Western Piedmont Symphony

WPS Youth Orchestras: Auditions for 25-26 Debut Strings and Youth Symphony
2025-06-01 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Announcing auditions for the 25-26 Season for our two Youth Orchestras: Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony.
Generous Scholarships Available!
Saturday, May 31st, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 1st, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Audition times will be sent to the email addresses you sign up with in the weeks before the audition.
Auditions will be held in the Community Rehearsal Room of the SALT Block (243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601). You will enter and check-in at the Western Piedmont Symphony office just down the hall.
Audition information, how to sign up for a time, and repertoire can be found here: https://wpsymphony.org/youthorchestras/

NEW DATE-Masterworks: Rhapsody in Blue
2025-06-07 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
SEASON FINALE! Celebrating the centennial of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, pianist Jeffrey Biegel and composer Peter Boyer launched the Rhapsody National Initiative with Rhapsody in Red, White, & Blue, a vibrant new work reflecting the American landscape, with the pulse, energy, and beauty of our shared identity as Americans. Western Piedmont Symphony is the only orchestra in North Carolina represented in this national symphonic project. Also on the program is the celebrated masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue, the lyrical and vivid Symphony No. 1 by living composer Adolphus Hailstork, and the mesmerizing Bolero by Ravel.
Featured Artist
Jeffrey Biegel, piano
Program
Hailstork, A. Symphony No. 1
Boyer, P. Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue*
*North Carolina Premiere: Rhapsody National Initiative
Jeffrey Biegel, piano
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Jeffrey Biegel, piano
Ravel Bolero
Note: programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates subject to change.

CONCERT SPONSORS

GUEST ARTIST SPONSORS
Sandra Pait Clay and George Clay, III

The new date for Masterworks: Rhapsody in Blue will be Saturday, June 7, 2025.Due to the effects of Hurricane Helene upon our community and the greater Western North Carolina region, we have made the decision to postpone the next week’s Masterworks: Rhapsody in Blue concert, originally scheduled for Saturday. October 12. The well-being and safety of our musicians, patrons, staff, and community partners is the priority at this time.

Summer Concerts at FORUM at Lees-McRae College
2025-06-30 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-06-30 19:30 - 20:30 | Hayes Auditorium, 191 Main St. W, Banner Elk, NC, 28604, United States
Western Piedmont Symphony returns to the High County for an evening of classic American music from films and songs and patriotic pops at FORUM at Lees-McRae College.
Two shows: 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets and more information: https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/33372/forum-at-leesmcrae-college

American Pops Summer Concerts at FORUM at Lees-McRae College 5:00 p.m.
2025-06-30 19:30 - 20:30 | Hayes Auditorium, 191 Main St. W, Banner Elk, NC, 28604, United States
Western Piedmont Symphony returns to the High Country for an evening of classic American music from films and songs to patriotic pops at FORUM at Lees-McRae College.

Tickets info for 5:00 p.m. show:
www.etix.com

An Appalachian Summer: Heather Headley with the Western Piedmont Symphony
2025-07-13 19:30 | Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, 733 Rivers St., Boone, NC, 28608, United States
Western Piedmont Symphony returns to An Appalachian Summer festival on July 13! Tony and Grammy winner Heather Headley, accompanied by Western Piedmont Symphony and a 12-piece choir, performs a selection of popular tunes from the Broadway and pop songbooks.
“Heather Headley is among the top singers with a vocal that absolutely astounds with its intensity… This woman is one of the great entertainers of the day, on record and on stage.” – Billboard Magazine

All tickets through Appalachian Summer:
https://appsummer.appstate.edu/event/heather-headley/

Tickets: $45, $55, $65; $25 App state students
Local Residents (Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Watauga, and Wilkes counties):
10% off Tiers 1, 2 & 3. Zip code required at check out.

WPS Youth Orchestras Auditions (Debut Strings and Youth Symphony) Fri., Sep. 5
2025-09-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Announcing auditions for the 25-26 Season for our two Youth Orchestras: Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony.
Generous Scholarships Available!
Friday, September 5, between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 6, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Audition information, how to sign up for a time, and audition requirements and repertoire can be found here: wpsymphony.org/youthorchestras
Audition times will be sent to the email addresses you sign up with in the weeks before the audition.
Auditions will be held in the Community Rehearsal Room of the SALT Block (243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601). You will enter and check-in at the Western Piedmont Symphony office just down the hall.

