By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
June 3, 2001
A Meridian Symphony Orchestra performance has been chosen to accompany a documentary about the Majesty of Spain exhibit to be aired Wednesday on Mississippi Educational Television.
Edna Ford, member of the MSO's board of directors, said she is excited about not only that honor, but another honor the MSO received about the same time. The Cellular South Meridian Symphony Orchestra Pops 4th of July Concert was selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events for July 2001.
Bob Pickett, executive producer at ETV, sent a letter earlier this month asking permission to use the performance. In the letter, Pickett writes he found the March 17 performance while searching for music to use in the program.
Pickett goes on to say he reviewed dozens of orchestras and smaller groups who submitted music for consideration, but only two Mississippi organizations "were found to be superior in both their selection of music and their performance." Those were the MSO and The Magnolia Brass Quintet.
William T. Hardman, president and chief executive officer of the Southeast Tourism Society, told MSO members in a letter that their Top 20 Events appear in and on more than 400 newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations in the U.S. and Canada.
The MSO will also receive a plaque for the honor, he said.
MSO President Bob Naeger said he is thrilled with the recognition.
The Mississippi ETV documentary airs at 9 p.m.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3275, or e-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.