MORE DETAILS: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) is about to celebrate a major milestone and will soon mark their 45th anniversary of bringing professional music to Middle Tennessee. But before the celebration of their 45th begins, area residents are invited to enjoy some pre-anniversary love, especially for Valentine;s! Area residents are invited to have their own milestone celebration this Valentine's in Februyary, with a romantic, up-close Valentine’s concert designed to set the mood for an unforgettable evening - - without the crowds because the upcoming concert will be two days before Valentine's Day.
On Thursday, February 12, the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra will present “Sweetheart & Swing” at the Center for the Arts, offering a cherished concert experience that blends timeless jazz standards with the infectious energy of swing music... That was orchestra board president Jane McNulty.
The upcoming Valentine’s performance next week on the 12th will showcase six professional musicians performing classic jazz and swing favorites, creating a relaxed, close-quarters atmosphere ideal for couples, friends, and music lovers alike... Billed as a perfect Valentine’s date night, Sweetheart & Swing promises an evening filled with smooth rhythms, irresistible melodies, and toe-tapping arrangements. Whether attendees are longtime jazz enthusiasts or discovering the genre for the first time, the concert is designed to celebrate love, music, and connection in a warm, engaging setting.
This year’s Valentine’s concert coincides with a significant anniversary for the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra. Founded in 1981 by esteemed conductor and musician Dr. Laurence Harvin, the ensemble began as the University Community Ensemble and has since grown into a fully professional orchestra serving audiences across the entire Middle Tennessee region. Over the past four-and-a-half decades, the TPO has expanded in size, diversity, and artistic reach, while maintaining a strong commitment to musical excellence. As for that anniversary date, stay tuned because there will be more to come on that news front.
Looking Ahead to the Future of the Arts Locally: In looking ahead to the future, McNulty told WGNS that now is the time for the community to have their own concert hall for performances... While the orchestra performs at various locations throughout the city, the Valentine's performance will be at the Center for the Arts, a small but beautiful location for local events.
What once served as the Linebaugh Library for more than 30 years was renovated in the mid-1990s and converted into an auditorium for plays, musical performances, and more. While the Center for the Arts seats a little under 175 guests, the building’s history is notable. It originally served as Rutherford County’s first large-scale U.S. Post Office, complete with interior catwalks where postal inspectors once walked to oversee operations. The Italian Renaissance–style structure was built in 1909 and is now more than a century old.
Some cities similar in size to Murfreesboro have performing arts venues that rival those found in much larger cities across the state. Just 80 miles northwest of Rutherford County, the city of Clarksville—whose population closely mirrors Murfreesboro’s—boasts several venues that showcase the breadth of the performing arts.
From the 6,000-seat F&M Bank Arena to the historic Roxy Regional Theatre in downtown Clarksville, the city offers multiple locations capable of hosting concerts, plays, and major productions. Another key venue in Montgomery County is Mabry Concert Hall. Much like MTSU’s Tucker Theatre, Mabry Concert Hall sits on the campus of Austin Peay State University and seats approximately 600 patrons, while Tucker Theatre accommodates more than 800 guests.
Meanwhile, the Wilma Rudolph Event Center, located inside Liberty Park in Clarksville, overlooks the Cumberland River and provides seating for up to 500 guests.
Closer to home, what once served as the Linebaugh Library for more than 30 years was renovated in the mid-1990s and converted into an auditorium for plays, musical performances, and other events. While the space seats only about 125 guests, the building’s history is notable. It originally served as Rutherford County’s first large-scale U.S. Post Office, complete with interior catwalks where postal inspectors once walked to oversee operations. The Italian Renaissance–style structure was built in 1909 and is now more than a century old.
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Previous Article (WGNS) - Love is in the air across Rutherford County, and it’s only getting stronger as Valentine’s week draws near. With just over a week to go, excitement is building for one of the season’s most charming traditions: the Tennessee Philharmonic’s celebration of LOVE and SWEETHEARTS in its upcoming Sweetheart and Swing concert at 7:00 o'clock Thursday night, Feb. 12, 2026.
Set to deliver an evening overflowing with rhythm, romance, and irresistible melodies, the Tennessee Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra is ready to wrap Murfreesboro in the warm glow of jazz and big band magic. This concert blends the timeless elegance of classic jazz with the upbeat sparkle of swing, creating a night that practically guarantees toe‑tapping, hand‑holding, and a little swaying in your seat.
Sweetheart and Swing is designed for everyone—couples looking for a memorable night out, friends catching up over great music, or newcomers discovering the joy of jazz for the very first time. The program promises laughter, connection, and that unmistakable musical energy that fills a room and settles right into the heart. For longtime jazz lovers, it’s a chance to revisit the sounds that shaped generations. For first‑timers, it’s an invitation into a world where melody and mood dance together effortlessly.
As Valentine’s week approaches, this concert stands out as one of the most festive and heartfelt ways to celebrate. It’s more than a performance; it’s an experience—a warm, spirited evening that reminds us why music has always been part of love’s story.
Seats are already filling quickly, and now is the perfect time to make your plans. Reserve your spot and experience the magic of jazz with the Tennessee Philharmonic. Tickets are available online at tnphil.org.
