The oldest continuously operating orchestra in the Carolinas is set to grace the stage at Winthrop University this month, marking a significant new chapter for the local arts scene. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO), a staple of Southeastern culture for nearly a century, will perform at the newly remodeled Byrnes Auditorium on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
The performance is the result of a collaboration between Winthrop’s College of Visual and Performing Arts and the CSO. While initial discussions for a partnership began last summer, the project was realized through funding from the Springsteen Foundation, an organization dedicated to expanding public access to the arts.
The concert serves as a showcase for the renovations completed at Byrnes Auditorium. The project involved a total overhaul of the space, including the implementation of a brand-new seating configuration designed to enhance the acoustic and visual experience for attendees.
This event marks the first major orchestral collaboration for the venue since its remodeling. Leadership at Winthrop and the CSO have indicated that this performance could serve as the foundation for an annual residency, bringing world-class orchestral music to York County on a regular basis.
The evening’s repertoire spans a wide range of classical and contemporary styles. Scheduled performances include:
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Johann Strauss Jr.: On the Beautiful Blue Danube
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Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Ballade in A minor, Op. 33
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Terry Mizesko: Appalachian Lament for Horn & Strings
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Jean Sibelius: Finlandia, Op. 26, No. 7
In alignment with the Springsteen Foundation’s mission of accessibility, ticket prices have been set to encourage community-wide attendance. General admission is $15, while children aged 18 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticketed adult. To foster student engagement with the arts, Winthrop University students will also receive free admission to the performance.
Tickets are currently available for purchase through the university’s online portal, where guests can also view the updated auditorium seating chart. For additional information regarding the performance or the partnership, contact Nicole Chisari, social media manager, at 803/323-2403 or [email protected].
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