In the heart of Raleigh, the North Carolina Symphony brings together a spectacular array of musical performances, showcasing classic masterpieces through extraordinary collaborations. With events such as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Wagner's The Ring Without Words, and Stravinsky's The Firebird, audiences are treated to a rich tapestry of sound. Under the baton of distinguished conductors like Carlos Miguel Prieto and Leonard Slatkin, and featuring celebrated soloists such as Olga Kern and Alessio Bax, this series of concerts promises a journey through the realms of passion, drama, and brilliance.

A Symphony of Notes: Celebrating Musical Masterpieces with the NC Symphony

The North Carolina Symphony is set to enchant audiences with its 2025 season lineup, featuring an eclectic mix of classical masterpieces, nostalgic hits, and innovative performances. From Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 to a celebration of '70s classics and video game soundtracks, the symphony promises a series of unforgettable musical experiences across various locations in North Carolina. With renowned conductors and talented musicians at the helm, each event encapsulates a unique blend of history, culture, and artistry, poised to captivate audiences of all tastes.

A Symphony of Events: Exploring North Carolina Symphony's 2025 Season

As the leaves turn and the air crisps in Raleigh, the North Carolina Symphony is tuning up for an exciting series of events at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. This fall, expect a diverse lineup that ranges from the immersive Video Games Live concert to the soulful sounds of Dvorák's New World Symphony. Not to mention, the captivating compositions of John Williams, Beethoven, and more. Whether you're a seasoned symphony enthusiast or new to orchestral music, there's something for everyone in this vibrant musical season.

Symphonic Odyssey: North Carolina Symphony's Fall 2025 Highlights

Kick off the festive season with spellbinding grace and daredevil feats, contortionists, and acrobats performing on stage—and 40 feet above it—all while your North Carolina Symphony spreads holiday cheer!

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Cirque Holiday Pops

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Dolly Parton brings her music to orchestras worldwide! Threads: My Songs in Symphony, is an innovative multimedia experience featuring Dolly on screen, leading audiences in a visual-musical journey of her songs, her life, and her stories. Accompanied by guest vocalists and musicians, audiences will hear new orchestrations of her hit songs, including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to her personal favorites and an as-yet-unreleased selection from her upcoming Broadway musical.

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony

Beethoven “Eroica” Symphony

Friday Favorites: Beethoven “Eroica” Symphony

Usually, you’ll find Rick Steves touring the great destinations of Europe. Now you can join him on a different journey: A Symphonic Journey. In this unique concert, Rick Steves teams up with the North Carolina Symphony for a performance that combines Europe’s most stirring Romantic-era anthems with beautiful high-definition cinematography and Rick’s insights into European history.

Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey

Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2

Celebrate Halloween with fa-BOO-lous family-friendly ghostly favorites from your North Carolina Symphony. From spooky classics to silly characters, the orchestra takes you on a symphonic thrill ride of haunted melodies and fantastical stories.

Halloween Spooktacular

Copland Symphony No. 3

All Beethoven

Immerse yourself in the legendary movie music of Oscar-winner John Williams as your North Carolina Symphony performs music from iconic film scores—including Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T., and more.

The Music of John Williams

Friday Favorites: Dvorák: New World Symphony

Dvorák: New World Symphony

Video Games Live™ is an award-winning immersive concert featuring music from the most popular video games of all time, including music from Final Fantasy, Halo, Warcraft, Skyrim, Kingdom Hearts, Metal Gear Solid, Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross, The Last of Us, Undertale, Shadow of the Colossus, Mass Effect, Castlevania, Okami, and more—all accompanied by your North Carolina Symphony.

Video Games Live: BONUS ROUND! ALL-NEW SHOW!

The Catalinas take the stage at Summerfest, bringing beach music favorites and more, sure to have you dancing the night away!

The Catalinas

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Celebrate some of the most beloved classic songs from the seventies that defined a generation. Featuring timeless works by Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Carole King, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny & June, Simon & Garfunkel, John Denver, Neil Young, Roberta Flack, Joni Mitchell, and more, this show is a journey through the music that shaped our lives.

Songs of the '70s

This free concert celebrates with patriotic favorites, high-spirited classics and a fireworks display over Symphony Lake.

