WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (March 10, 2020) – The Winston-Salem Symphony announced its 2020–21 season on Saturday, March 7. The upcoming season is new Music Director Timothy Redmond’s premiere season of programming and includes Classics concerts celebrating everything from Mahler’s Sixth Symphony to Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, and a striking concert featuring Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto, among others. This season, world-renowned guest artists for the Classics Series include Steven Moeckel (violin), Orion Weiss (piano), and Awadagin Pratt (piano). Pops concerts will have attendees dancing in their seats to a range of musical styles from gospel music to the music of James Bond. Cirque de la Symphonie returns this year for a high-flying, acrobatic A Carolina Christmas. Celebrated and not-to-be-missed Pops guest artists performing next season include the legendary CeCe Winans and Latin rock stars Los Lobos.
As part of the 2020-21 season, the Winston-Salem Symphony is launching the Ignite Family Series, which is an interactive experience created for the whole family. Combining the narrative of theater with the magic of music, three concerts have been specifically designed to entertain and inspire listeners of all ages.
“I am extremely excited about our 2020–21 season,” said Redmond. “This is my first opportunity as the Music Director of the Winston-Salem Symphony to program the full season. I think you’ll find the selection of music to be varied, exciting, and dynamic. Our offerings will appeal to a wide variety of tastes and include everything from the beauty of Beethoven and Elgar to the unique artistry of CeCe Winans and Los Lobos. I’m also excited about the new Ignite Family Series, which will not only be great fun for the whole family but will also give me a chance to introduce my brother to the Winston-Salem community. He will be performing with me for My Great Orchestral Adventure, which we are bringing to you from the Royal Albert Hall in London.”
“We have made an important change to our Classics Series concert schedule this season,” said E. Merritt Vale, Winston-Salem Symphony President & CEO. “Starting with the 2020-21 season, Classics Series concerts will be held on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon rather than Sunday afternoon and Tuesday night. We realize this is a big change and did not come to it lightly. The decision is the result of 18 months of professionally facilitated focus groups and many hours of discussions with subscribers, musicians, supporters, and artistic partners.”
“This change will enable us to offer a higher quality of musicianship, more exceptional guest artists, and unmatched Saturday night experiences in Winston-Salem’s thriving downtown,” Vale continued. “The Saturday evening performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. and will be full Classics Series concerts with all of the great music you have come to expect from the Winston-Salem Symphony. The orchestra will play the exact same program again on Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. By tightening the concert cycles, we will further elevate your artistic experiences and be able to present you with the very best guest artists. You can look forward to exciting pre- and post-concert dining experiences and social events both in the Stevens Center and in downtown Winston-Salem.”
Existing subscribers can renew their subscriptions now through May 1 by mail or by calling the Symphony Box Office at 336-464-0145. Those interested in becoming new subscribers can purchase subscriptions online now at wssymphony.org or by calling the Symphony Box Office at 336-464-0145. Tickets to individual concerts will go on sale July 14, 2020.
The Winston-Salem Symphony 2020–21 Season
Classics Series
Classics Location: Stevens Center of the UNC School of the Arts, 405 W. Fourth Street in downtown Winston-Salem.
Opening Weekend: Masquerade
SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
Steven Moeckel, Violin
Anna Clyne Masquerade
Haydn Symphony No. 104, London
Elgar Concerto for Violin in B Minor, op. 61
A whirlwind of sound will invite the listener to stroll around the pleasure gardens of 18th-century London with Anna Clyne’s Masquerade. Audience members will continue their European excursion with Haydn’s sparkling final symphony, aptly nicknamed the London and inspired by his visits to this exceptional city. Rounding off the concert is the deeply emotional and virtuosic violin concerto by the most celebrated of English composers, Edward Elgar.
An Opening Night Gala celebration will be held on Saturday, September 12.
Emperor / Concerto / for Orchestra
OCTOBER 24, 2020 at 7:30 PM
OCTOBER 25, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
Orion Weiss, Piano
Dan Locklair In Memory – H.H.L.
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor
Bartók Concerto for Orchestra
As the world continues to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Orion Weiss takes the stage with Beethoven’s last piano concerto, the mighty Emperor. The striking opening gives way to beautiful and complex romantic conflict as the piano and orchestra urge each other on to ever-greater virtuosity. Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, which the composer wrote during his final years living in the US, is a truly brilliant showcase for every section of the orchestra. Humor, fiery passion, and irresistible dance rhythms overflow from this masterwork of the 20th century. The concert begins with an exquisite gem from celebrated local composer Dan Locklair.
Mahler’s Sixth Symphony
NOVEMBER 14, 2020 at 7:30 PM
NOVEMBER 15, 2020 at E3:00 PM
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
Mahler Symphony No. 6 in A Minor
Though written in the happiest time of his life, Mahler’s Sixth Symphony is some of his most poignant and turbulent music, rife with sublime desperation. This heart-stopping tour de force for an enormous, virtuoso orchestra discloses its tragedy dramatically and slowly with passages of great beauty and calm, and the sound of distant cowbells as if from alpine pastures. But in the end, Mahler evokes three powerful blows from Fate, like the stroke of an axe.
