While it may seem like the entire world is glued to the “big game” this Sunday, there are some other things happening over the next few days as well. We’re kicking off this edition of FanFare with Rachmaninoff and making our way down the field with Mozart, so you might want to score some tickets now!
Rachmaninoff Vespers
The Charlotte Master Chorale* under the direction of Dr. Kenney Potter will be performing Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Vespers on Friday, February 6th at First United Methodist Church (501 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) and Saturday, February 7th at Davidson College Presbyterian Church (100 N. Main Street, Davidson). Composed in the winter of 1915 with texts taken from the Russian Orthodox All-Night Vigil, this beautiful and meditative work was one Rachmaninoff’s personal favorites. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. February 6-7.
Idomeneo
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)* presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s deeply emotional 1781 opera, Idomeneo, at High Point Theater (220 E. Commerce Avenue, High Point), February 6th, 8th, and 10th. Performed in Italian, the opera tells the story of the shipwrecked King Idomeneo of Crete making a pact with Neptune: If the god delivers Idomeneo home, he will sacrifice the first person he sees on his arrival. That happens to be his son, Idamante. Awkward. Meanwhile, Idamante is caught up in a love triangle with two princesses, so he has problems either way. February 6-10.
Broadway in Boone
The Appalachian Theater (559 W. King Street, Boone) is celebrating Valentine’s Day a little early with Broadway in Love on Friday, February 6th at 7:30 p.m. Real-life Broadway couple Libby Servais (Wicked) and Stephan Stubbins (Mary Poppins) will perform show-stopping hits from Phantom of the Opera, Frozen, Jersey Boys, and more, in this romantic concert filled with humor and heart. February 6.
Ogre Achiever
Cain Center for the Arts (21348 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius) invites kids of all ages to get reacquainted with everyone’s favorite green ogre in Shrek The Musical Jr., February 6th through 14th. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and hit Broadway musical, this irreverently fun show follows a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. February 6-14.
Second Chances
Little Theatre of Winston-Salem is staging a production of Clyde’s at Hanesbrands Theatre (209 N. Spruce Street, Winston-Salem), February 6th through 15th. Lynn Nottage’s uplifting play follows a group of formerly incarcerated individuals attempting to put their lives back together while working at a truck stop. As they strive to build the perfect sandwich, they’re also building community. Contains some adult language. February 6-15.
PuppetPalooza Do-Over
Due to last weekend’s snow storm, PuppetPalooza has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 7th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at ImaginOn (300 E. 7th Street, Charlotte). The third annual festival is an all-ages celebration of the joy and art of puppetry. The free event will feature more than a dozen participating troupes and organizations, with shows running all day, and a puppet parade. February 7.
American Adventures
Christopher James Lees will be leading the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra in a musical celebration of America’s 250th birthday at Sullivan Middle School Auditorium (1825 Eden Terrace, Rock Hill, SC) on Saturday, February 7th at 7:30 p.m. American Adventures will feature iconic works by Samuel Barber and Aaron Copland, as well as an RHSO commission called “Champions Come to Rock Hill,” and the world premiere of a new work for Flute and Orchestra by Jeremy Lamb, featuring Victor Wang, Principal Flute of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. A pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 p.m. February 7.
Dog Days of Winter
We’re all too familiar with the “dog days of summer” around here. The Whitewater Center (5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte) is celebrating the Dog Days of Winter on Saturday, February 7th. Take your canine companion to enjoy a full day of activities including a 5K trail race or 1-mile walk, dogs on ice (yes, really), bark buffet, frisbee demos, adoption events, training clinics, vendors, and more. February 7.
GSO Make-Up Date
Winter weather got in the way of this concert back on January 24th. The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra will now be presenting Romantic Masterpieces at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts (300 N. Elm Street, Greensboro) on Tuesday, February 10th at 7:30 p.m. Led by conductor Christopher Dragon and featuring violinist Marjorie Bagley, the program includes the Academic Festival Overture by Johannes Brahms, The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. February 10.
Assad Brothers Say Farewell
After 60 years of sharing their guitar virtuosity with the world, Sergio and Odair Assad are bringing their farewell tour to the Sandra Levine Theater at Queens University’s Gambrell Center* (2310 Wellesley Avenue, Charlotte) on Wednesday, February 11th at 7 p.m. The Brazilian-born brothers will perform a classical guitar concert of folk, Latin, jazz, and Baroque music including pieces by Bach, Rameau, and Scarlatti. February 11.
Scandinavian Sounds
Davidson College* welcomes Skye Consort to Sloan Music Center’s Tyler-Tallman Recital Hall (323 Concord Road, Davidson) on Tuesday, February 11th at 7:30 p.m. Led by Swedish singer Emma Björling, the Canadian folk quartet perform on a variety of instruments, including violin, cello, fiddle, bouzouki, bass, and the 16-string Scandinavian nyckelharpa. Their repertoire spans Scandinavia, French Canada, Ireland, and the British Isles. February 11.
One Play, Two Theaters
Theatre Charlotte* (501 Queens Road, Charlotte) and Independent Picture House (4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte) are both presenting Annie Baker’s play, The Flick. Winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The Flick is set in one of the last movie theaters in Massachusetts still projecting 35mm films. The heartfelt story pays tribute to the power of movies and addresses the human need for authentic connection. February 12-15 (Theatre Charlotte); February 19-21 (Independent Picture House).
New Bookstore Alert!
Heads up, readers! Gaston County has a new bookstore. Parsifal Books & Coffee is now open at 106 E. First Street, Suite B in Lowell. They offer new and gently used books with a focus on classic literature, along with coffee, nut-free snacks, a kids section, and an inviting outdoor patio. The store is a non-profit and all proceeds support St. John the Baptist Academy in Gastonia and the educational mission of MindFull Practices, Inc. Open Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sips & Nibbles
- 13th Annual Wine About Winter: Visit participating local shops, restaurants, and businesses in downtown Salisbury while tasting wines from around the world and Rowan County’s very own wineries. 21+ only, ID required. February 6.
- Cheers for Chocolate Festival: Sample decadent chocolate creations from local businesses and enjoy live entertainment during this day of dun and flavor at Holly Mill Mall in Burlington. February 7.
- Big Elkin BrrrFest + Soupin’ for Shelter: Warm up at this indoor winter celebration featuring beers from local craft brewers, live music, and tasty soups (benefitting The Ark) at Coley Hall in downtown Elkin. February 7.
More concerts, theater performances, art exhibits, other engaging activities are always showing up on the WDAV Events Calendar, so check it often. And be sure to come back for another edition of FanFare next Thursday!
FanFare is made possible in part by:
*Disclosure: Charlotte Master Chorale, UNCSA, Gambrell Center, Davidson College, and Theatre Charlotte are WDAV underwriters.