Hickory – Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS), the professional orchestra of the western foothills of North Carolina, announces its 2023-2024 season, MUSIC FOR YOU. The 59th season features five classical Masterworks performances, three dynamic Foothills Pops concerts, four different music genres represented on the Crossroads series, new Discovery Family Concerts, numerous community events, and education concerts.
“This season, our concerts represent not only my varied musical interests, but also the diverse musical tastes in our community. From exceptional artistic experiences on our Masterworks Series to high-quality, fun, and family-friendly programming on our Foothills Pops and newly launched Discovery Family Concerts, WPS has something for all people that love live music,” stated music director Matthew Troy.
“We are thrilled to announce two new collaborative partners this season – the Catawba Science Center and the Hickory Museum of Art – to bring the new Discovery Family Concerts and the re-envisioned Crossroads series to life,” noted executive director Kelly Swindell. “We are grateful for the enduring generosity and support of the NC Arts Council, the United Arts Council of Catawba County, the City of Hickory, the NC Community Foundation, as well as our venue partners at Lenoir-Rhyne University, the SALT Block, and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, so that we can explore and experience these inspiring music performances together.”
“WPS creates a space for the community to experience captivating concerts featuring the exceptional talent of our guest artists and professional orchestra musicians. The talent that WPS brings to this region is truly second-to-none, and our community deserves the very highest artistic quality,” added Troy. “I am excited to extend an invitation to our entire community to be a part of the musical journey for the upcoming season. This truly is MUSIC FOR YOU!”
Listed below are some of the 2023 fall season highlights.
Saturday, September 16, 2023 – Foothills Pops: DISNEY IN CONCERT-A Dream is a Wish
DISNEY IN CONCERT-A Dream is a Wish transports audiences into the musical world of classic and contemporary Disney Animated Feature films to discover that dreams really do come true. The magic of Disney storytelling comes to life once again and reminds us anew that anything is possible, “… if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” Presentation authorized by Disney Concerts © All rights reserved.
7:30 p.m., J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir
Thursday, September 21, 2023 – Side/Show
An evening of free, intimate performances with WPS Musicians and Friends spanning many musical genres. Presented in partnership with the City of Hickory and the Downtown Hickory Art Crawl.
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Downtown Hickory
Saturday, October 21, 2023 – Masterworks: Other Worlds. Featuring Wu Man, pipa
Experience music like no other with the Silkroad Ensemble’s Wu Man, the world’s foremost pipa artist, performing the cinematic Concerto No. 2 for Pipa and Orchestra by Zhao Jiping. Also featured on the opening Masterworks program: Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture and the triumphant Pines of Rome by Respighi.
7:30 p.m., P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
Sunday, October 29, 2023 – Discovery Family Concert: Magical Spooktacular
Discover musical adventures of live symphonic music and explore the magic of Halloween and music. One-hour fun, family-themed concerts that delight all ages. Presented in partnership with Catawba Science Center.
3:00 p.m., P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
Thursday, November 2, 2023 – Crossroads: Low and Lower, cello/bass duo
If you like stringed instruments and comedy, you cannot miss this performance. A mash-up of artistry, virtuosity, and satire, developing a completely new genre in answer to the question, “Cello and bass … seriously?” Presented in conjunction with L.A.T.E. hours at Hickory Museum of Art.
7:30 p.m., Drendel Auditorium, the SALT Block, Hickory.
The WPS Box Office is located on the SALT Block at 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory, NC 28601. Box Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mon. – Fri. For more information about Western Piedmont Symphony, call 828-324-8603, visit wpsymphony.org, or email [email protected].