Independence Day

Join us for our annual Independence Day concert at the beautiful Wilson Center as the North Carolina Symphony performs patriotic favorites.

Stars & Stripes

Cape Fear Community College

Share great moments in music with beloved classical gems and hits from Broadway including Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, and more.

From Classical to Broadway

Mozart by Moonlight

Time to celebrate the vibe, the breeze and the legendary tropical songs of Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, The Beach Boys, and more. Classic, sun-soaked stories and timeless hits are brought to life by celebrated vocalists and the Symphony. Sing along to “Come Monday,” “Fins,”“Under the Boardwalk,” “Kokomo,” “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Brown-Eyed Girl,” and so many more as you come along for a symphonic evening of musical magic that raises a glass to the power of the surf and the romance of the islands.

The Music of Jimmy Buffett & More

Be sure to bring the kids to try out musical instruments at the Symphony’s Instrument Zoo!

Beethoven Symphony No. 5

Concerts in Your Community: Beethoven Symphony No. 5

Northside High School

Southern Village Green

Tryon Palace

Tarboro Town Common

Welcome to Boogie Wonderland! Put on your dancin‘ shoes for a groovy trip down memory lane with non-stop Disco hits including “That’s the Way (I Like It),” “It’s Raining Men,” “We Are Family,” “I Will Survive,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “The Hustle,” “Hot Stuff,” and more!

Disco Fever

A Summer Night in France

Have you ever seen an elephant dance ballet? Or encountered giant sea creatures in a submarine? Look no further! The Symphony and guest artists bring the animal kingdom to life for Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals.

Carnival of the Animals

The North Carolina Symphony honors the great John Williams, one of the most iconic film composers of all time. Experience his legendary movie music from Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T., Jurassic Park, and more.

Rhapsody in Blue

Experience Mozart’s immortal Requiem in the glow of candlelight—an hour of profound beauty performed by your North Carolina Symphony with the NC Master Chorale and renowned guest vocalists. Don’t miss the event of the season!

Mozart Requiem by Candlelight

Your North Carolina Symphony conducted by Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto performs Stravinsky’s shimmering showpiece The Firebird.  Plus, pianist Alessio Bax plays Nights in the Garden of Spain. 

Stravinsky: The Firebird - NC Symphony

Hear the passionate melodies of the organ alongside the full forces of your North Carolina Symphony in a program that also features Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2 with exceptional guest pianist Marie-Ange Nguci, all with guest conductor Marie Jacquot. 


Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony - NC Symphony

He was plagued by self-doubt and had abandoned his music. But when inspired to compose again, Sergei Rachmaninoff wrote the masterpiece that would make him immortal. The sensational Olga Kern joins the North Carolina Symphony for Rachmaninoff’s ravishing Piano Concerto No. 2.  

Friday Favorites: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 - NC Symphony

Warrior women, jealous rage, a dragon, and a magic sword are all a part of Wagner’s electrifying The Ring without Words, an instrumental suite drawn from his evocative four-opera cycle. 

The Ring Without Words - NC Symphony

Carlos Miguel Prieto leads the North Carolina Symphony, the North Carolina Master Chorale, and guest soloists in Beethoven's monumental Ninth Symphony—including the inspiring “Ode to Joy.” 

Beethoven Symphony No. 9 - NC Symphony

One of today's most in-demand classical musicians, guest pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason joins your North Carolina Symphony to perform Beethoven’s poetic Piano Concerto No. 4. Experience a second audience favorite by Beethoven during the thrilling Symphony No. 7, a masterpiece of rhythm and energy, conducted by Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto. 

Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 - NC Symphony

Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet

Watch as Luke faces Darth Vader one last time on the big screen while your Symphony performs John Williams’ thrilling score LIVE! Arrive early and get your photo with members of the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion!

“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” In Concert - NC Symphony

Mendelssohn Violin Concerto

Friday Favorites: Ravel & Rodrigo - NC Symphony

Gather the kids to meet Peter and his friends- the duck (played by the oboe), the bird (flute), the cat (clarinet), and more, as they try to catch the wolf!



Peter and the Wolf - NC Symphony

Stravinsky Rite of Spring - NC Symphony

Your North Carolina Symphony and show-stopping vocalists rewind to the '80s with tunes like “Wake Me up before You Go-Go,” “Addicted to Love,” “The Final Countdown,” and more!