WPS Youth Orchestras Auditions (Debut Strings and Youth Symphony) Sat., Sep. 6
2025-09-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States

WPS Auditions: Principal Bassoon
2025-09-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Announcing the following vacancies for the 25-26 season:
Principal Bassoon
Audition repertoire and information available at: wpsymphony.org/employment/auditions-principal-bassoon
Audition Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Send a one-page performance résumé to WPS Orchestra Personnel Manager: pm@wpsymphony.org
Auditions will be held at: Western Piedmont Symphony Offices at the SALT Block
243 Third Ave. NE., Suite 1-N, Hickory, NC 28601

WPS Auditions: Principal Viola, Associate Principal Second Violin, Section Violin
2025-09-07 13:30 - 19:00 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Announcing the following vacancies for the 25-26 season:
Principal Viola
Associate Principal Second Violin
Section Violin
Audition repertoire and information available at wpsymphony.org/employment/
Audition Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Application Deadline: Sunday, August 29, 2025
Send a one-page performance résumé to WPS Orchestra Personnel Manager: pm@wpsymphony.org
Auditions will be held at: Western Piedmont Symphony Offices at the SALT Block
243 Third Ave. NE., Suite 1-N, Hickory, NC 28601

Foothills Pops: The Music of Pink Floyd
2025-09-13 19:30 - 21:30 | J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, 1913 Hickory Blvd, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Experience the epic soundscapes of The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon as Jeans ‘N Classics Band joins Western Piedmont Symphony for a powerful tribute to Pink Floyd’s greatest hits – live, in concert!
Featured Artist:
Jeans ‘n Classics Band

SERIES SPONSORS

Note: programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates subject to change.

SIDE/SHOW
2025-09-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Hickory, 246 Union Square NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Join the Western Piedmont Symphony chamber ensembles and friends for FREE live music experiences. Happening in downtown Hickory in partnership with the Downtown Hickory Art Crawl. Sponsored by the City of Hickory. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
HICKORY WINE SHOPPE

WPS Maestro’s Quartet
RJ Wohlman, violin
Angela Allen, violin
Matthew Troy, viola
Evan Richey, cello
String quartet performing classical chamber music and pop songs.

CRESCENT MOON CAFE

MOD Quartet
Avery Bumgarner
Dylan Ward
Benjamin Still
Caleb Carpenter
Up tempo classical quartet music arranged for saxophone, plus new music written for a saxophone quartet (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone)

BARLEY MARKET

Sonos Auros
Samuel Magill, cello
Lucien Rinaldo, flute
Grace Wepner Ludtke, harp
Sonos Auros translates as “golden sounds,” an otherworldly duo performing chamber music arranged for cello and harp.

COMMSCOPE STAGE

Bob Sinclair and the Big Deals
Molly Barrett
Tim Gallagher
Bob Sinclair
Aaron Ramsey
Original front porch swing music played by happy people. Refreshing, unpredictable, and quirky Americana music featuring mandolin, fiddle, bass, and guitar.

SPONSORS

Behind the Music: Screening of THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN with Footcandle Film Society
2025-10-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Carolina Theater, 222 1st Ave NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Go behind the music of THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN with Western Piedmont Symphony and Footcandle Film Society. Before the movie, WPS Music Director Matthew Troy shares the secrets to the chills and thrills of the iconic film score in conversation with Footcandle Film Society founder Alan Jackson.

Come see the original American Gothic horror film THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935) at the Carolina Theater in downtown Hickory on Thursday, October 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. The Footcandle Film Society and the Western Piedmont Symphony are thrilled to co-host this Halloween-time film screening. Alan Jackson with the Film Society and WPS Music Director Matthew Troy will talk about the film and its iconic film score by Franz Waxman, leading up to the WPS’ Oct. 18th symphony performance of “The Creation of the Female Monster” from THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN.

Tickets are $5.00 at the door at the Carolina Theater, but this screening is free to all current Footcandle Film Society members.

