Ellington

The Mississippi Museum of Art and St. Andrew's Cathedral will partner Jan. 7 for another edition of the "Music in the City" series. The program will feature soprano singer Sybil Child and tenor singer Vernon Rains performing American jazz classics and ballads, the Schubert Serenade, and a series of light Italian arias by Paolo Tosti.

"Sybil has a big following. We try to bring her here at least once a year. This will be a great way to kick off the year," says Julian Rankin, director of new media at the museum.

Franz Schubert composed "Serenade" in 1828. It is a moving piece of music taken from his "Swan Song," which was published after his death. The piece is based on a set of Heinrich Heine poems. In the "Serenade," the singer pleads with his love for happiness.

Sir Paolo Tosti was an Italian composer who later immigrated to Britain, where he became a teacher at the Royal Academy of Music. He enjoyed writing for the voice, giving the singers room for their own interpretations and embellishments. Tosti is perhaps best known for his sense of melody, and his music has a light quality, making it easy for even casual opera fans to enjoy.

Music in the City is at 5:45 p.m. Jan. 7, 2014, in the Trustmark Grand Hall at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515). The performance is free. A cash bar opens at 5:15 p.m.