The Charlotte Symphony has been a fixture in Charlotte since 1932 when the first strains of music were heard from their orchestra. And now, almost 80 years later, they are the largest and most active professional arts organization in the Central Carolinas. Giving over 100 concerts each year and reaching over 200,00 listeners, Charlotte Symphony aspires to reach their whole community through music that educates, entertains, and enriches the human spirit. This year, they welcome acclaimed conductor Christopher Warren-Green to lead them on that mission as they continue to reach out musically to Charlotte audiences.

2011 Summer Pops Season

The Summer Pops is a Symphony tradition that Charlotte audiences look forward to every year. These outdoor concerts are presented at Symphony Park in SouthPark on a beautifully constructed stage overlooking a widespread green lawn and shimmering pond. This year’s season begins on Sunday, June 12 with concerts every Sunday at 8:15pm (with prelude performances at 7pm) through July 3. With titles such as “Overture Under the Stars”, “Big Band Bash”, and “Celebrate America” this summer’s series is sure to live up to the extraordinary reputation of the Charlotte Symphony. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids 18 and under. Or you can get a reduced rate of $25 for the whole summer by purchasing a Summer Pops/Symphony Park pass. The Summer Pops Season has been a beloved tradition in Charlotte since 1983 and will continue to thrive with your support and dedication. So, bring a picnic basket, spread out a blanket, and get cozy under the stars with the whole family to enjoy this traditional orchestral experience.

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Lollipops Family Concerts

Lollipops family concerts are a fantastic way to introduce children to symphonies and orchestras and the joy of live music. Every year, the Charlotte Symphony partners with enchanting storytellers and hilariously comic performers and engaging dancers to create a musical adventure. With lots of colorful costumes, exciting props and astonishing puppets, the Lollipops concerts are a thrill to the eyes as much as the ears. These family concerts are presented on different Saturdays throughout the year beginning at 11am at the Belk Theater of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. But make sure you arrive early to experience the pre-concert festivals that allows the kids to experience music performance first-hand with crafts, activities and the famous Symphony Guild’s Musical Petting Zoo. This past years Lollipops series included shows such as Green Eggs and Ham (a musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic story), Thrills and Chills (a special Halloween-themed mystery thriller), The Emperor’s New Clothes (an audience participation piece presented with Grey Seal Puppets), and Carnival of the Animals (a NC Dance Theatre musical menagerie).

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KnightSounds Series

KnightSounds reaches out to new audiences with a multi-sensory experience that redefines the orchestral experience. This fresh and dynamic programming has proven extremely successful with their first ever concert in 2010 being presented to a sold-out audience. With concerts that are shorter in length than traditional symphonies, KnightSounds are instantly more attractive to new audiences. And once inside the Knight Theatre, you’ll discover that the staging, lighting, and décor are visually exciting and stimulating. The programs are often multi-cultural and include other artistic disciplines including opera, dance, video animation and visual art. This year, KnightSounds will partner with NC Dance Theatre, Carolina Opera, Oratorio Singer, Charlotte Children’s Choir and other visiting artists. All concerts will take place from 7:30-8:30 pm in the Knight Theater at the Levine Center for the Arts, with a pre-concert reception in the Knight Lobby. Be sure to come out for these truly inspiring musical experiences that will leave you wanting more.

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Oratorio Singers of Charlotte

The Oratorio Singers of Charlotte are the city’s oldest and only group of singers who perform large-scale orchestral works in concerts throughout the year. The main chorus is composed of about 130 singers, most of whom hold graduate degrees from prestigious universities. Whether they’re performing with the Charlotte Symphony or by themselves a cappella, the Oratorio Singers are an amazing vocal sensation. Along with the Main Chorus, there is also an elite group of 24 singers that make up the Chamber Chorus. This premier chorus is recognized throughout the Southeast with invites to perform at festivals such as Jazz Charlotte and Piccolo Spoleto. The Oratorio Singers have an exciting 60th season planned with concerts such as Mozart’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah. They will also join with KnightSounds to present Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana .

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Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra

With nearly 200 musicians from 4th to 12th grade, the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras receive intensive coaching and weekly rehearsals conducted by Symphony musicians. There are two different ensembles, the Youth Orchestra for students in grades 8 through 12 and the Junior Youth Orchestra for students in grades 4 through 9. Throughout the year, the Charlotte Youth Orchestras performs several times including a winter, fall and spring concert at the Halton Theatre at CPCC; a special evening of music at the Knight Theatre; a camp concert in Spartanburg, SC; and an outdoor concert at Festival in the Park. The Charlotte Youth Orchestras are a unique experience for young performers who want to become better musicians in a semi-professional environment. Come on out and support these young people as they wow the Charlotte community with their musical talent and ambition.

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