calling 615-898-1862, or e-mail  symphony@murfreesborosyphony.com or murfreesborosymphony.com.

The MSO celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

This year, the MSO also will also start the tradition of a family concert for families and children of all ages. Stay tuned for more details about this concert.