Piedmont Arts

Jessica Cottis will be the guest conductor for concerts by the Charlotte Symphony. The program will feature Kurt Weill's The Seven Deadly Sins with soprano Lindsay Kesselman, Ravel's Piano Concerto in G with pianist Stewart Goodyear, and works by Stravinsky and Jessie Montgomery. Cottis talks about how this program of 20th and 21st century works came together and why they make a compelling grouping. She also talks about her passion for sharing classical music with young listeners and mentoring the next generation of women conductors. Learn more about the Charlotte Symphony's Ravel Piano Concerto Concert Pictured: Jessica Cottis by Kaupo Kikkas/courtesy of jessicacottis.com Jessica Cottis, conductor

The Winston-Salem Symphony is kicking off its 75th anniversary year with concerts called "Celebrate!" Sharing conducting duties are Karen Ni Bhroin, the symphony’s Assistant Conductor, and Grammy winner JoAnn Falletta, one of the most renowned conductors working in the world today. The two talk about the environment for women in classical music today compared to the past. They also talk about the importance and benefits of expanding the concert repertoire to include works by lesser-known composers. Learn more about "Celebrate" Pictured JoAnn Falletta (photo by Heather Bellini) and Karen Ni Bhroin. JoAnn Falletta Karen Ni Bhroin

Seventy years ago, a group of Charlotte singers founded the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte to perform great choral masterpieces. Today that organization is known as Charlotte Master Chorale, but regardless of name, they remain an important institution in the cultural life of our region performing often throughout the year. Artistic director Dr. Kenney Potter talks about celebrating this important milestone with a season of concert repertoire that ranges from beloved classics to newer, diverse works, some written specifically for Charlotte Master Chorale. And he talks about the organization’s mission to inspire unity in our community through music. Learn more about Christmas with the Charlotte Master Chorale

Cellist Tanja Bechtler and arranger Adam Watkins speak about their concert of Beatles tunes arranged as chamber music. The two also discuss the collaborative process that resulted in the arrangements they perform, as well as the enduring appeal of The Beatles’ music to multiple generations. Learn more about the Beatles with the Bechtler Ensemble concert at Queens University

Guest conductor Roderick Cox talks about how he chose the music for his program with the Charlotte Symphony, and why the Brahms Serenade No. 2 is particularly close to his heart. He also describes the Roderick Cox Music Initiative, a project that provides scholarships for young musicians of color from underrepresented communities. In only two years, the Initiative has been able to award thousands of dollars to help young artists pursue their dreams. Pictured: Roderick Cox; photo by Susie Knoll. Roderick Cox , conductor

The NoteWorthy concert series is presented by WDAV in partnership with the FAIR PLAY Music Equity Alliance . The series brings together gifted Black and brown artists from the Charlotte music scene with classical musicians for some genre-blending, community building music. Charlotte composer and musician Harvey Cummings II is featured in the series. He talks with WDAV about his enjoyment of arranging string parts for his jazz compositions and about the value of collaborating with musicians from other genres. Harvey Cummings II

The Sacred Veil , a relatively new work by acclaimed American composer Eric Whitacre and librettist Charles Anthony Silvestri, explores the loss of a loved one to cancer. Caritas Artistic Director, Cathy Youngblood, explains why Caritas A Capella Ensemble of Charlotte chose to present this work. She walks us through the composition providing insight into ways the music addresses human grief and love.

Deanna Tham is the music director of the Union Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony is kicking off its 2021 - 2022 season with an in-person concert featuring Juilliard trained soprano Gina Gutierrez in a program called “The Symphonic Voice.” Maestro Tham talks about the upcoming season and the important role the orchestra plays in the cultural fabric of Union County.

In 2018, Opera Carolina stepped out of its comfort zone to present the powerful rhythm & blues opera I Dream , a fictional chronicle of the final days of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s life. Now I Dream returns for performances at the Belk Theatre in Charlotte. We revisit an interview before the premier with James Meena, general director and principal conductor of Opera Carolina. He talks about his aspirations for this new work. You’ll also hear from composer Douglas Tappin about how his musical hybrid is ideal for telling the story of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Chamber Music For All, founded by violinists Monica Boboc and Calin Lupanu, launches their Fall season with an in person concert – their first since February 2020 – featuring piano trios by Brahms and Arensky. Calin Lupanu talks about what life has been like for musicians during the pandemic, and about his anticipation of returning to live in-person performances.