Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society Celebrates Diamond Jubilee Season!

Jacob Ruppert and Symphony Society President Mary Lou Brown welcomed Dosia McKay, center, who composed “Earthrise,” played as a world premier Tuesday evening by the symphony orchestra under the direction of Music Director Doug Bakenhus.
Jacob Ruppert and Symphony Society President Mary Lou Brown welcomed Dosia McKay, center, who composed “Earthrise,” played as a world premier Tuesday evening by the symphony orchestra under the direction of Music Director Doug Bakenhus.

In 1966, the symphony society was formed as a college/community collaboration to promote music and the arts in the Natchitoches community. It has grown from to just a few scholarships in the early years to over 29 students receiving symphony society scholarships for the 2025-26 school year. Tuesday evening, Sept. 23 the Symphony Society Board hosted a member appreciation reception preceeding the c…