Event Partner

Masterworks: Elemental Music
2025-10-18 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Experience an inspiring evening with Maestro Matthew Troy and the Western Piedmont Symphony as they explore the powerful connection between humanity and nature. Elemental Music brings the natural world to life through vivid orchestral works—featuring birdsong, pastoral scenes, and the forces of creation. From haunting to hopeful, this program invites you to reflect on the elements that shape our world and ourselves.

WAXMAN • The Bride of Frankenstein: “The Creation of the Female Monster”
COPLAND • Suite from The Tender Land
BEETHOVEN • Symphony No. 6, “Pastorale”

Beyond the Instrument: Finding Joy in Your Creative Life
2025-11-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Keiser Community Room, SALT Block, 231 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
A FREE community event with Masterworks featured artist Ashley Hall-Tighe (Keiser Community Room, SALT Block)
Join life coach and internationally acclaimed musician Ashley Hall-Tighe Thursday, Nov. 20 (4:00-5:30 p.m.) for an inspiring, interactive workshop exploring creativity, resilience, and joy. Beyond the Instrument offers practical tools for quieting self-doubt, embracing authenticity, and rekindling the spark that fuels all creative lives—open to everyone, not just musicians.
Ashley Hall-Tighe is an internationally acclaimed trumpeter known for her warm tone, expressive artistry, and dynamic performances on stages from the Sydney Opera House to Beijing’s NCPA. A former touring member of Canadian Brass, she is a sought-after soloist, chamber musician, and educator. Learn more about Ashley at www.ashleyhalltighe.com.
Event Registration: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR BEYOND THE INSTRUMENT

SPONSORS
This program was made possible by a grant from Arts Culture Catawba through the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Behind the Music Pre-Concert Conversation - Masterworks: Italian Inspirations
2025-11-22 18:30 - 18:50 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Get Behind the Music on Saturday, November 22. Join Music Director Matthew Troy for a pre-concert conversation about the composer and works featured on Masterworks: Italian Inspirations.

PÄRT • If Bach had Been a Beekeeper
BACH • Air on the G String
SAMMARTINI • Recorder Concerto (for Trumpet) – featuring Ashley Hall-Tighe, trumpet
HAYDN • Trumpet Concerto – featuring Ashley Hall-Tighe, trumpet
MENDELSSOHN • Symphony No. 4, “Italian”

FREE with your ticket to Masterworks: Italian Inspirations
6:30 p.m. – 6:50 p.m.
P.E. Monroe Auditorium

Masterworks: Italian Inspirations
2025-11-22 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
A musical journey inspired by classical, romantic Italy, featuring works by Bach, Pärt, Sammartini, Haydn, and Mendelssohn. Featured artist Ashley Hall-Tighe, trumpet.

PÄRT • If Bach had Been a Beekeeper
BACH • Air on the G String
SAMMARTINI • Recorder Concerto for Trumpet
HAYDN • Trumpet Concerto
MENDELSSOHN • Symphony No. 4, “Italian”

Featured Artist
Ashley Hall-Tighe is an internationally acclaimed trumpeter known for her warm tone, expressive artistry, and dynamic performances on stages from the Sydney Opera House to Beijing’s NCPA. A former touring member of Canadian Brass, she is a sought-after soloist, chamber musician, and educator.

CONCERT SPONSORS
Sandra Pait Clay and Dr. George Clay, III
Additional program support was made possible by a grant from Arts Culture Catawba through the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Foothills Pops: The Magic of Christmas
2025-12-05 19:30 - 21:30 | J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, 1913 Hickory Blvd, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Celebrate the season with a joyful, family-friendly concert featuring beloved holiday classics and music from festive favorites from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frozen, Sleigh Ride, Trans Siberian Orchestra, and more! Come experience the region’s best way to start your holiday season!
Featured Artists

Matt Sickles, electric guitar
Captain Jim as Drosselmeyer, Master Magician

SERIES SPONSORS

Note: programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates subject to change.

SOLD OUT! WPS Youth Orchestras Fall Concert
2025-12-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
This show is SOLD OUT!

