An Important Audition! In 80 years of performing for our community, the Winston-Salem Symphony has only had a handful of Concertmasters. Fewer, even, than the number of Music Directors on our podium. As the musician who works most closely with the Music Director, the Concertmaster of the orchestra (called the “Leader” in the UK and
An Important Audition! Read More »
The Physics of Fortissimo Did you know that sound waves have a physical “speed limit” on Earth? In our atmosphere, a normal sound wave physically maxes out at 194 decibels. At that exact point, the sound wave creates a total vacuum in its troughs. Anything louder stops being an acoustic sound and becomes a physical kinetic
The Physics of Fortissimo Read More »
If one piece captures the spirit of American classical music in the mid-20th century, it might just be Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3.
The Sound of an American Moment Read More »
If you think the world feels politically anxious right now, imagine being a Jewish composer in Germany in 1933. That’s exactly where Kurt Weill found himself — and what he created on his way out the door is one of the most fascinatingly weird, sharp-elbowed pieces in the concert repertoire.
If you think the world feels politically anxious right now, imagine being a Jewish composer in Germany in 1933. That’s exactly where Kurt Weill found himself — and what he created on his way out the door is one of the most fascinatingly weird, sharp-elbowed pieces in the concert repertoire.
Seven Deadly Sins—and the Man Who Fled the Nazis to Write About Them. Read More »
Few pieces of music are as instantly recognizable — or as irresistibly exciting — as Georges Bizet’s Carmen. Whether you’re a lifelong opera devotee or someone who’s never set foot in an opera house, you already know this music. It’s in movies, commercials, figure skating routines, and pop songs. It’s everywhere — and for good reason
¡Olé! The Winston-Salem Symphony Brings Carmen to Life Read More »
A trombone with valves? In a recent episode of our fun new series, Just In Case (in which Winston-Salem Symphony musicians show us what’s inside their mysterious cases), WSS principal trombonist Brian French displayed the things he carries in his case for rehearsals and concerts. Then he showed how he could remove his valve if
A trombone with valves? Read More »
Tree sap in the cello case? In a recent episode of our fun new series, Just In Case (in which Winston-Salem Symphony musicians show us what’s inside their mysterious cases), WSS cellist Jennifer Alexandra Johnston showed us some of the things she keeps inside her case for rehearsals and concerts. But rosin (tree sap) was
Tree sap in the cello case? Read More »
Shhh! This post is about brass mutes! The latest episode of our fun new series, Just In Case (in which Winston-Salem Symphony musicians show us what’s inside their mysterious cases), features WSS trumpeter Ken Wilmot showing off the wide variety of “mutes” that he may need to use during the course of a season of
Shhh! This post is about brass mutes! Read More »
The delicate art of reed-making You may have seen our recent social media post featuring the kickoff to a fun new series, Just In Case, in which Winston-Salem Symphony musicians show us what’s inside their mysterious cases. In this episode, WSS principal oboist Claire Kostic displayed the interesting accoutrements inside her fancy backback case—including two
From the coffee houses of Vienna to the salons of Paris, from the tea rooms of London to the theatres of Broadway—in this concert, let music take you around the world.
Around the World in 80 Minutes Read More »
The Symphony Chorus shines in this unique setting of the liturgical text. Joined by bluegrass stars Hank, Pattie and the Current, your spirit is sure to smile as down-home rhythms and sparkling fiddle and mandolin add a new texture to choral tradition.
Music blossoms in this early spring concert featuring principal musicians Kathryn Levy and Brooks Whitehouse, front-and-center.
Get out your Walkman and enjoy a Mixtape dedicated to you—and only you—from your Winston-Salem Symphony.
Live from the Moravian Music Foundation, Beethoven’s “Pastoral “ Symphony is presented as a string sextet, plus a rarely heard Beethoven work for four trombones.
Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Sextet Read More »
Kick off the holiday season with big band jazz from The Ramkat! We’ll unwrap Christmas one carol at a time. Martha Bassett guests.
A Carolina Christmas: Unwrapped! Read More »
November 15, 2020
Music by Copland, Dvořák, and Winston-Salem’s own Dan Locklair create a sonic canvas of the American experience.
American Landscapes Read More »
October 24, 2020
Our first Stage Pass concert, and our first performance since the start of the pandemic. Socially distanced and safely online, Rossini, Clyne, and Haydn fire up an autumn evening.
