The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will perform Friday night for the celebration of the city’s 180th birthday at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

This is the fifth year the orchestra will perform the free concert, starting at 7 p.m. with guest soloist Kim Mathews and the Vicksburg Community Children’s Choir. The program will also feature a slide-show presentation of the former mayors.

Organizers have also hope to recognize all living former mayors.

The first celebration with the symphony came in 2000 when Vicksburg celebrated its 175th anniversary of incorporation. Vicksburg was founded in 1811 and incorporated in 1825. Newitt Vick is credited with founding the city.

The performances this year will be called “A night at the Oscars” and will feature music from motion pictures including “Gone with the Wind,” “Exodus,” Ben Hur,” “Aladdin” and “E.T.” The Children’s Choir will perform a selection from the “Sound of Music.”

About 3,000 area school children will also attend a performance Friday morning at the Convention Center. “The Great Fantasy and Adventure Concert” will include six stories in music by the orchestra.

About 1,000 attended the birthday celebration last year, volunteer organizer Frances Koury said. The program is funded by a Mississippi Arts Commission grant and the Four Seasons of the Arts.