Connoisseurs Series Brings World-Class Artists to Southern Miss

Fri, 10/02/2026 - 10:28am | By: Mike Lopinto

The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Music will bring internationally acclaimed artists, distinctive musical voices and free performances to Hattiesburg through its 2026-27 Connoisseurs Series.

The series opens Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in Marsh Auditorium with “A Centennial Celebration of Miles Davis and John Coltrane.” The year 2026 marks the 100th birthday of the two iconic artists in the world of jazz. The influence of Miles Davis and John Coltrane was so pervasive that they reshaped the direction of the music for all who came after.

The concert features New Orleans trumpeter Ashlin Parker and the Larry Panella Jazz Quartet with Dr. Sam Bruton on piano, bassist Dr. David Pellow and Nathan Sanders on drums.

New Orleans jazz trumpeter Ashlin Parker is a nationally and internationally acclaimed performer, educator and bandleader. Parker, a Grammy Award-winning musician with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, has performed and recorded with jazz legends including Ellis Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Jason Marsalis, Herlin Riley, Nicholas Payton, Kermit Ruffins, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Aretha Franklin. His international career spans major festivals and tours across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and beyond. He leads the acclaimed Trumpet Mafia and serves as a professor of jazz trumpet at the University of New Orleans, where he has taught since 2011.

“Connoisseurs is about bringing exceptional artists and experiences to Southern Miss while giving our students and community opportunities they simply might not encounter anywhere else,” said Dr. Colin McKenzie, director of the School of Music. “This season moves across musical traditions and styles, but every performance has the same goal: to surprise, challenge and inspire.”

The Connoisseurs Series showcases the breadth of the School of Music through guest artists representing brass, woodwinds, strings, piano and voice. These artists complement the work of Southern Miss’ nationally recognized faculty while giving students the opportunity to learn directly from leading performers and educators.

Four additional highlights of the 2026-27 season include:

Cavatina Duo — Jan. 21, 2027, 7:30 p.m., Marsh Auditorium
Spanish flutist Eugenia Moliner and Bosnian guitarist Denis Azabagić form the internationally celebrated Cavatina Duo, praised for its virtuosity, expressive depth and remarkable musical chemistry. The duo has performed throughout the world and earned acclaim from Gramophone and other leading music publications.

Dunamis in Concert, “An Evolutionary Journey through Gospel Music” — Jan. 28, 2027, 7:30 p.m., The Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center
Dunamis is an auditioned gospel ensemble at the Alabama School of the Arts, consisting of 12 talented student vocalists and six mentor vocalists who are leaders, faculty or staff members. The group’s name, Dunamis, derives from the Greek word meaning power or strength, as referenced in Acts 1:8, which speaks of receiving power through the Holy Spirit. Under the direction of Kenneth Brandon, Dunamis focuses on the rich heritage and unmistakable sound of gospel music, celebrating Christ's nature through an extraordinary demonstration of culture.

Carter Johnson, piano — March 23, 2027, 7:30 p.m., Marsh Auditorium 
An award-winning Canadian concert pianist celebrated for his warm stage presence and imaginative programming, Johnson received widespread international recognition as the first Canadian finalist in the prestigious 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, as well as the winner of the 2025 Dublin International Piano Competition. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of British Columbia, a master’s degree in music from Juilliard and a master’s degree in musical arts from Yale University, where he is a doctoral candidate.

Southern Miss Brass Symposium featuring Boston Brass — April 30-May 1, 2027, Bennett Auditorium
The renowned Boston Brass will headline a two-day celebration of brass performance and pedagogy featuring clinics, master classes, performances and student chamber ensemble showcases. The symposium is designed for performers, educators and anyone who appreciates exceptional brass playing.

All Connoisseurs Series performances are free and open to the public, made possible through the support of The Arts Endowment, Bob and Judy Mixon, Mr. and Mrs. James Simrall Jr., the Dr. John McLeod III and Bebe McLeod Endowment in the Arts, the Nan and Ben Stevens Art and Music Endowment, the Robert N. Kinnaird Jr. and Lucille Ehlers Kinnaird Memorial and Partners for the Arts.

For more information about the Connoisseurs Series and other School of Music performances, visit the School of Music website.

About the School of Music
The School of Music at The University of Southern Mississippi is the state’s flagship music program and a destination campus for the study of music across the region, the United States and the world. Housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, the school offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and has earned a national and international reputation for excellence. Its distinguished faculty members are active performers and educators who appear on stages from local communities to major international venues. The School of Music is home to acclaimed band, choral, orchestral, jazz, opera and musical theater ensembles and provides extensive solo and chamber music performance opportunities. Students regularly perform at regional, national and international events and work with leading guest artists in preparation for careers as 21st century performers and educators.