Jackson Free Press

Millsaps College Professor James Martin is starting out the New Year in harmony. As the organizer of the weeklong "Extravoixganza," he is bringing several of the state's cultural institutions together to celebrate the art of singing.

"Extravoixganza," which runs today through Jan. 17, is a series of choral concerts, recitals, and lectures with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Mississippi Opera, Millsaps College, Mississippi Chorus and several Jackson musicians.

"We hope to inspire new audiences, enthusiasts, students, and teachers with seven-plus days of exceptional concerts, luncheons, master classes and Informances," Martin said in a statement.

The week culminates on Jan. 17 with the "Open Community All Sing" honoring the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King.

Martin has won several national awards for his opera and acting performances, and has performed with leading musical organizations including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera's Western Opera Theater Tour, the Santa Fe Opera and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. As a music educator, he has developed outreach programs with several regional organizations such as the Mississippi Music Conference for Church Music and Liturgy, and the Hattiesburg Civic Chorus and Concert Association's Meistersingers. Martin received his bachelor's degree in music from Illinois Wesleyan University and his master's degree in music from the Juilliard School. He works as a voice instructor at Millsaps and Jackson State University.

See a complete list of "Extravoixganza" events and times here. Most events are free and open the public, but donations are encouraged. For more information, call 601-974-1130.