The hills around the River City will be alive with plenty of music during January and February. From the Mississippi Symphony to a Russian pianist, Vicksburg will have a variety of styles and even some romance to sample.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra

Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Mulberry St.

The symphony, conducted by Crafton Beck, will perform favorite operatic melodies including “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi and “Nessun dorma” from Turandot, along with a touch of Americana, at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23. Admission is free. The performance is sponsored by Four Seasons of the Arts and underwritten by private donations.

Earlier in the day, the symphony will perform two concerts for Vicksburg’s students.

Southern Cultural Heritage Center, 1302 Adams St.

601-631-2997, www.southernculture.org

* Ian Hominick Piano Workshop — This internationally known pianist will present a workshop for intermediate pianists  from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 31. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. The session is funded by a grant from the Mississippi Music Teachers’ Association. For a biography of Hominick, visit www.ianhominick.com/bio.htm

* “To Vicksburg with Love,” featuring Jane and Norman Joseph — This third annual event, sponsored by Pi Alpha Kappa Sorority and the SCHC, will be at noon Feb. 10. Admission is $10 and includes lunch and entertainment. Reservations are necessary.

* Rhapsody on the River — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Russian concert pianist and “ultimate entertainer” Vladimir Zaitsev will join with the St. Joseph Orchestra at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 to offer a romantic evening and “a river tour of music that will give you a new appreciation of the classics,” said information from the SCHC.

Tickets, available in advance only, include dinner and entertainment and are $25 per person for SCHC or St. Joseph Arts members and $35 for nonmembers. Private/corporate tables for eight are $250. Tickets can be purchased at the SCHC office, Chamber of Commerce and Paper Plus or by calling 601-631-2997. A cash bar will be available, and photographer Gary Haygood will take souvenir photos.

Lenten Fine Arts Series

The Lenten Fine Arts Series begins at noon March 6. Each Friday during Lent, at The Church of the Holy Trinity Episcopal, 900 South St., concerts will be followed by gumbo lunch. For more information, call Dorothy Brasfield at 601-942-5469.

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Contact Pamela Hitchins at phitchins@vicksburgpost.com.