“We are extremely excited about our 2019–2020 season,” said E. Merritt Vale, Winston-Salem Symphony President & CEO. “The selection of music is varied, exciting, and dynamic. I think our offerings will appeal to a wide variety of tastes. I’m also thrilled about our Music Director search. I think you’ll agree that each candidate has been highly accomplished as well as inspiring and charismatic. Once the decision is made at the end of this season, we look forward to sharing the news with Winston-Salem. Our ultimate selection for Music Director will help us chart an exciting new course for the future and we can’t wait to share it with everyone!”
Existing subscribers can renew their subscriptions now through May 1 by mail or by calling the Symphony Box Office at 336-464-0145. Those interested in becoming new subscribers can purchase subscriptions online now at WSsymphony.org or by calling the Symphony Box Office at 336-464-0145. Tickets to individual concerts will go on sale August 15.
THE WINSTON-SALEM SYMPHONY 2019-2020 SEASON
CLASSIC SERIES
Classics Location: Stevens Center of the UNC School of the Arts, 405 W. Fourth Street in downtown Winston-Salem.
THE RITE OF SPRING
October 27, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
October 29, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
MOZART Symphony No. 35, Haffner
Jennifer HIGDON Low Brass Concerto
STRAVINSKY The Rite of Spring
Brian French, trombone; David Wulfeck, trombone; Erik Salzwedel, bass trombone; Matt Ransom, tuba
Famous for inciting a riot at its 1913 premiere due to its cutting-edge sound, Stravinsky’s Rite represents “the mystery and great surge of creative power of Spring.” Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s Low Brass Concerto has been called a “wonderfully accessible, richly melodic new work—one propelled by exhilarating rhythms, vibrant orchestral color, and an ingenious use of strings, woodwinds and percussion” (Chicago Sun-Times). Opening the program is Mozart’s Haffner Symphony, a staggering work of energy and invention.
SWAN LAKE
November 17, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
November 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
MENDELSSOHN Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream
RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 1
TCHAIKOVSKY Suite from Swan Lake
Kenny Broberg, piano, 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Silver Medalist
A wicked sorcerer has transformed princess Odette into a swan in Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet Swan Lake; the composer’s sweet melodies and vibrant orchestral colors have made this suite an enduring favorite. Listen for more musical stories in Mendelssohn’s Overture, which conjures Shakespeare’s fairies and lovers. Rachmaninoff’s First Piano Concerto puts his youth and vigor on display—Rachmaninoff was merely 17 when he began to compose it.
BÉLA FLECK
January 11, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
January 12, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
COPLAND Fanfare for the Common Man
Kenneth FRAZELLE Shivaree
COPLAND Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo
Béla FLECK Banjo Concerto No. 2, “Juno”
Béla Fleck, banjo
Banjo legend Béla Fleck has earned 14 Grammy Awards for his work across bluegrass, country, jazz, folk, and more. In these can’t-miss concerts, Fleck joins the orchestra to perform his Second Banjo Concerto. Named for Fleck’s son Juno, this striking concerto shines a light on an instrument rarely experienced in a classical setting. Beginning the program are two familiar favorites by Copland, as well as a work by Winston-Salem’s own Kenneth Frazelle, inspired by childhood memories of a joyride on New Year’s Eve.
SIBELIUS VIOLIN CONCERTO
March 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
March 10, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
SMETANA The Moldau
SCHUMANN Symphony No. 3, “Rhenish”
SIBELIUS Violin Concerto
Rachel Barton Pine, violin
It was Sibelius’ “dearest wish” and “overriding ambition” to become an esteemed violin star—instead, he ultimately composed one of the most treasured masterpieces in violin repertoire. Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, performed here by the masterful Rachel Barton Pine, balances substance with pyrotechnics. The first half of the program features two rivers: Schumann’s Rhenish symphony was inspired by a happy vacation along Germany’s Rhine, while Smetana’s Moldau winds its way through Prague.
BEETHOVEN CELEBRATION
April 5, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
April 7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
BEETHOVEN Overture to Fidelio
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1, Op. 21
BEETHOVEN Mass in C, Op. 86
Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus
250 years ago, Ludwig van Beethoven was born—within a few years, he would change the very face of music. As part of a global celebration of this revolutionary composer, the Winston-Salem Symphony presents an all-Beethoven concert in his honor. The world immediately took notice of Beethoven’s First Symphony, a genre-changing masterpiece that marked a graduation from his education under Haydn and the influence of Mozart. This birthday party begins with the overture to his only opera, Fidelio, and culminates in his noble Mass in C, featuring the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus.
