History
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Natchez
could have an opera festival like that?”
It all started with…
a question asked by Lani Riches as she and her husband returned from a delightful trip to the Santa Fe Opera Festival in 1990. David Armstrong, then Mayor of Natchez, agreed to call a meeting of the community at Stanton Hall’s Carriage House. It was there that Dr. David Blackburn was charged with the task of preparing a conceptual plan of Natchez. When the plan was presented at the Monmouth Plantation Historic Inn later that year, the Festival was born.
The stars had aligned perfectly–this was meant to be. How else could anyone explain the events immediately after the Riches returned from Santa Fe? At the time, the Riches were the owners and proprietors of the Monmouth Inn. Over dinner, they struck up a conversation with Natchez local Buzz Harper, and the Blackburns who just happened to be staying at the Inn... Learning that Dr. Blackburn was a well-respected Opera professor and conductor working in New York…Or that two of the performers from the Santa Fe festival were singers in Dr. Blackburn’s studio back in New York…Or that Dr. Blackburn’s schedule was flexible enough at that very time to meet with the leadership in Natchez…
Natchez had in Dr. Blackburn a wonderful gentlemen, who was not only the co-founder and first Artistic Director of the Festival, but who also become a committed Natchez resident.
FOUNDERS
Lani Riches • Ron Riches • Dr. David Blackburn • Buzz Harper
GROWTH & LOOKING AHEAD
When Alcorn State University became a major sponsor in 2001, it transformed the Festival in the Miss-Lou by providing invaluable support through performances by the Alcorn Concert Choir and music students, the offering of master’s-level coursework, and participation in minority musical productions, Broadway shows, and operas—as well as creating many opportunities for the community to enjoy performances free of charge.
In 2003, the Festival was rebranded as the Natchez Festival of Music to encompass a broader range of world-class music and live theater, featuring internationally and nationally recognized performers. The expansion introduced an exciting lineup of events and shows, including Broadway musicals, jazz, blues, and other special concerts.
ARTISTIC DIRECTION
Following the untimely passing of Dr. Blackburn, George Hogan assumed the role of Artistic Director in 2009 and established a partnership with the University of Mary Hardin–Baylor. In 2011, leadership transitioned to Dr. Jay Dean, who brought a renewed vision and direction to the Festival. Under his guidance, the Festival formed a strong alliance with The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, connecting the organization to a broader network of distinguished music festivals across the state. This affiliation not only elevated the Festival’s artistic profile but also expanded its reach, influence, and capacity for collaboration.
Over the years, the Festival has continued to flourish by cultivating meaningful partnerships with arts organizations throughout Mississippi. These collaborations include Opera Mississippi, FestivalSouth, and numerous regional institutions that share a commitment to enriching the state’s cultural landscape. Such relationships strengthen the Festival’s ability to bring world-class music to local communities while building bridges between diverse artistic disciplines and audiences.
Collaboration lies at the heart of the Festival’s mission and future. By working closely with educational institutions, performing arts organizations, and cultural partners, the Festival ensures that its programming resonates broadly and remains relevant to the needs and interests of Mississippi’s citizens. These partnerships also create opportunities for students, emerging artists, and audiences to engage more deeply with music at every level.
Looking ahead, the Festival remains dedicated to harnessing the power of music not only as an art form but also as a catalyst for growth. Each performance enhances the quality of life for local residents while supporting education, tourism, and economic development. Through collaboration and creativity, the Festival will continue to enrich lives and strengthen communities throughout Mississippi.