Memphis Symphony Orchestra president and CEO Roland Valliere is not shy when it comes to talking about the future of the organization.

After all, it wasn't that long ago that the symphony made the painful acknowledgement that its finances were in dire straits, that it needed support from patrons and the public more than ever and that its future was far from guaranteed.

2. Because I Say So - Thursday, April 2, 2015

“Ipsy dipsy!” shouts Ann Marie, Marlo Thomas’ character in “That Girl.” Trying to impress a judge in court, she mispronounces “ipse dixit.” Meaning “he, himself, said it,” this Latin phrase connotes a dogmatic, unsupported assertion.

3. Sun Sets on Memphis in May’s Annual Symphony - Saturday, March 14, 2015

Sunset Symphony will take its final bow this year.

Memphis in May International Fes- tival announced Monday that the 2015 AutoZone Sunset Symphony would be the last, ending a 39-year run.

The event, scheduled for May 23 in Downtown Memphis’ Tom Lee Park, will feature special guests and an expanded fireworks show as part of its grand finale celebration.

4. Sun Sets on Memphis in May’s Annual Symphony - Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Sunset Symphony will take its final bow this year.

Memphis in May International Festival announced Monday that the 2015 AutoZone Sunset Symphony would be the last, ending a 39-year run.

The event, scheduled for May 23 in Downtown Memphis’ Tom Lee Park, will feature special guests and an expanded fireworks show as part of its grand finale celebration.

5. Sun Sets on Memphis in May’s Annual Symphony - Monday, March 9, 2015

Sunset Symphony will take its final bow this year.

Memphis in May International Festival announced Monday that the 2015 AutoZone Sunset Symphony would be the last, ending a 39-year run.

The event, scheduled for May 23 in Downtown Memphis’ Tom Lee Park, will feature special guests and an expanded fireworks show as part of its grand finale celebration.

6. Memphis Symphony Sets Six Masterworks Concerts - Saturday, February 14, 2015

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2015-2016 First Tennessee Masterworks Series. The series will be expanded from five programs during the current season to six programs for next year. As in the past, the series will feature Saturday evening performances at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Memphis, followed by Sunday afternoon performances at the Germantown Performing Arts Center the next day.

7. Final Masterworks Concert May 3 - Saturday, April 26, 2014

Final Symphony First Tennessee Masterworks Concert Planned

The seventh and final concert of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s First Tennessee Masterworks series will be “Beethoven’s Pastorale,” featuring Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, conducted by MSO music director Mei-Ann Chen.

8. Symphony's Final Masterworks Concert May 3 - Friday, April 25, 2014

Final Symphony First Tennessee Masterworks Concert Planned

The seventh and final concert of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s First Tennessee Masterworks series will be “Beethoven’s Pastorale,” featuring Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, conducted by MSO music director Mei-Ann Chen.

9. Events - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Kiwanis Club of Memphis will meet Wednesday, June 12, from noon to 1 p.m. at The University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. U.S. District Judge John Fowlkes will speak. Cost is $18 for nonmembers.

10. Events - Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The National Association of Women Business Owners, Memphis chapter will meet Tuesday, June 11, at 11:15 a.m. at Chickasaw Country Club, 3395 Galloway Ave. Shelley Baur, owner of One Source Associates, will speak, and the 2013-2014 officers and board will be installed. Tickets in advance are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers; tickets at the door are $35. Visit nawbomemphis.org.

11. Events - Saturday, June 8, 2013

The Daily News will present Literatini, benefiting Literacy Mid-South, Thursday, June 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Booksellers at Laurelwood, 387 Perkins Road Extended. The event will include martinis and food, an auction, live music and a wine pull. Tickets are $50 per person or $75 per couple. Visit literacymidsouth.org.

12. Fisher Named Director Of Economic Development - Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Gwyn Fisher has been named the greater Memphis regional director of economic and community development by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. In her new role, Fisher will work with companies, municipalities and stakeholders in Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties to create jobs, attract new businesses and expand existing businesses.

13. Symphony Kicks Off Classic Accents Series - Monday, September 3, 2012

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra is kicking off its Paul and Linnea Bert Classic Accents series in September with Beethoven 8, a concert that will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 and Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony.

14. Symphony Orchestra Selects Sullivan Branding for PR - Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Sullivan Branding, a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations firm in Memphis and Nashville, has been selected to handle public relations for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Sullivan Branding will be handling all public and media relations efforts for the Symphony, showcasing more than 20 shows and events throughout the Symphony’s 60th season, as well as contributing to various community outreach projects.

15. MSO Brings Orff to Audience - Monday, May 21, 2012

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra will finish out this season’s First Tennessee Masterworks concert series with an ancient work which has woven itself into present day culture.

Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” which plays Saturday, May 19, at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts and Sunday, May 20, at the Germantown performing Arts Centre, brings together an unusual mix of classical music, ancient poems, pop culture and surprisingly, children’s music.

16. Strike up the Band - Monday, May 21, 2012

For anyone who finds themselves in conversation with Mei-Ann Chen about the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, its big plans for the year and major guest performers who’ve been lined up, be prepared to get an earful on a topic about which Chen will evangelize, her smile broad and voice brimming with cheer.

17. Diversity Project for Cultural Arts - Monday, September 12, 2011

Last week we exemplified how one person or company can start a movement by taking action with small steps to impact our community. This week let us spotlight an organization that is bringing together children from all backgrounds by providing a professional standard of training, regardless of the ability to pay: New Ballet Ensemble & School.