Hear our young artists in performance! Both Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony will perform works from the classical repertoire.
The Western Piedmont Symphony Youth Orchestras (Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony) are an integral member of the Western Piedmont Symphony family and are a rigorous part of the cultural fabric of the community. The WPSYO program cultivates artistic growth of its members through enriching orchestral experiences.
Seating is reserved/assigned. Highly recommend purchasing tickets before the concert. This show is always sold out.
Vouchers not accepted on day-of-show door sales.
Note: programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates subject to change.

CONCERT SPONSORS
Ann Joslyn and Randy Fisher

CoMMA presents The Magic of Christmas
2025-12-17 19:30 - 21:30 | CoMMA, 401 S. College St., Morganton, NC, 28655, United States
Everyone’s favorite holiday concert is coming back to CoMMA for an evening of holiday songs and winter music classics! Experience The Magic of Christmas with the Western Piedmont Symphony, the professional orchestra of the western foothills of North Carolina. Led by Music Director Matthew Troy and featuring guests artists Matt Sickles, guitar, and Captain Jim as Drosselmeyer, Master Magician, the Symphony performs classic Christmas songs, seasonal movie music, electrifying holiday hits, and beloved family favorite music of the season.
Pre-show Reception begins at 6pm for season ticket holders//6:30pm for all other guests
Presented by CoMMA Performing Arts Center.

Adults: $23 – $58
Youth (18 and under): $10
*Above prices include $3 per ticket facility fee
*PLUS 6.75% NC Sales tax
*All person must have a ticket, including infants

Masterworks: Romantic Masters
2026-01-31 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Due to current conditions and forecasted severe winter weather, Western Piedmont Symphony has made the decision to cancel the Masterworks: Romantic Masters concert scheduled for Saturday, January 31 (7:30 p.m. at PE Monroe Aud., Hickory). The safety of our patrons, musicians, guest artist Andrew Sords, WPS staff, and community production partners is our top concern. We apologize for any inconvenience, are disappointed we cannot perform this concert for you this weekend, and thank you for your understanding.

An evening of classical music new and familiar, featuring Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, a work of supreme virtuosity and eloquent, beautiful musical storytelling.
PROGRAM

SMYTH • Boatswain’s Mate Overture
SIBELIUS • Violin Concerto in D minor, op. 47
DVOŘÁK • Symphony No. 7

Featured Artist
Andrew Sords is an internationally acclaimed soloist known for his virtuosity and expressive performances. He has appeared with over 300 orchestras across four continents, with recent debuts in New Zealand, Puerto Vallarta, and Québec City, as well as profiles on NPR’s Morning Edition and Australia’s ABC Cultural News. Sords is also a passionate advocate for musical outreach and education.

Love Music: An Evening of Romance & Strings
2026-02-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s plan?Treat your sweetie to sweet music.
Enjoy an intimate evening of light classical favorites, jazz standards, and beloved love songs like My Funny Valentine, A Thousand Years, and Marry You — all performed live by the WPS Maestro’s Quartet.

– Special Valentine’s Duo Package available:
$105 Section A (two premium tickets and two sparkling beverages ready when you arrive!)
$95 Section B (two premium tickets and two sparking beverages ready when you arrive!)– Includes sparkling wine + premium seating– Event first, dinner after

Masterworks: Grant Us Peace
2026-02-28 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
In a powerful collaboration with the CVCC Chorus and Ensembles, the Hickory Choral Society, and LRU A Cappella Choir, the Western Piedmont Symphony presents Grant Us Peace—a moving exploration of humanity’s longing for peace in a turbulent world. Featuring acclaimed baritone Michael Adams and soprano Janinah Burnett, this stirring program blends orchestral and choral masterpieces into a unified call for hope, healing, and harmony.
PROGRAM

ADAMS • Christian Zeal and Activity
DEBUSSY • The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian
VAUGHAN-WILLIAMS • Dona nobis pacem (Grant Us Peace)

Concert Sponsors

Foothills Pops: From Broadway to Hollywood!
2026-04-18 19:30 - 21:30 | J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, 1913 Hickory Blvd, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Take a musical journey from the bright lights of Broadway to the magic of Hollywood in this unforgettable Foothills Pops concert. The Western Piedmont Symphony brings beloved show tunes and timeless American standards to life, celebrating the music of legendary composers including Gershwin, Sondheim, and Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Featuring the stunning vocals of soprano Haley Sicking (haleysicking.com), this lively program blends the energy of the stage with the glamour of the silver screen. From iconic theatrical hits to classic songs that became Hollywood favorites, From Broadway to Hollywood! promises an evening of music that is nostalgic, uplifting, and full of show-stopping moments.

