ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Over many decades, scores of prominent musicians have performed at Winthrop University’s Byrnes Auditorium. The Rock Hill Symphony will join the list of Byrnes performers this fall when the orchestra opens its ninth season.
Led by musical director and conductor Christopher James Lees, the 65-member Rock Hill orchestra plans five concerts in the next year in Byrnes, which reopened last spring after extensive renovations. Once the largest concert hall between Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., the auditorium has been an impressive venue of choice for many groups.
“The grandeur of the space at Byrnes is exceptional,” said Lees, who also is the resident conductor for the Charlotte Symphony. “This venue plays into the concert experience and makes the musical selections special.”
The symphony’s move from the previous venue at Sullivan Middle School to Byrnes will be a win-win for everyone.
Professor Lorrie Crochet, chair of Winthrop’s Department of Music, said faculty and staff are thrilled to collaborate with the Rock Hill Symphony this season. “We look forward to the benefits our students will receive from having such a fine music ensemble rehearsing and performing in Byrnes Auditorium,” she said. “Experiential learning is one key component in the growth of every student musician, so every interaction provided within the professional world of music makes a difference!”
Lees will hold a master class each semester for the music students, who also will be able to attend rehearsals for the symphony’s performances. Watching professionals at work will give students inspiration in their own performances and give them a chance to peek past the college doors to see what a professional musician’s life looks like.
As many as eight faculty members have played with the Rock Hill Symphony depending on the music chosen, while faculty composer Mark Lewis serves on the symphony’s board.
With the move, the Rock Hill Symphony will continue its music education and outreach to elementary-age musicians in the Rock Hill School District and other nearby schools.
“This will impact students on a fundamental level,” said Lees. “Each instrument may speak to students on an individual basis so when they go to middle school, they can try to play that instrument.”
Here are the concerts planned for 2026-27:
*Saturday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Variations on America: special guest is Byron James, the Charlotte Symphony’s principal
horn player. Provost Sebastian van Delden will give a patriotic reading amid the selections
which will give concert goers different ways to think about America.
*Sunday, Oct. 25, 4 p.m.
America’s Birthday Party: a free family concert that will contain Colonial melodies
to new American music.
*Sunday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m.
Magic of Christmas: expect a mix of sacred carols, commercial songs and sing-a-longs
in this holiday performance.
*Saturday, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m.
Charleston & Beethoven: this concert, and many others around the world, will pay homage
to Ludwig van Beethoven on the 100th anniversary of his death. Charleston artists
composer Edward Hart and violinist Yuriy Bekker will be on hand for a violin concerto
that honors the natural beauty and breathtaking soul of South Carolina.
*Sunday, May 2, 4 p.m.
Pop Songs through the Ages: organizers predict a riotous good time with music from
the Beatles, George Gershwin, Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder, plus popular movies and
Broadway, that remind audiences of nostalgic melodies and timeless lyrics.
The orchestra expects to remain at Byrnes for the next year with an option to extend it, according to the contract. “We’re asking the Rock Hill community to be with us on this journey,” Lees said. “Find a friend or a neighbor and attend what will be a meaningful and powerful time.”
Even those without music training will be able to enjoy the concerts as Lees takes time to explain the story of each musical number, what is happening and what to listen for. That makes the events accessible, joyful and a shared experience with other concert attendees that can be electrifying and invigorating, he noted.
Tickets
Winthrop students will be able to purchase concert tickets for $5, while Winthrop music students can attend for free. There will also be discounts available for Winthrop faculty and staff members to attend.
Single tickets start at $30. For more information visit rhsymphony.org/tickets.
