The Charlotte Symphony will offer a season of Symphony 101 talks led by music educator Anna Brock at 9:00 am at the Matthews Branch and at 12:15 pm at the Main Branch of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County on the first Monday of each month.

These free, informal talks provide guests with an opportunity to learn more about the music performed by the Charlotte Symphony. Guests who attend the talks will receive a 10% off coupon for any upcoming Charlotte Symphony Friday Classics Concerts.

Registration is not required. Guests may bring their lunch to the Main Library talks. For more information, contact Chris Stonnell at 704-972-2003 ext. 238.

Symphony 101
2007-08 Season

Anna Brock, Hostess

LOCATIONS

Matthew Branch at 9:00 am
Matthews Town Center
230 Matthews Street Station

Main Library at 12:15 pm
310 North Tryon Street
(entrance on 6th Street)
(located between 6th and 7th Streets)

Monday, Nov. 5^th The French Horn and The Firebird: We’ll learn about the French Horn Concertos of Mozart and Strauss first hand from one of the Charlotte Symphony’s horn players.  It’s the 125^th birth year of Stravinsky, so we’ll celebrate by learning about his “Firebird” Ballet. 

Monday, Dec. 3^rd Great Christmas Music isn’t just about carols. There’s ballet (The Nutcracker), and opera (Amahl and the Night Visitors), too!  We’ll take at look both and the important role that the orchestra plays in these productions.

Monday, Jan. 7^th Music of the Early 20^th Century: We’ll begin with early American impressionism as heard in American composer Charles Griffes’s White Peacock, then explore the Russian sounds of Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra and Shostakovich’s powerful Symphony No. 5.

Monday Feb. 4^th Handel’s Saul: Where can you find a story about a young warrior, a witch, and a mad king?  In  Shakespeare?  No, it’s all in the biblical story of King Saul.  It’s also the basis of Handel’s work for orchestra, soloists, and chorus – his second oratorio, Saul.

Monday, March 3^rd Great Violin Concertos: Get acquainted with two of the greatest works for solo violin and orchestra ever written. Beethoven’s profound Concerto in D, and the fast, light, and romantic violin concerto by Mendelssohn.

Monday, April 7^th Great Songs: What have Broadway Musicals and Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony in common? They’re based on songs. We’ll talk about the song “Goin’ Home” from the Dvorak, and the vocal talents of Broadway superstar Audra McDonald.

Monday, May 5^th Carmina Burana is a 1930’s work for choir, soloists, two pianos, percussion and orchestra that could be mistaken for exciting movie music! What a way to end the Symphony season!

The Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning, supports Smart Connections, a partnership of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, The Mint Museums and the Charlotte Symphony.