18. Events - Thursday, September 8, 2011

The Small Business Chamber will hold a power lunch titled “Doing Business with the Memphis Latino Community” Thursday, Sept. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Better Business Bureau, 3693 Tyndale Drive. For more information, call Sally Baker Brenner at 748-8889.

19. Events - Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Daily News’ offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 5, in observance of Labor Day. Offices reopen at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, and will remain open during normal business hours.

The Memphis Public Library & Information Center will host Facing History and Ourselves’ “Choosing to Participate” exhibit Tuesday, Sept. 6, through Nov. 30 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave. The multimedia exhibit aims to generate conversation about prejudice and injustice and to identify ways to transform the community. Admission is free. For more information, email nancy_knight@facing.org.

20. Stoppard Play Mixes Absurdity, Reality - Monday, August 22, 2011

An upcoming Playhouse on the Square production will stretch the limits of theatrical characterization through a unique collaboration with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Tom Stoppard’s “Every Good Boy Deserves Favour” pits individuality against conformity in a Soviet Era psychiatric hospital, the tableau for a dark-humored struggle to discern reality.

21. MSO Announces 2011-2012 Season - Friday, March 25, 2011

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2011-2012 season – the second under the leadership of music director Mei-Ann Chen.

22. MSO to Hold Juried Conducting Competition - Friday, February 18, 2011

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra will host a juried international competition for conductors May 25 -27 with winners receiving cash prizes and the opportunity to lead the orchestra in a concert next season.

23. MSO Concert Explores Italy - Monday, January 10, 2011

TThe Memphis Symphony Orchestra continues its “Season of Discovery” by starting a cold new year with a foray into the land of terraced vineyards and sunlit villas.

“Italian Inspirations,” the latest installment of the First Tennessee Saturday Masterworks Series, promises a musical tour of the landscapes, waterways and villages that inspired master composers from Italy and beyond.

24. Events - Friday, January 7, 2011

Rotary Club of Memphis Central will meet Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Mei Ann Chen, conductor of Memphis Symphony Orchestra, will speak. Cost is free for members and first-time guests and $25 for returning guests and visiting members. For reservations, call Karen Shea at 683-9099.

25. Events - Thursday, January 6, 2011

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art will screen Woody Allen’s latest film “You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger” Thursday at 7 p.m. at the museum, 1934 Poplar Ave. Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for nonmembers. For tickets or more information, call 544-6208.

26. Events - Thursday, November 11, 2010

The Palladio Group will hold its annual Christmas Open House Thursday through Saturday at Palladio, 2169 Central Ave. The open house will feature special events, artists, decorating demonstrations and guest exhibitors. For more information, visit www.thepalladiogroup.com.

27. Events - Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., suite 502. Judith Millesen, associate professor at Ohio University, will speak on the topic “Fundamentals of Board Governance.” Cost is $99 for members, $150 for nonmembers and $89 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

28. Chen’s MSO Debut an Ode to Russian Masters - Monday, September 13, 2010

The czars won’t be brought to their knees, nor will the proletariat rise in arms, but the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s opening First Tennessee Masterworks concert at the Cannon Center for the Arts Sept. 18 is very much a revolution in other ways.

29. Events - Friday, August 13, 2010

The Memphis Central Rotary Club will meet Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Chickasaw Country Club, 3395 Galloway Ave. Jackson Baker, political columnist for The Memphis Flyer, will speak. Cost is $25 for guests. For reservations, call Karen Shea at 683-9099.

30. Events - Thursday, August 12, 2010

The Greater Memphis Chamber will hold a breakfast forum Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Peabody Hotel, 149 Union Ave. Gregg Morton, president of AT&T Tennessee, will speak. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. To register, call 543-3518 or e-mail emilford@memphischamber.com.

31. MSO’s Chen Named Chicago Sinfonietta Director - Thursday, August 5, 2010

Mei-Ann Chen, the new music director for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, has been named music director for the Chicago Sinfonietta beginning in 2011.

32. Memphis Symphony’s Chen Awarded $10K Grant - Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Mei-Ann Chen, the newly appointed music director for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, has been awarded a League of American Orchestras Grant as an Outstanding Woman Conductor.

33. Loebel Prepares for Memphis Symphony Finale - Monday, April 26, 2010

Maestro David Loebel, who directed the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for 11 years, will conduct the orchestra for the last time on May 1 at 8 p.m. at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

Loebel plans to go out on a “heroic” note in a concert in which all the pieces fall into place, much like the events in his life that have led him from Memphis.

34. Memphis Symphony to Honor Elvis, 'Piano Men' - Friday, March 19, 2010

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - New music director Mei-Ann Chen says her Memphis Symphony Orchestra will have "a journey of discovery" during its 2010-11 season.

35. Chen’s Leadership Brings Immediate Boost to MSO - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) announced the selection of its new music director in late February, a move that raised the group’s spirits and potentially its financial prospects.

The orchestra’s leadership said the boost in morale could not have come at a better time.

36. Chen Comes ‘Full Circle’ As Symphony’s New Conductor - Friday, March 5, 2010

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra officially handed the baton to its fourth music director Feb. 22 in a brief welcome assembly of musicians, arts patrons and local government leaders at The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

37. New Director Chosen For Memphis Symphony - Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The assistant conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has been named music director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Mei-Ann Chen was appointed Monday to succeed David Loebel, who has stepped down after 10 years in the post.