WAGNER’S RING
May 3, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
May 5, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
BERLIOZ Roman Carnival Overture
FOSS Renaissance Concerto
WAGNER Selections from The Ring of the Nibelung
Kathryn Levy, flute
The Symphony will close the season with instrumental selections from Wagner’s Ring Cycle, one of the most ambitious contributions to opera ever witnessed. Experience the Norse mythology that inspired Wagner’s music, including goddesses, dwarves, giants, and the iconic Valkyries. Composer Lukas Foss called his Renaissance Concerto, which features a solo flute, “a handshake across the centuries.” Hector Berlioz also looked to the Renaissance when writing his vivid Roman Carnival Overture, which opens this program.
POPS SERIES
Pops Concerts Location: R.J. Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Road in Winston-Salem.
INDIGO GIRLS
October 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Jessica Morel, Conductor
Indigo Girls, guest artists
The Grammy Award-winning folk duo Indigo Girls joins the Symphony in a concert featuring the pair’s greatest hits, including “Closer to Fine,” “Galileo,” and “Power of Two.” Relive your favorites from Amy and Emily’s groundbreaking 30+ year career in this one-night-only experience.
A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS: THE GATHERING
November 30, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
December 1, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
Laurelyn Dosset, Mike Compton, Joe Newberry, April Verch, guest artists
The Symphony is delighted to kick off the holiday with a festive celebration blending Appalachian harmonies with the sounds of the season. Join us for a joyful concert featuring North Carolina’s Laurelyn Dossett (Polecat Creek), Joe Newberry (Big Medicine), Mike Compton (O Brother Where Art Thou), and April Verch. Listen for original songs including “String of Pearls” and “Redbird Lullaby,” as well as traditional Christmas tunes. And no Carolina Christmas is ever complete without a visit from Santa Claus and a holiday sing-along.
JOHN WILLIAMS: STAR WARS & BEYOND
February 15, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
February 16, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
From Harry Potter and Indiana Jones to the iconic music of Star Wars, composer John Williams is the king of Hollywood cinema soundtracks. The Symphony celebrates this living legend with a concert of his best-loved music, drawn from half a century of unforgettable scores. Dust off your lightsabers and Quidditch brooms—it’s going to be a blast!
FREE FALLIN’: THE MUSIC OF TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS
April 18, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
Jeans ’n Classics, guest artists
Jeans ’n Classics returns to perform the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Petty, one of the bestselling musicians of all time, brought us rock anthems including “American Girl, I Won’t Back Down, Runnin’ Down a Dream,” and “Free Fallin’.” For one night only, hear your favorites with vocals by Jeans ’n Classics and featuring the Winston-Salem Symphony.
ADDITIONAL CONCERTS
ALL-NIGHT VIGIL
November 3, 2019 at 5 p.m.
RACHMANINOFF All-Night Vigil (Vespers)
Christopher Gilliam, Conductor
Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus
Centenary United Methodist Church
Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, based on texts from a Russian Orthodox ceremony, was an immediate success and is considered one of the composer’s crowning achievements. At this a capella concert, enjoy the first six movements of the Vigil.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
December 17, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus Chamber Singers
Centenary United Methodist Church
Handel’s Messiah is one of the most celebrated oratorios of all time, beloved for its beauty, drama, and its famous “Hallelujah” chorus. Composed at the height of Handel’s fame, Messiah’s premiere drew an overwhelming crowd; attendees were asked to leave swords and hoop skirts at home to make space.
CONCERT FOR COMMUNITY – FREE!
February 1, 2020 3:00 p.m.
Wait Chapel, Wake Forest University
The Symphony and Youth Symphony combine for a side-by-side performance with over 120 musicians! Includes concerto performances by the winners of the Peter Perret Youth Talent Search. Underwritten by the Montgomery/Tucker Charitable Fund.
Please note that all dates and programs are subject to change.
The Winston-Salem Symphony is grateful for generous funding from BB&T, Bell, Davis & Pitt, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem/Forsyth Country, the North Carolina Arts Council, and other dedicated sponsors.
About the Winston-Salem Symphony
The Winston-Salem Symphony, one of the Southeast’s most highly regarded regional orchestras, began its 72nd season in October 2018. The season will include performances featuring the five finalists for the Music Director position. Each candidate will conduct a pair of Classics Series concerts, and attendees will have a chance to play a role in the selection process. In addition, the 2018–2019 season will include a Plugged-In Pops series, Discovery Concerts for Kids series, an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, the Concert for Community featuring Winston-Salem Symphony and Youth Symphony musicians, holiday concerts, three youth orchestra ensembles, and a multitude of educational and community engagement programs, including the newest offering, the P.L.A.Y. (Piedmont Learning Academy for Youth) Music program providing, primarily to under-served youth, instrumental music instruction and more. The Symphony is supported by Season Presenting Sponsors BB&T and Bell, Davis & Pitt, P.A., as well as generous funding from the Arts Council of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, the North Carolina Arts Council, and other dedicated sponsors. For more information, visit WSsymphony.org.
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