Name: Murder at the Philharmonic
Start: 2026-03-27T17:30:00
Location: Zimmerli Plaza

Spartanburg Philharmonic

Celebrate the season with Spartanburg Philharmonic’s annual Hub City Holiday concert, a joyful evening filled with festive music and community spirit. This year’s program features performances by choirs from local organizations and institutions who will join the full orchestra to present holiday favorites and heartwarming classics. From the familiar melodies of timeless carols to exhilarating orchestral arrangements, this concert promises to capture the magic of the holidays. Perfect for families and music lovers alike, Hub City Holiday is a treasured tradition that brings Spartanburg together in song and cheer.

Hub City Holiday

Converse University

"The Nutcracker" with Spartanburg Philharmonic has dazzled audiences of Hub City for more than three decades and is hailed as one of our most beloved holiday traditions. Over the years choreographer and director, Carlos Agudelo, has created a multi-faceted artistic masterpiece that delights audiences of all ages. Each season features new choreography and costume additions, as well as a Nutcracker Market located in front of Twichell Auditorium. This market provides families with an ultimate Nutcracker shopping experience, complete with photo opportunities, hot chocolate, music, and more before entering the auditorium. Join in the Christmas tradition with "The Nutcracker."

The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Spartanburg

Kicking off 2026 and the “Festival of American Voices,” this concert presents a vivid survey of American classical music, highlighting voices from different cultural backgrounds. From the rhythmic energy of Chokfi’ by Chickasaw composer Jerod Tate to Florence Price’s evocative Mississippi River Suite, which weaves together spirituals into symphonic form, the program reflects the richness of American heritage. Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo, with its iconic “Hoe-Down,” captures the spirit of the American West, while a new work by composer Peter B. Kay adds a fresh local perspective. Together, these pieces create a musical patchwork celebrating the diversity and depth of American artistry.

Voices of a Nation

Celebrate Spartanburg’s rich musical heritage with Locally Sourced, a concert dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent of composers and musicians from our very own community. This intimate performance features works crafted by native artists from the Piedmont region of South Carolina, offering a glimpse into the creative spirit that thrives right here at home. From innovative new compositions to pieces that reflect the unique cultural tapestry of the Upstate, “Locally Sourced” is a tribute to the power of local artistry. Join us for an evening of connection, creativity, and pride in the sounds of Spartanburg.

Locally Sourced

Zimmerli Plaza

As the season deepens, our youth musicians return to the stage to demonstrate their growth and dedication. This concert will feature more challenging repertoire, showcasing their evolving technical skills and ensemble cohesion. A perfect way to warm up the winter months, this performance is a testament to the students’ hard work and passion for music.

SPYO: Winter Concert 2026

Authentic Unlimited is a dynamic bluegrass band that blends rich harmonies with skillful instrumentation to create a sound that is both timeless and innovative. Comprised of seasoned musicians, including former members of the legendary Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, the band brings a deep-rooted passion for traditional bluegrass, infused with fresh energy. Having earned recognition with IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) awards, IBMA nominations, and Dove Awards nominations, the band’s talent and dedication to their craft is widely celebrated in the bluegrass community. Their heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies resonate with audiences, offering an authentic musical experience that speaks to both old and new generations of bluegrass fans. With the release of their latest album So Much for Forever and Gospel Sessions Vol. 2 Authentic Unlimited continues to leave a lasting impact on the bluegrass scene.

Authentic Unlimited

Spartanburg Philharmonic teams up once again with our friends Spartanburg Little Theatre for an unforgettable Best of Broadway concert, celebrating the biggest hits from Broadway’s most iconic musicals. This exciting collaboration will bring to life show-stopping numbers and timeless melodies from beloved productions, featuring outstanding vocal performances from SLT alongside the full orchestra. Whether you love the golden age of Broadway or the latest blockbusters, this concert promises an evening filled with drama, romance, and the thrill of live theatre. Join us for a spectacular journey through the magic of the “Great White Way!”

Best of Broadway

Unleash your inner detective as the Philharmonic unravels an interactive murder mystery piece by piece.

Murder at the Philharmonic

The grand finale of the season celebrates the incredible progress our students have made. This concert features an ambitious and dynamic program that highlights the full range of their talents. Plus, a special solo performance from our Concerto Competition winner(s). Expect powerful performances, refined technique, and a glimpse into the future of classical music as these young artists take their final bow for the season.

SPYO: Spring Concert 2026

Chatham Rabbits, the beloved North Carolina roots duo of Austin and Sarah McCombie, blend their personal histories through deft songwriting and a warm, instantly familiar sound. Steeped in regional traditions, their music embodies a new era of roots music, earning praise from Garden & Gun Magazine, American Songwriter, and No Depression. Since their debut album All I Want From You (2019), they have continued to evolve, with The Yoke is Easy, The Burden is Full (2020) featuring Paste Magazine’s “Top Folk Song of 2020” and their third album, If You See Me Riding By (2022), coinciding with their PBS-NC series On the Road with Chatham Rabbits. Their ingenuity shone during the pandemic with The Stay at Home Tour, performing in nearly 200 neighborhoods. Now, as they prepare to release their fourth album, the McCombies continue to foster their ever-growing fan community and redefine modern roots music.

Chatham Rabbits

From distant shores to dazzling stages, this program tells the story of artists who left their homelands in search of new opportunities, bringing with them rich musical traditions that would flourish in America. Their works—filled with passion, movement, and innovation—embody the spirit of reinvention and triumph. Dai Wei’s Dancing Moonlight shimmers with vibrant energy, blending Eastern and Western influences in a mesmerizing musical dialogue. Acclaimed violinist Vijay Gupta takes center stage for Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, a work of lyrical beauty and virtuosic brilliance that stands as a testament to Neo-Romanticism. Finally, Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances bursts with rhythmic fire and nostalgia, a dazzling reflection on past and future. This season finale is one of wonder, resilience, and breathtaking music.