ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – For nearly 100 years, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) has been one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States as well as the oldest continuously operating orchestra in the Carolinas, presenting around 150 concerts each season.
Winthrop University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) and the Department of Music have partnered with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra for a special performance in Byrnes Auditorium, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. This concert is made possible by the generous support of the Springsteen Foundation, whose goal is to create greater access to the arts.
Tickets are $15 general admission; children 0-18 years old are free with a ticketed adult. Winthrop students will receive free admission. Purchase tickets and check out the new Byrnes Auditorium seating chart.
“This has been a massive project, including the creation of a new seating chart for the newly remodeled Byrnes Auditorium,” said Tracy Patterson, associate dean and director of graduate studies for CVPA. Patterson also established the commercial music program at Winthrop in 2022. “We are just so excited to host this performance and for our partnership with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.”
Scott Freck, CSO’s vice president of artistic operations and general manager, toured Byrnes Auditorium in July last year. Impressed, he expressed interest in establishing a regular partnership, possibly with performances annually. However, due to the limited timeline for the orchestra's fall calendar, an event in 2025 was not possible. Thanks to funding from the Springsteen Foundation, that dream is now possible.
“All of us at CSO are thrilled to be returning to Rock Hill after many years, and look forward to what we hope is a long and fruitful relationship with Winthrop University and our neighbors in South Carolina,” he said.
The program will include performances from Johann Strauss Jr. (On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltzes, Opus); Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (Ballada in A minor, Op. 33); Terry Mizesko (Appalachian Lament for Horn & Strings); Jean Sibelius (Finlandia, Opus 26, No. 7); and more.
FOR TICKETS: Purchase tickets and check out the new Byrnes Auditorium seating chart.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. Does Winthrop have a clear bag policy? No, not at this time.
2. Is this event handicap accessible? Yes! Our ADA section is open seating, and the entrance is located right in the middle of Byrnes' front hallway. To reserve seats, email Tracy Patterson at pattersont@winthrop.edu with the number of seats you're requesting. When you arrive, you can purchase your tickets, and ushers will seat you.
3. Who is this performance's conductor? Christopher James Lees will conduct.
4. Will tickets be sold at the door? Yes, card and cash will be accepted at the door.
For more information, contact Nicole Chisari, social media manager, at 803/323-2403 or chisarin@winthrop.edu.
