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Weekend In Virtual Entertainment: Charlotte Symphony, Boom Festival, Opera Carolina & More!

Apr 17, 2020

By Gwendolyn Glenn, WFAE 

Although members of the Charlotte Symphony won't be performing live anytime soon because of the coronavirus pandemic, they are doing something special for the public through a virtual performance that includes many moving parts. But they're not the only ones going virtual. There's the Boom Festival, Opera Carolina and others. Joining WFAE's "All Things Considered" host Gwendolyn Glenn for this edition of Weekend In Entertainment is Matt Olin, co-founder of Charlotte Is Creative.  

Gwendolyn Glenn: Hi Matt.

Matt Olin: Hi Gwen. 

Glenn: The Charlotte Symphony's virtual performance is called "A Symphony A Part" for fans sheltering in place. Tell us about it.

Olin: Yes. So the musicians will be playing the fifth movement of Beethoven's masterpiece at the same time -- but apart from one another. Some of them may be on a sidewalk in front of their home or at their kitchen table with the window open or maybe on their front porch in NoDa. 

Glenn: Hence the symphony "apart?"

Olin: That's exactly right. And so that's different from what a lot of symphonies are doing around the world, which, you know, they typically record themselves separately and then piece it together. But the symphony here in Charlotte, they're gonna be on a tightrope with no net. And that, I think, is intended to underscore this idea that sheltering in place is important. But also music can help us overcome fear. 

Glenn: And when will everyone be able to see the finished product?

Olin: Videos of the individual performances will be available at asymphonyapart.com, #CSOatHome, and facebook.com/CLTSymphonyMusicians on April 20.

Listen here