Meridian Symphony Orchestra’s season closer, Beethoven & Blue Jeans, is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. at The MSU Riley Center.

Billed as “an experience where casual dress meets popular classical music,” the evening will be filled with a variety of offerings.

“It’s a full evening, but everyone always enjoys the relaxed atmosphere and sense of camaraderie,” said Susie Johnson, MSO’s executive director. “It’s a celebration of sorts as we close out a really well received season while anticipating the excitement of the new.”

The evening’s events begin at 5 p.m. with barbecue at Dumont Plaza, where ticket holders will be treated to a free barbecue dinner provided by Dickey’s BBQ Pit and Magnolia Beverage. Following at 6 p.m. will be the popular Pre-Concert Conversations at The Riley Center.

Events then move to The MSU Riley Center theater for a concert featuring lighter classical works, along with the symphony’s own Jacquelyn Adams on horn and the Meridian Symphony Chorus.

“It’s fun to throw pieces onto a program that bump up against each other in unpredictable ways, and this concert will be a whirlwind adventure,” MSO Maestro Peter Rubardt said. “The Beethoven ‘Leonore Overture’ and the ‘Pärt Cantus,’ both brilliant masterpieces, are diametrically opposite in every way that I can think of. Together, they provide a fascinating glimpse into how music functions.”

Rubardt said he is especially excited about the inclusion of the Meridian Symphony Chorus to a Masterworks program.

“I’m so proud of what they’ve done, and so pleased that the symphony supports this essential ensemble,” he said. “The ‘Te Deum’ has everything that I love about Haydn choral music: brisk energy and exuberance, grandness, and a deeply felt spirituality.”

The second half of the program is devoted to music inspired by dance in a wide range of styles.

“John Adams’ evocative foxtrot, ‘The Chairman Dances,’ is a tour de force of orchestration, with a sultry sheen on it,” Rubardt said. “James Naigus is a rising star in the French horn world, and his ‘Radiant Dances’ – written for out principal hornist Jacquelyn Adams – shows why. And finally, no American composer is more iconic than Aaron Copland. Weaving together some classic Western tunes, some evocative atmospheric passages, and a good amount of straight-ahead Americana, the four dance episodes from Rodeo could be the very definition of American music.”

The Meridian Symphony Association uses this final concert as an opportunity to announce the upcoming concert season. Rubardt will unveil the concerts and guest artists planned for 2017-18, and attendees will be able to purchase season memberships. Prizes donated by local businesses supporting the Meridian Symphony Orchestra will be awarded from a drawing of individuals with paid subscriptions for the new season, including items from Weidmann’s, The Rustler, Harvest Grill, Modern Outfitters, Meridian Little Theatre, Lucas Road, Ole Towne Family Pharmacy, Cater’s Market, Pampered Bodies, Lowe’s, Harry Mayer, Lauderdale County Farm Supply, Margie’s Mixing Bowl, Generations Fine Paper & Gifts, Elegance Ballroom, The Riley Center, and The Liberty Shoppe.

Season memberships include all six concerts and special receptions. Adult/Regular, $150; Military (active and retired, including spouse), $90; and students (all ages), $60. For more information, call The Symphony House at 601-693-2224.

Beethoven & Blue Jeans is funded in part by The Riley Foundation.

Want to go?

What: Beethoven & Blue Jeans, MSO’s final concert of the 2016-17 season

When: Saturday; casual dress. Times: Barbecue & Beverages at Dumont Plaza, 5 p.m. (show voucher or ticket for admission; Pre-Concert Conversation with MSO Maestro Peter Rubardt and featured artist Jacquelyn Adams, 6 p.m.; Concert, unveiling of 2017-18 season, 7 p.m.

Information: Season tickets go on sale at this concert; paid subscriptions are eligible for prize drawing. Call the MSU Riley Center Box Office at 601-696-2200 or visit the box office at 2200 Fifth St., downtown Meridian.