The tax deadline is looming, and I’m almost done with mine. If you’ve already filed your return, you can direct your attention to the much more pleasant activities in this week’s edition of FanFare. Let’s start with Beethoven at the Belk!
Beethoven at the Belk
Led by guest conductor Stephanie Rhodes Russell, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra* is bringing Beethoven back to Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), April 10th and 11th at 7:30 p.m. The program will include Marianne Martines’ Sinfonia in C Major. The Charlotte Master Chorale joins the CSO for the U.S. premiere of The Years, Anna Clynes’ musical response to the 2020 pandemic. And the evening culminates with Ludwig van Beethoven’s heroic Piano Concerto No. 5, the “Emperor Concerto,” featuring renowned pianist Inon Barnatan. April 10-11.
Students on Stage
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)* presents stage productions of two classic plays over the next week at Catawba Theater (1533 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem). Examining the decline of Russian aristocracy, Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard runs April 10th through 18th. Then, William Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida willtransport you to the final days of the Trojan War, April 11th through 19th. April 10-19.
Verdi’s Requiem
Conductor Christopher Dragon leads the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts (300 N. Elm Street, Greensboro) on Saturday, April 11th at 7:30 p.m. This masterpiece is one of the most powerful works ever composed. The second movement, Dies Irae, never fails to make my hair stand on end. Don’t miss this one. April 11.
Guitar for Good
One of WDAV’s favorite musicians is headed to Hickory. Internationally renowned classical guitarist Alan Mearns will perform a concert of Baroque, Romantic, and Spanish masterpieces at Drendel Auditorium (243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory) on Saturday, April 11th at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Women’s Resource Center and there are two levels of admission. Tickets for the concert only are $50. VIP Experience tickets are $100 and include a 45-minute wine reception and meet & greet with Alan Mearns starting at 6:45 pm. April 11.
Malek + Mahler
The UNCSA* Symphony Orchestra brings two big works to Brendle Recital Hall (1775 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem) on Saturday, April 11th at 7:30. The evening begins with the U.S. premiere of Syrian-American composer and UNCSA alumnus Malek Jandali’s Symphony No. 5. Conductor James Allbritten also leads the orchestra in Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. The angelic last movement, “A Vision of Heaven,” will be interpreted by UNCSA student Claire Griffin. April 11.
Old Timey Music
This year marks the 40th anniversary of New Ballard’s Branch Bogtrotters. The old-time band from Galax, Virginia, is coming to the Tyler Tallman Recital Hall at Davidson College’s* Sloan Music Center on Saturday, April 11th at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Music Department’s Traditional Series. The beloved group has performed at the Smithsonian Folk Festival, the Kennedy Center, and the Chicago Folk Festival. April 11.
Magnificent Music
Lake Norman Orchestra returns to First Presbyterian Church (308 W. Fisher Street, Salisbury) on Sunday, April 12th at 2 p.m. Their free concert will include Elmer Bernstein’s The Magnificent Seven, George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (with pianist Teresa de Frietas), highlights from Wicked, the Berceuse and Finale from Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird, and more. April 12.
An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma
With more than 120 albums and 19 Grammy Awards to his credit, Yo-Yo Ma hardly needs any introduction. The cellist is coming to the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts (300 N. Elm Street, Greensboro) on Tuesday, April 14th at 7:30 p.m. In An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma: Reflections in Words and Music, Yo-Yowill pair musical repertoire with reflections on how it has shaped his thinking about art, human nature, and our search for meaning. April 14.
Bach & Brews
The Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra returns to Hoppin’ Rock Hill (110 Southern Street, Rock Hill, SC) for Bach & Brews on Tuesday, April 14th. Grab a cold one as the RHSO performs a fun and varied program including Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Percy Grainger’s Molly on the Shore and Irish Tune from County Derry, Gaetano Donizetti’s Allegro in C Major, as well as Quincy Jones’ iconic Soul Bossa Nova, and a Paul Simon arrangement of Johann Sebastian Bach. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert begins at 7:30 p.m., and your $25 ticket includes a $5 tap credit. Cheers! April 14.
Wilkommen
UNC Charlotte’s Departments of Theatre, Music, and Dance* invite you to experience the heady nightlife of Jazz Age Berlin as they present the classic Tony Award-winning musical, Cabaret, at Robinson Hall, Anne R. Belk Theatre (9027 Marry Alexander Road, Charlotte), April 16th through 19th. Due to its mature content, the show is recommended for ages 13 and up. April 16-19.
Looking Ahead…
Tickets just went on sale for Titanic: The Exhibition, which is coming to the Park Expo & Conference Center (2500 E. Independence Boulevard, Charlotte) beginning Friday, May 15th. This immersive experience takes you aboard the famous ship with authentic artifacts, realistic recreations of the vessel’s interior and exterior, and a Virtual Reality component. The visit lasts about one hour, and adult tickets start at $29.50. Kids under 4 get in free. From May 15.
Savoring Spring
- University City Wine Festival: Enjoy more than 100 wines from over 25 wineries, plus cocktails, craft beers, and ciders at Charlotte’s Shoppes at University Place. April 11.
- Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale: Get your spring garden started withplenty of perennials, annuals, vegetables, natives, and houseplants at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Mecklenburg Country Center in Charlotte. April 11.
- UNC Science Expo: More than 100 hands-on activities and science demonstrations led by STEM students, researchers, and practitioners from UNC-Chapel Hill at Morehead Planetarium. April 11.
- Charlotte Chili Cook-Off: Local chefs will battle it out on this savory, spicy Sunday at Lenny Boy Brewing in Charlotte. April 12.
- Wing Haven Spring Plant Sales: Stroll through Wing Haven’s beautiful gardens in Charlotte and find some inspiration for your own. Free admission. April 16-18.
- Come-See-Me-Festival: 10-day festival with parades, frog jumping, fireworks, road race, barbecue cook-off, live music, kids’ activities, and lots of food in Rock Hill. April 16-25.
Remember, the WDAV Events Calendar has more things for you to see, hear, and do. Until next week!
FanFare is made possible in part by:
*Disclosure: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, UNCSA, Davidson College, and UNC Charlotte are WDAV underwriters.