SERIES SPONSORS:

CONCERT SPONSORS:

Behind the Music: Screening of CASABLANCA with Footcandle Film Society
2026-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Carolina Theater, 222 1st Ave NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Go behind the music of Casablanca with Western Piedmont Symphony and the Footcandle Film Society.
Before the film, WPS Music Director Matthew Troy joins Footcandle founder Alan Jackson for a conversation exploring the iconic score by Max Steiner, offering insight into one of cinema’s most beloved soundtracks.
Experience the classic American romantic drama Casablanca on the big screen at the Carolina Theater in downtown Hickory on Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. This special screening is presented in collaboration between Western Piedmont Symphony and the Footcandle Film Society.
This event also offers a preview of WPS’s upcoming May 16th performance, featuring Steiner’s Casablanca Suite as part of Masterworks: Musical Wanderlust.
Tickets are $5 at the door. Free for current Footcandle Film Society members.

Event Partner

WPS Youth Orchestras Spring Concert
2026-04-26 15:00 - 17:00 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Hear our young artists in performance! Both Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony will perform works from the classical repertoire.
The Western Piedmont Symphony Youth Orchestras (Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony) are an integral member of the Western Piedmont Symphony family and are a rigorous part of the cultural fabric of the community. The WPSYO program cultivates artistic growth of its members through enriching orchestral experiences.
Seating is reserved/assigned. Highly recommend purchasing tickets before the concert. This show is always sold out.
Vouchers not accepted on day-of-show door sales.
Note: programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates subject to change.

CONCERT SPONSORS
Ann Joslyn and Randy Fisher

Masterworks: Musical Wanderlust
2026-05-16 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
PROGRAM

GOLDMARK • Overture to Sakuntala
BIZET • L’Arlesienne Suite No. 1
STEINER • Casablanca Suite
SAINT-SAËNS • Piano Concerto No. 5, “Egyptian”

FEATURED ARTIST
Sheng Cai is an acclaimed Canadian pianist praised for his expressive depth and virtuosity. He has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras worldwide, including the Toronto Symphony, Shanghai Symphony, and Philharmonie Südwestfalen. A passionate interpreter of both standard and rare repertoire, his performances and recordings have earned international critical acclaim for their color, clarity, and power.
CONCERT SPONSORS:

Chip & Lynn Young

WPS Auditions: Principal Tuba
2026-05-24 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Announcing the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 season:
Principal Tuba
Audition repertoire and information available at: wpsymphony.org/employment/auditions-principal-tuba/
Audition Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026
Send a one-page performance résumé (.PDF) to WPS Personnel Manager: pm@wpsymphony.org
Auditions will be held at: Western Piedmont Symphony Offices at the SALT Block
243 Third Ave. NE., Suite 1-N, Hickory, NC 28601

WPS Auditions: Third Trumpet
2026-05-24 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Announcing the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 season:
Third Trumpet
Audition repertoire and information available at: wpsymphony.org/employment/auditions-third-trumpet/
Audition Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026
Send a one-page performance résumé (.PDF) to WPS Personnel Manager: pm@wpsymphony.org
Auditions will be held at: Western Piedmont Symphony Offices at the SALT Block
243 Third Ave. NE., Suite 1-N, Hickory, NC 28601

WPS Auditions: Second Bassoon
2026-06-01 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Announcing the following vacancies for the 2026-2027 season:
Second Bassoon
Audition repertoire and information available at: wpsymphony.org/employment/auditions-second-bassoon/
Audition Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Application Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026
Send a one-page performance résumé (.PDF) to WPS Operations & Education Manager: ops@wpsymphony.org.
Auditions will be held at: Western Piedmont Symphony Offices at the SALT Block
243 Third Ave. NE., Suite 1-N, Hickory, NC 28601