Totally '80s - NC Symphony

Friday Favorites: Rhapsody in Blue - NC Symphony

Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 5 - NC Symphony

The pop, soul, and R&B sounds of Motown meet famous hits from the Philly Sound as your North Carolina Symphony and guest vocalists perform classic songs including “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” “Love Train,” “What’s Going On,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and more.

Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown Meets the Philly Sound - NC Symphony

Enjoy an all-strings performance by the talented musicians of your North Carolina Symphony, including Mendelssohn’s lush String Symphony No. 5.

Friday Favorites: All Strings

Dvorák Cello Concerto

Debussy La Mer

Journey back in time to Marzart’s childhood and into the fantastic world of his most famous pieces, including The Magic Flute, Eine Kleine Nachmusik, and more.

Mozart's Magnificent Voyage

Immerse yourself in the magic of the season with music performed in the glow of candlelight. Experience this extraordinary performance by full orchestra and children’s choir—truly an experience like no other.

A Candlelight Christmas - NC Symphony

Beethoven Symphony No. 5 - Nc Symphony

Handel Messiah

Join us for Raleigh’s most cherished holiday tradition as we bring beloved seasonal classics to life, from timeless carols to spirited renditions of festive favorites. This joyful celebration is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

Friday Favorites: Holiday Pops

Be part of Raleigh’s most beloved holiday tradition as we bring cherished seasonal classics to life, featuring everything from timeless carols to lively performances of festive favorites.

Holiday Pops

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join your North Carolina Symphony as we rejoice in the holiday season with wonder, spirit, and unity. Featuring jubilant brass, and a festive chorus, this concert is among the Triangle’s most beloved holiday traditions. Last year’s performances were sold out, so don’t miss your chance to celebrate the season with the glow of candlelight. Come early to enjoy carols in the lobby with The Oakwood Waits and visit Santa in the lobby.

A Candlelight Christmas with the North Carolina Symphony Holiday Brass

Calling all Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and even Slytherins! Relive the magic of Hogwarts and the wizarding world as your North Carolina Symphony conjures up favorite tunes from the Harry Potter films and more. Wizards are welcome to wear their robes.

The Music of Harry Potter

Carmina Burana

“Come Together” and celebrate Revolution: The Music of the Beatles for a stunning multimedia experience featuring symphonic arrangements transcribed from the original master recordings at Abbey Road—accompanied by hundreds of rare and unseen photos along with  video and animation.

Revolution: The Music of the Beatles

All Mozart

Friday Favorites: Gershwin & More

Gershwin & Bernstein

Experience the magic of Broadway as the Symphony and guest vocalists perform showstoppers from beloved shows like Wicked, Rent, Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, and more.

Bravo Broadway

Tchaikovsky & More

Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1

Iconic songs from memorable movies and binge-worthy TV series, all in one concert! Featuring music from A Star is Born, Tommy, Rocketman, Bohemian Rhapsody, Rock of Ages, Love Actually, Top Gun, Elvis, and more! Featuring the voices of Broadway’s Julie Reiber and Bryce Ryness.

Hollywood Hits

Friday Favorites: Beethoven “Emperor” Concerto

Beethoven “Emperor” Concerto

May the Force be with you! Travel to galaxies far, far away as the Symphony performs your favorite music from across the Star Wars universe—and more. Join us for all the pre-concert activities, including crafts, and our popular Instrument Zoo!

Star Wars & More!

Mozart “Great” Mass

Pictures at an Exhibition

Experience this epic film projected in HD with your North Carolina Symphony performing John Williams’ iconic score live.

Jurassic Park in Concert

Friday Favorites: Appalachian Spring

Appalachian Spring

Guest vocalists join the Symphony to perform by such iconic artists as Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and many others to celebrate the voices that changed music!

North Carolina Symphony

5 - 6 Dec, 2025

Handel Messiah

Dec 12, 2025

Friday Favorites: Holiday Pops

12 - 13 Dec, 2025

Holiday Pops

19 - 23 Dec, 2025

A Candlelight Christmas with the North Carolina Symphony Holiday Brass

Jan 3, 2026

The Music of Harry Potter

28 - 29 Nov, 2025

Cirque Holiday Pops

21 - 22 Nov, 2025

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony

Articles & News

North Carolina Symphony