This month, the Charlotte Symphony is shining a spotlight on the contributions of Black composers and artists in classical music. We'll share notable performances of works by Black composers, the history of Black pioneers in classical music, and composers/artists of today that are enriching the classical music scene and inspiring countless future musicians. 

Lift Every Voice on WDAV

Join WDAV in celebrating contributions Black and African-American artists have made to classical music. Hosted by Charlotte Symphony bassoonist Joshua Hood, Lift Every Voice is a four-episode, hour-long series that will air throughout the month of February. Learn More

 

Upcoming Concerts Featuring Black Artists & Composers

  

Havana Nights Feb. 21 & 22 | 7:30 PM | Knight Theater The Charlotte Symphony heats up the Knight Theater with a sultry and passionate evening of Latin music from Spain and the island of Cuba. Star soprano Camille Zamora, hailed as "a leading interpreter of classical Spanish song" (NBC Latino and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus), captivates alongside the exciting Afro-Cuban rhythms of the Mambo Kings.

 

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 March 7 & 8 | 7:30 PM | Belk Theater Music Director Kwamé Ryan returns to conduct the U.S. Premiere of Adam Walters's The Downfall of Gaius Verres alongside Respighi's vibrant Roman Festivals. Acclaimed pianist Louis Schwizgebel performs Rachmaninoff's demanding and expressive Piano Concerto No. 2.

 

Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 April 4 & 5 | 7:30 PM | Knight Theater Experience Andre Raphel lead Beethoven's spirited and joyful Symphony No. 8, showcasing the composer's playful side. "Remarkable virtuoso" (The New Yorker) Edgar Meyer returns to the Charlotte Symphony to perform two concertos for double bass.

 

Bernstein & Copland May 16-18 | Knight Theater Conductor Laureate Christopher Warren-Green returns to lead the CSO in twentieth-century works, from Bernstein to Rachmaninoff, in the season finale. Acclaimed clarinetist Anthony McGill, hailed for his "trademark brilliance, penetrating sound and rich character" (The New York Times), performs Copland's lyrical and jazz-inspired Clarinet Concerto.

CSO Musicians in Performance

 

Scott Joplin's "Solace" Sarah Markle, cello; Jeremy Lamb, cello; & Taddes Korris, bass

Florence Price's "Elfentanz" Kari Giles, asst. concertmaster & Mark Lewis, piano

   

Spotlight on Black Composers