The Memphis Symphony Orchestra is presenting a free concert Sunday at LeMoyne-Owen College to celebrate not only the school, but also the Soulsville USA neighborhood.

Sunday's Memphis Symphony concert at LeMoyne-Owen is the second musical collaboration of the school and orchestra.

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"From the Heart to the Soul" brings not only the symphony to the campus but other musical groups as well, including the Memphis Boychoir and choirs from two campuses of St. George's Independent School and Independent Presbyterian Church in East Memphis. LeMoyne's Gospel Choir and Concert Choir also will perform.

Dr. Johnnie B. Watson, president of LeMoyne-Owen, said, "This is a gift to the community to have our campus and community and supporters of LeMoyne-Owen College come to this free, live concert."

Amy Gill, director of operations and community engagement for the symphony, said the concert was conceived to bring communities together -- LeMoyne-Owen, the neighborhood around Soulsville near LeMoyne and symphony enthusiasts-- "to enjoy common interests and the universal language of music."

She said it also serves to bring "the symphony audience to see how beautiful the campus is, what's going on in community development and to show off the neighborhood."

This is the second such concert partnering of LeMoyne-Owen and the Memphis Symphony. The orchestra has expanded efforts to reach into various parts of the community, and is involved in a mentoring program at the Soulsville Charter School.

The orchestra's program celebrates America and American music. It will perform the fourth movement from Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, From the New World. Other music includes Duke Ellington's Medley for Orchestra, The National Emblem March and The Stars and Stripes Forever.

This is one of the few times this season that maestro David Loebel will lead the orchestra. Loebel has officially retired as MSO conductor but is remaining this year as music director and leading a few concerts as the organization auditions candidates to replace him.

Visitors may also tour the LeMoyne-Owen campus as well as the nearby Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

"From the Heart to the Soul"

Memphis Symphony Orchestra and other groups perform at LeMoyne-Owen College on Sunday, with preconcert activities from 4-6 p.m. and the MSO concert beginning at 6 p.m. on the lawn in front of Brownlee Hall, 807 Walker. Picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Tickets are free. Call the LeMoyne-Owen College Institutional Advancement Office at 435-1526 or the MSO box office at 537-2525.