WPS Auditions: Second Clarinet
2024-08-25 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Western Piedmont Symphony announces auditions on Sunday, August 25, 2024, for the following vacancies:
SECOND CLARINET

Audition date: Sunday, August 25, 2024
Application deadline: Friday, August 16, 2024
How to apply: Send a one-page performance résumé (.PDF) to WPS Operations and Education Manager Avery Bumgarner: 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

Audition repertoire and information:
WPS Audition Information-Second Clarinet Aug 2024

No phone calls, please.
Only highly qualified candidates should apply.
The winning candidate must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.A. before an offer of contract is made.
Western Piedmont Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Western Piedmont Symphony is a regional professional per-service orchestra.

Debut Strings and Youth Symphony Auditions for 24-25
2024-09-07 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Western Piedmont Symphony Youth Orchestras (WPSYO) will hold auditions for the 24-25 season on Saturday, September 7.
Debut Strings is an auditioned string orchestra generally comprised of developing string players at an intermediate level of music-making.
Youth Symphony is an auditioned full orchestra, generally comprised of high school-aged students at an advanced musical level.
Auditions are required to be considered for either ensemble.
Sign up for an audition time, download auditions repertoire materials, and more information available at wpsymphony.org/youthorchestras/

WPS Auditions: Section Violin, Section Cello
2024-09-08 | Western Piedmont Symphony, 243 Third Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Western Piedmont Symphony announces auditions on Sunday, September 8, 2024, for the following vacancies:
SECTION VIOLIN
SECTION CELLO
Audition date: Sunday, September 8, 2024
Application deadline: Friday, August 30, 2024
How to apply: Send a one-page performance résumé (.PDF) to WPS Orchestra Personnel Manager David Allen: 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

Audition repertoire and information:
WPS Audition Materials-Section Violin 2024
WPS Audition Materials-Section Cello 2024

No phone calls, please.
Only highly qualified candidates should apply.
The winning candidate must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.A. before an offer of contract is made.
Western Piedmont Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Western Piedmont Symphony is a regional professional per-service orchestra.

Foothills Pops: The Music of John Williams
2024-09-13 19:30 - 21:30 | J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, 1913 Hickory Blvd, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Get your light sabers ready for a night of the most famous and beloved film scores of John Williams, including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Superman, Harry Potter, and more!

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

Side/Show
2024-09-19 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. In conjunction with Downtown Hickory’s Art Crawl.

Locations

Artists

Sponsors and Partners

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

Crossroads: Martha Bassett’s Quinteto Brasil
2024-10-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
North Carolina singer/songwriter Martha Bassett and her Quinteto Brasil present a night of bossa nova standards and new arrangements such as Desafinado, Meditation, One Note Samba, and more. Hear DESAFINADO in live performance of the Martha Bassett Show from The Reeves Theater in Elkin, North Carolina!

Presented in partnership with L.A.T.E. hours at Hickory Museum of Art

Behind the Music: Screening of PSYCHO with Footcandle Film Society
2024-10-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Carolina Theater, 222 1st Ave NW, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Come see Alfred Hitchcock’s original classic horror film PSYCHO at the Carolina Theater in Downtown Hickory on Wednesday night, October 30th, at 7:00pm!

The Footcandle Film Society and the Western Piedmont Symphony are proud to co-host this Halloween-time film screening. Alan Jackson with the film society and the Symphony’s Music Director Matthew Troy will be on hand to talk about the film and, more specifically, it’s music as we get ready for WPS’ January 25th concert featuring music from the film by composer Bernard Herrmann.

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

Masterworks: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony
2024-11-09 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
The first four notes say it all: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Also on the program of “The Three Bs” is a Baroque power play of three on three, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, and the doubly demanding Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello featuring Misha Keylin, violin, and WPS principal cellist Samuel Magill.
Featured Artists
Misha Keylin, violin
Samuel Magill, cello
Program
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Brahms Double Concerto in A minor, op.102
Misha Keylin, violin; Samuel Magill, cello
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C minor, op.67

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

Discovery Family Concert: Robots, Machines, and Music!
2024-11-10 14:00 - 16:00 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Discover musical adventures of live symphonic music and explore where music and science meet in a concert of fun and familiar music and songs.
Activities begin at 2:00 p.m., the music begins at 3:00 p.m.
Presented in partnership with Catawba Science Center and Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind and the Machine.

