Following a wildly popular Symphony Unbound concert for which she was curator, conductor, featured composer, and vocalist, Nia Imani Franklin makes her subscription series debut in a program that includes favorites from the Great American Songbook and highlights two of her passions: gospel and rhythm & blues. Winston-Salem’s own—and 2019 Miss America—Nia Imani Franklin is a thrilling performer. You won’t want to miss this concert!

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Nia Imani Franklin

R.J. Reynolds High School

In 1824, audiences experienced Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the first time, and our musical world was forever transformed. Join us in commemorating the 200th Anniversary of this iconic masterpiece as the orchestra and chorus bring the glorious “Ode to Joy” to life. Immerse yourself in the transcendent beauty and message of unity in this immortal work as we explore why Beethoven’s music continues to resonate with music lovers worldwide.

The Ninth

Wait Chapel

The Winston-Salem Symphony, guest vocalists, and the fan-favorite Jeans ‘n Classics band come together to celebrate the supergroup’s decades of hits, including “Rhiannon,” “Say You Love Me,” “Little Lies,” “Landslide” and more.

The Music of Fleetwood Mac

Our annual, admission-free showcase features a large orchestra led by Youth Symphony members paired with their professional counterparts in the Winston-Salem Symphony, plus exciting concerto performances by today’s rising stars. And as is tradition, the concert begins with the world premiere performance of a new work by a young local composer. It is a wonderful late-winter family experience not to be missed!

Concert for Community

Genre-defying bassist and composer Edgar Meyer bridges the worlds of classical and bluegrass music to shine a new light on American music. The only bassist to ever be awarded a MacArthur ‘genius’ grant, his diverse lineup of musical collaborators includes Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, and Béla Fleck. Meyer joins the Winston-Salem Symphony to perform his own Concerto for Double Bass and Giovanni Bottesini’s Concerto No. 2.

Jessie Montgomery’s Strum likewise salutes American folk music, creating a mesmerizing groove through the plucking of strings, and Dvořák’s groundbreaking Symphony No. 9 masterfully fuses European classical traditions with the rich rhythms and melodies of the American landscape.

Edgar Meyer + The New World

Join the Winston-Salem Symphony for a special one-night-only performance with country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs. The 15-time GRAMMY® winner is joined by the incomparable pickers of Kentucky Thunder and the Winston-Salem Symphony for an unforgettable evening of music.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Handel’s Messiah is one of the most celebrated oratorios of all time. The glorious “Hallelujah” chorus, tenderly expressive arias, and the majestic choruses have been drawing crowds since the composition was premiered in 1742. Let Handel’s melodies lift your spirit and fill your heart this Christmas season as Music Director Michelle Merrill invites you to rediscover the magic of this enduring work.

Handel’s Messiah

We invite you to explore the colors and textures of the orchestra in Luster by acclaimed composer and UNCSA faculty member Jared Miller and to feel the deeply emotive strains of Rachmaninoff’s renowned Piano Concerto No. 2. Pianist Michelle Cann has been heralded as a “compelling, sparkling virtuoso” (Boston Intelligencer), and her interpretation of this iconic and powerful composition will draw you in with its haunting opening theme and keep you on the edge of your seat as it soars to its climax.

Majestic Rachmaninoff & Shostakovich

Michelle Merrill takes the podium for her debut concert as Music Director, leading the Winston-Salem Symphony through a captivating program celebrating Bernstein and Brahms.

Experience the mesmerizing artistry of violinist Kristin Lee as the rising star takes center stage to perform Brahms’s timeless Violin Concerto. The evening reaches its pinnacle as you are swept away by the iconic rhythms and electrifying energy of Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Opening the program is Dvořák’s Carnival Overture, a boisterous and festive work fitting this celebratory occasion.

Merrill Conducts Bernstein & Brahms

Einstein, Tesla, Edison, and other famous scientists were also musicians and music lovers. This concert explores their inventions and favorite music. This is the perfect show for your young musicians and young scientists!

Michelle Merrill

Events

May 11, 2024

Nia Imani Franklin · Winston-Salem Symphony

13 - 14 Apr, 2024

The Ninth · Winston-Salem Symphony

Apr 6, 2024

The Music of Fleetwood Mac · Winston-Salem Symphony

Mar 9, 2024

Concert for Community · Winston-Salem Symphony

2 - 3 Mar, 2024

Edgar Meyer + The New World · Winston-Salem Symphony

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) by Dvořák

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Symphony No. 41 (Jupiter) by Mozart

The Syracuse Orchestra

Conductor in Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by Bach

The Syracuse Orchestra

Conductor in Symphony No. 5 by Shostakovich

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninoff

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Violin Concerto by Brahms

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Strum by Montgomery

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Carnival Overture by Dvořák

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) by Mendelssohn

The Syracuse Orchestra

Conductor in Fidelio by Beethoven

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Fate Now Conquers by Simon

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in West Side Story by Bernstein

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in The Blue Danube by Strauss

The Syracuse Orchestra

Conductor in Spartacus by Khachaturian

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Ritual Fire Dance by Falla

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Symphony No. 5 by Beethoven

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Leonore Overture No. 3 by Beethoven

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Messiah by Handel

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Double Bass Concerto No.2 in B minor by Bottesini

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Double Bass Concerto No. 1 by Meyer

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Refractions by Noll

Winston-Salem Symphony

Conductor in Luster by Miller

Winston-Salem Symphony

About

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