Join us for An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein, a heartfelt tribute to Broadway’s legendary songwriting duo. Experience timeless melodies from The Sound of Music, Carousel, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and more. Featuring stunning vocals and rich storytelling, this enchanting concert celebrates the golden age of musical theater, perfect for fans and newcomers alike.

An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein —

Featuring Highlights from The Sound of Music

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: The Father David O’Conner Family Life Center, 613 Main St., Natchez, MS

Admission: $30

Cast

Paul Houghtaling, bass-baritone and director, Kevin Chance, pianist, Zoe Rose Pallas, soprano, Shelby Stephens, soprano, Anna Sophia Jones, mezzo-soprano, Joshua Jones, tenor, Benjamin Somervell, bass-baritone

The Natchez Festival of Music is pleased to welcome back bass-baritone Paul Houghtaling who first appeared in Natchez in 1995 as Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. He has returned in a variety of Natchez productions with Jay Dean in recent years, and he is excited to bring An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein to the stage. Paul has enjoyed a 40-year career as a performer and stage director and has garnered critical acclaim in a wide variety of repertoire. He will be joined by his long-time pianist and collaborator Kevin Chance and five young artists from the University of Alabama, where he has developed an award-winning training program. Kevin is the current President of the Music Teachers National Association and has collaborated with singers and instrumentalists all across the world, including recent concerts in Peru and Mexico, and he has recorded on the Centaur label. Soprano Zoe Rose Pallas made her Lincoln Center debut last year with Teatro Nuovo and sang the title role in Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Birmingham Opera Project. Shelby Stephens, soprano, has been heard a great deal in her native Kentucky and mezzo-soprano Anna Sophia Jones is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. Tenor Joshua Jones just completed a summer with Central City Opera and was as Encouragement Award winner in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Benjamin Somervell was a finalist in the National Opera Association Vocal Competition and is a favorite of Opera in the Ozarks. Paul looks forward to sharing the talents of these rising stars with the Natchez audience and to singing some songs of Captain Von Trapp for the very first time.