Rachmaninoff’s The Bells
JANUARY 9, 2021 at 7:30 PM
JANUARY 10, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
Brooks Whitehouse, Cello
Winston Salem Symphony Chorus, Christopher Gilliam Chorus Director
Britten Sinfonia Da Requiem, op. 20
Elgar Cello Concerto in E Minor, op. 85
Rachmaninoff The Bells, op. 35
Concertgoers are invited to reflect upon life’s precious stages with this introspective concert. Rachmaninoff considered The Bells to be his finest work; a choral symphony in all but name, it sets the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe to music with each of its four movements representing childhood, youth, maturity, and death. Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem is a young man’s raging at the world, written in memory of his parents and in protest against the Second World War, while Elgar’s sublime and beautiful Cello Concerto conveys intimate sentiments of sorrow and despair, as the composer looked back over his life.
Run to the Edge
MARCH 6, 2021 at 7:30 PM
MARCH 7, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
Awadagin Pratt, Piano
Jonathan Dove Run To The Edge
Grieg Piano Concerto in A Minor, op. 16
Ives Symphony No. 2
With the most dramatic of timpani rolls, Norwegian composer Grieg commands our attention for the opening of one of the most beloved piano concertos of all time. Awadagin Pratt joins the orchestra to perform this folk-infused musical masterpiece. Framing the concerto is Jonathan Dove’s infectious and energetic Run to the Edge, full of driving rhythms and aching romantic melodies, and Charles Ives’ extraordinary Second Symphony, which dates to 1897. In an introduction from the podium, Redmond will guide listeners through Ives’ unique musical landscape, which takes its inspiration from familiar American melodies (listen for hints of “Turkey in the Straw,” “America the Beautiful,” and “Camptown Races”), classics such as Beethoven’s 5th, –and many more.
Divine Comedy
MAY 22, 2021 at 7:30 PM
MAY 23, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
Bill Barclay, Director
Tchaikovsky Francesca Da Rimini:
Symphonic Fantasy After Dante
Puccini Gianni Schicchi
This special performance brings the orchestra out of the pit and onto the stage for Puccini’s only comedy, the hilarious one-act Gianni Schicchi. A work of sheer operatic perfection, it tells the tale of a hapless family’s ill-advised attempt to change a will in their favor, only to find the eponymous hero has other plans for their inheritance! But opera being opera, love is the emotion that triumphs in the end, and Puccini wins everyone’s hearts with the breathtakingly beautiful aria, O mio babbino caro. The story behind Gianni Schicchi is inspired by characters from Dante’s Divine Comedy—as was Tchaikovsky’s passionate “symphonic fantasy” Francesca da Rimini, about a pair of tragic lovers damned to the Inferno for the sin of pleasure.
Brilliant musician and director Bill Barclay, who has created productions for the Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, will direct an exciting cast led by celebrated local soprano, Jodi Burns.
Pops Series
Pops Concerts Location: R.J. Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Road in Winston-Salem.
A Carolina Christmas: Cirque de la Symphonie
NOVEMBER 28, 2020 at 7:30 PM
NOVEMBER 29, 2020 at 3:00 PM
Timothy Redmond & Karen Ní Bhroin, Conductors
Celebrate the holidays the Winston-Salem way: with the family-friendly musical tradition A Carolina Christmas! By popular demand, guest performers from Cirque de la Symphonie return to the festivities with their jaw-dropping acrobatics, aerial stunts, and daring feats, all choreographed to your favorite holiday music.
CeCe Winans: One Night Only
FEBRUARY 6, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Karen Ní Bhroin, Conductor
One of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, CeCe Winans, shares the magic of her 12-time GRAMMY Award-winning voice in a special concert of the uplifting music for which she is known. Experience inspiration through gospel hits such as “Count It All Joy,” “Depend on You,” “I’ll Take You There,” and more.
Los Lobos in Concert
APRIL 17, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Karen Ní Bhroin,Conductor
For over 45 years, Los Lobos has blended rock and roll, country, blues, and more to create something wholly their own. In this one-night-only performance, the Winston-Salem Symphony and Los Lobos look back on their expansive career. These Latin Legends will rock out to favorites such as “La Bamba,” “Canion del Mariachi,” and “We Belong Together.” In NPR’s words, “Musically and culturally, the band speaks to its audience in a way few others have or could.”
Live and Let Die: The Music of James Bond
MAY 8, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
The sultry hit songs behind the James Bond movies are every bit as legendary as the martini-drinking 007 himself. Hear the most memorable themes from over 50 years of Bond films, including “Skyfall,” “Nobody Does It Better,” “Goldfinger,” “Live and Let Die,” and over a dozen more, backed by the power of the Winston-Salem Symphony and a host of talented guest vocalists. You’ll be shaken, stirred (sorry 007) and thoroughly entertained.
