Beethoven's Symphony No. 5

October 24-26, 2025 | Knight Theater

Beethoven's Fifth Symphony -- an electrifying masterpiece and one of the most iconic works in classical music -- takes audiences on a captivating journey from darkness to triumph, propelled by the famous four-note theme of fate knocking at the door.

Respighi's Pines of Rome

November 14 & 15, 2025 | Belk Theater

Duruflé's Requiem intertwines medieval melodies and Gregorian chant with lush, impressionistic harmonies, igniting an evening of passion and beauty with a deeply spiritual and introspective atmosphere. Respighi's colorful tone poems transport audiences into the heart of the Eternal City, painting a vivid picture of the lush landscapes and sparkling fountains that inspired the composer's sense of belonging in his newly adopted home.  

Dvořák's New World Symphony 

March 27-29, 2026 | Knight Theater

Soprano Janai Brugger joins Music Director Kwamé Ryan and the Orchestra for works exploring themes of home, nostalgia, and longing, including "The Trees on the Mountain" from Floyd's Susannah and Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The evening culminates with Dvořák's "New World" Symphony.

Copland & Kahane

May 15 & 16, 2026 | Knight Theater

The season concludes with a deeply personal and poignant reflection on the meaning of home. As part of the CSO Spotlight Series, Artistic Partner Gabriel Kahane's emergency shelter intake form delivers a powerful oratorio-style work that explores homelessness from multiple perspectives, featuring a choir of community members directly touched by homelessness, eviction, or housing insecurity.

Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony

October 17 & 18, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Knight Theater

Follow the musical journey of Dolly Parton's life in a new multimedia symphonic experience. The country music star's iconic songs are reimagined and the stories behind them are vividly brought to life with Dolly on screen as her personally selected guest vocalists join the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra to perform her beloved hits, including "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "I Will Always Love You."

Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas

December 12 & 13, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Knight Theater

Experience the tapestry of home with a celebration of North Carolina's rich musical heritage at Holiday Pops. Sounds of bluegrass, blues, and gospel converge in traditional holiday songs -- honoring our ties to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas -- that feel uniquely like Carolina. 

The Music of Motown

January 23 & 24, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Knight Theater

Get down to the irresistible rhythms of Detroit's iconic pop-soul sound. Delight in the uplifting pop harmonies and driving beats of smash hits made famous by The Temptations, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and more -- that's the magic of Motown! 

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

February 27 & 28 | 7:30 PM | Knight Theater

The world's top ABBA tribute band joins your CSO to perform the iconic songs of a generation. "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia," "Waterloo," "S.O.S.," "Take a Chance on Me," and many more will have you dancing in the aisles. If you enjoyed Mamma Mia, you'll love The Concert!

Pirates of the Caribbean in Concert

October 3, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Ovens Auditorium
October 4, 2025 | 3:00 PM | Ovens Auditorium

Come along on a swashbuckling cinematic adventure as Will Turner and the charismatic pirate Captain Jack Sparrow join forces to rescue Elizabeth Swann from the clutches of the infamous crew of the Black Pearl. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra brings the legendary score to life as the entire feature-length film plays on the big screen.

Home Alone in Concert

November 28, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Belk Theater
November 29, 2025 | 3:00 PM | Belk Theater

A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams's charming and delightful score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra as the entire feature-length film plays on the big screen. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family. 

Encanto in Concert

March 20, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Belk Theater
March 21, 2026 | 3:00 PM | Belk Theater

Telling the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Colombia, Walt Disney Animation Studios' Academy Award®-winning film Encanto comes to life in a cinematic experience. Watch the entire feature-length film on the big screen at Belk Theater as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs the score live on stage.

Black Panther in Concert

June 5, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Belk Theater
June 6, 2026 | 3:00 PM | Belk Theater

Witness T'Challa become king of and battle Killmonger in the profound and action-packed 2018 Marvel film that introduced the world to Wakanda. Experience Ryan Coogler's entire feature-length film on the big screen as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs Ludwig Göransson's Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live on stage.

Peter and the Wolf

October 18, 2025 | 11:00 AM | Knight Theater

Prokofiev's timeless musical tale brings storytelling to life as each character -- Peter, his animal friends, and the cunning wolf -- is represented by a different instrument in the orchestra. With lively narration and colorful orchestration, this beloved classic is the perfect way to introduce young audiences to the magic of music.  

Holiday Pops Family

December 13, 2025 | 11:00 AM | Knight Theater

Celebrate the season with Charlotte's favorite holiday tradition! Experience the magic of the holidays as the Charlotte Symphony brings beloved carols and festive favorites to life. With sparkling arrangements, heartwarming melodies, and special appearances from Santa and friends, this joyful concert is sure to bring holiday cheer to the whole family! 

The Orchestra Games

January 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM | Knight Theater

Get into the Olympic spirit early with this fun, family-friendly concert! Before the world turns its eyes to the Winter Games in Italy, meet the instruments of the Orchestra as they compete in musical events of their own -- from the low-note limbo to the fast-note dash and the endurance marathon. Cheer on the strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion as they show off their unique strengths and personalities. Let the games begin! 

CLASSICAL KIDS LIVE!

Beethoven Lives Upstairs

February 28, 2026 | 11:00 AM | Knight Theater

History, drama, and music come to life through a lively exchange of letters between young Christoph and his uncle about the "madman" upstairs -- Beethoven himself. As Christoph learns about the composer's genius and struggles, audiences are captivated by the master's music, including the Moonlight Sonata, Für Elise, and the great Fifth and Ninth Symphonies. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors share their anecdotes and observations based on true incidents from the composer's life. 

Beethoven 360

November 7 & 8, 2025 | Booth Playhouse

Step into the mind of a genius. This unique concert experience places the audience up close, surrounding the Orchestra as they perform excerpts from Beethoven's earlier music -- tracing his journey -- and culminating in a full performance of his buoyant and ebullient Symphony No. 8.

Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross

November 21 & 22, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Knight Theater

Feel the warmth and romance of Luther Vandross's timeless songs -- like "Here and Now," "Dance with My Father," and "A House Is Not a Home" -- sung with Studdard's signature velvet voice and backed by the power of the Charlotte Symphony. 

Majestic Brass & Organ

November 30, 2025 | 7:30 PM | First United Methodist Church Charlotte

Let the brilliant sounds of brass and organ lift your spirit this holiday season. The Charlotte Symphony's brass section joins forces with a guest organist for a festive program of timeless carols and holiday favorites.

Festival of Lights

December 18, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Knight Theater

Celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with an uplifting evening of music, light, and community. This festive concert brings together voices from Charlotte's Jewish communities for a heartwarming night filled with the spirit of the Festival of Lights -- featuring cantors and a children's choir from local congregations, music from across the centuries, and a lively sing-along of favorite Hanukkah songs.

Cirque de Noël

December 19-21, 2025 | Knight Theater

The magic of Cirque de Noël returns! Experience jaw-dropping feats as aerialists soar high above the orchestra, alongside awe-inspiring acrobatics set to your favorite holiday music. With thrilling new acts and beloved favorites, this annual event is sure to fill your family with the wonder and joy of the holiday season. 

Mozart 360

February 20 & 21 | Booth Playhouse

Gather around the Orchestra for a deep dive into the music of Mozart in this intimate, in-the-round concert. Framed by the opening and final movements of Symphony No. 41, the program moves through his early works and iconic musical moments from Don Giovanni and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, offering a rare, up-close perspective on the music and the musicians who bring it to life.