We all like to hear a good story, and the Salisbury Symphony has a season of musical stories to share.
“A Season of Musical Stories” begins on Saturday, October 8, with “Great” Legends, a concert played by the North Carolina Symphony. The story of this evening could begin with something like, “It was a dark and stormy night,” as the first piece on the program is “Night on Bald Mountain” by Mussorgsky. Other popular pieces on the program are the Suite from Peer Gynt by Grieg and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9, “The Great.” Historic Salisbury Foundation and three area hotels (Holiday Inn, Comfort Suites, and Hampton Inn) have created special packages for out-of-town visitors. WDAV 89.9 FM is the media sponsor for this exciting season-opener.
Director David Hagy conducts the Salisbury Symphony’s first concert — Picture Books — on Saturday, November 19. Audiences will thrill to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Dvorak’s Symphony 9, “From the New World.” Four violinists from the orchestra will be featured: Daniel Skidmore, Allison Willet, Richard Wohlman, and Sarah Womack. The concert will take place in Varick Auditorium on the Livingstone College campus. Because of the large screens on either side of the stage, the symphony is able to partner with the Landtrust for Central North Carolina to incorporate photos of our area’s exquisite natural scenes in the program. Bill and Nancy Stanback, known for their strong support of environmental programs, are the concert sponsors.
Playful Masterpieces is the title of the February 11 concert. Bartok’s Divertimento for Strings and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 are on the program with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, masterfully played by pianist Jesse Davis. Mr. Davis has performed around the world, while calling North Carolina home, and we are fortunate to be on his performance schedule this season. Cloninger Ford/Toyota/Scion is the Concert Sponsor.
The Salisbury Symphony always includes a Family Concert in the season. Sunday afternoon, March 11, is the date of this year’s Children’s Hour. In addition to showcasing the All-County Fifth Grade Honors Chorus, theatre students at Carson High School will act as narrators for several of the delightful musical stories included on this program. As always, “family-priced” tickets are available at the door.
A Pops Concert will conclude the season on a “light” note: American Light Classics is the name of the concert, scheduled for May 19. Paul Oakley is the featured piano soloist, playing Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” Variations. Well-known in this area and beyond as both a performer and a professor, he is director of choral, vocal and sacred music studies at Catawba College. Maestro Hagy, with his flair for surprises, promises music that will make you smile!
In addition to the Salisbury Symphony’s regular season, they will present the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” in two performances on December 17 and 18, with Piedmont Dance Theatre. This collaboration has developed a reputation for a light, humorous approach to this classic musical story in a production as professional and impressive as those staged in large cities. Tickets for reserved seating are now on sale.
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For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.salisburysymphony.org.or, call 704-637-4314.