Ignite Family Series
Babar Comes to Winston-Salem [sensory friendly]
NOVEMBER 1, 2020 3:00 PM
Hanes Auditorium, Salem College
Karen Ní Bhroin,Conductor
Timothy Redmond,Narrator
Join Babar as he explores the jungle and the big city through Poulenc’s playfully orchestrated story of the little elephant whose path takes him on a journey from rags to riches. But wait! The tuba is feeling left out! Luckily, there’s a special part for him to play in this musical story. This is a sensory friendly concert designed to be extra-welcoming to every one of all ages and abilities. Long live King Babar!
Piece of the Puzzle
FEBRUARY 7, 2021 3:00 PM
R.J. Reynolds Auditorium
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
When you listen to an orchestra, have you ever wondered how it works? There are so many people playing at the same time; how do they manage that? And how does the conductor really make music come to life? Join the Winston-Salem Symphony and explore each section of the orchestra to discover the pieces of the musical puzzle. This concert was created especially for the Winston-Salem Symphony and the London Symphony Orchestra, which will give the first performances at London’s Barbican in June.
My Great Orchestral Adventure
MAY 9, 2021 3:00 PM
R.J. Reynolds Auditorium
Timothy Redmond,Conductor
Tom Redmond,Chief Adventurer
Oh no! Our conductor is stuck in the past! Travel on an adventure through the centuries, as the Winston-Salem Symphony becomes a musical time machine, and help us rescue Tim in time for the concert. We’ll be going Back to the Future all the way to Jurassic Park via Stravinsky, Strauss, Mozart and lots more. We’ll be singing and dancing, and best of all, a full symphony orchestra will bring our adventure to life.
With your help and the magic of the Winston-Salem Symphony, we might just make it. Will you join us in this symphonic race against time?
The Winston-Salem Symphony is proud to be giving the United States premiere of My Great Orchestral Adventure, direct from London’s Royal Albert Hall, where Tim Redmond and his brother Tom present this critically acclaimed, sell-out concert series.
Additional Concerts
Handel’s Messiah
DECEMBER 15, 2020 at 7:30 PM
Centenary United Methodist Church
Timothy Redmond, Conductor
Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus Chamber Singers
Handel’s Messiah is one of the most celebrated oratorios of all time, beloved for its beauty, drama, and its famous “Hallelujah” chorus. Join the Winston-Salem Symphony for this favorite holiday tradition
Concert for Community – FREE!
FEBRUARY 14, 2021 at 7:00 PM
R.J. Reynolds Auditorium
Timothy Redmond & Karen Ní Bhroin, Conductors
Spend your Valentine’s day with us! The Symphony and Youth Symphony combine for a side-by-side performance with over 120 musicians! This FREE concert includes concerto performances by two winners of the Peter Perret Youth Talent Search.
Light Blue: Mass conFusion
APRIL 25, 2021 at 5:00 PM
Centenary United Methodist Church
Winston Salem Symphony Chorus, Christopher Gilliam Chorus Director
The past and the present collide in this concert featuring choral music fusion like you’ve never heard before! Join your Symphony Chorus for the Winston-Salem premiere of Carol Barnett’s “A World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass” and Vytautas Miškinis’ Jazz-inspired “Light Mass,” featuring local bluegrass talents, jazz piano, and percussion! In this performance, ancient mass texts pair with modern bluegrass and jazz stylings to create an evening of exquisite choral music you won’t want to miss!
Please note that all dates and programs are subject to change.
The Winston-Salem Symphony is grateful for generous funding from BB&T, Bell, Davis & Pitt, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem/Forsyth Country, the North Carolina Arts Council, and other dedicated sponsors.
About the Winston-Salem Symphony
The Winston-Salem Symphony, one of the Southeast’s most highly regarded regional orchestras, began its 73rd season in October 2019. The 2019–20 season will be Timothy Redmond’s inaugural season as Music Director and will include Classics Series concerts featuring renowned guest artists such as Béla Fleck, Rachel Barton Pine, and more. In addition, the season will include a Pops series featuring the Indigo Girls on stage with the Symphony as well as the music of John Williams and a tribute to Tom Petty. The annual Concert for Community featuring Winston-Salem Symphony and Youth Symphony musicians returned on January 25. The Symphony also hosts four youth orchestra ensembles, and a multitude of educational and community engagement programs, including the P.L.A.Y. (Piedmont Learning Academy for Youth) Music program providing, primarily to under-served youth, instrumental music instruction and more. The Symphony is supported by Season Presenting Sponsors BB&T and Bell, Davis & Pitt, P.A.; Redmond’s Inaugural Season Sponsor Betty Myers Howell; Symphony Unbound Sponsors Chris and Mike Morykwas; as well as generous funding from the Arts Council of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, the North Carolina Arts Council, and other dedicated sponsors. For more information, visit wssymphony.org.
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