Partners

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

Crossroads: Viola Celebration
2024-11-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Piano and violas come together in a lush program highlighting the dark, rich voice of the viola! Works Brahms, Bridge, and more.
Featured Artists: Scott Rawls, viola; Kimberly Sparr, viola; James Douglass, piano

Concert Sponsors
Dr. Randy Fisher and Dr. Ann Joslyn

Sight + Sound Film Series with Hickory Museum of Art
2024-11-21 18:30 - 21:30 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Western Piedmont Symphony + Hickory Museum of Art present Sight + Sound Film Series, featuring a great collaboration of symphony and metal rock captured on film.
The HMA Sight + Sound Series will feature high-quality films from modern, popular music talent such as Talking Heads “Stop Making Sense”, U2 “Rattle & Hum”, and many others. Big screen, big sound-audiophiles will cherish these one-night-only viewings as a chance to take in the vibes of some of their favorite artists on the big screen. Movies will be shown in the Drendel Auditorium.
Contact HMA at 828-327-8576, ext 201 for more information on the titles selected.

Foothills Pops: Holiday Spectacular
2024-12-07 19:30 - 21:30 | J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, 1913 Hickory Blvd, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Everyone’s favorite seasonal concert is back for an evening of classic Christmas songs, seasonal movie music, electrifying holiday pops, and winter music classics. The region’s best way to start your holiday season! Concessions open at 6:30 p.m.; the magical music begins at 7:30 p.m. At J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, 1913 Hickory Blvd., in Lenoir, NC.
CLICK HERE TO GET TICKETS
Featured Artist: Matt Sickles, electric guitar

SERIES SPONSORS

CONCERT SPONSORS
Anonymous Angel

PARTNER SPONSORS

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

WPS Youth Orchestras Fall Concert
2024-12-15 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.

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

Crossroads: Valves and Keys Trio
2025-01-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
North Carolina artists David Dash, trumpet; Maria Serkin, horn; and Alison Gagnon, piano, perform poetic works by female composers Dorothy Gates, Whitney George, Cecilia McDowall, and Amy Beach.

Presented in partnership with L.A.T.E. hours at Hickory Museum of Art

Masterworks: The Rite of Spring
2025-01-25 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Western Piedmont Symphony celebrates its orchestral artistic breadth and depth with the sensational Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), Stravinsky’s musical choreographic work celebrating the return of spring and the renewal of the earth in primal rhythms and rituals of dance. Also on the program is Debussy’s Syrinx for solo flute, the unforgettable film music from Psycho by B. Herrmann, and the musical fantasia Night on Bald Mountain by Mussorgsky.
Program
Debussy Syrinx, L. 129
Herrmann Psycho: A Narrative for String Orchestra
Mussorgsky Night on Bald Mountain
Stravinsky The Rite of Spring

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

Masterworks: Symphony Swings
2025-02-22 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
The Clarinet Queen of New Orleans: Dr. Doreen J. Ketchens! You’ve seen her on Instagram, now see her live in concert with the Western Piedmont Symphony!
Doreen Ketchens live on Jimmy Kimmel performing When the Saints!
A night of classic American jazz music featuring one of the greatest clarinetists alive, known as the Louis Armstrong of the clarinet, Doreen Ketchens, performing jazz swing music with the Western Piedmont Symphony. Also on the program is Soul Force by award-winning composer Jessie Montgomery, Three Dance Episodes from On the Town by Bernstein, and the musical mural of African-American history told through music, Ellington’s Black, Brown, and Beige Suite.
Featured Artist
Doreen Ketchens
Program
Montgomery, J. Soul Force
Bernstein On the Town: Three Dance Episodes
Ellington Black, Brown, and Beige: Suite
Various American Jazz and Swing
(“St. Louis Blues,” “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “Caravan,” “Amazing Grace,” “Basin Street Blues,” and more)
Dr. Doreen J. Ketchens, clarinet and vocals
Note: programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates subject to change.

Partners and Sponsors

LYNN AND CHIP YOUNG

A Beach Music Birthday Party Celebration
2025-03-10 18:00 - 22:00 | 74 South at Moretz Mills, 74 Eighth Street SE, Hickory, NC, 28602, United States
WESTERN PIEDMONT SYMPHONY presents
Beach Music Birthday Party celebrating our 60th anniversary!
We’re taking it back to the classic sounds of 1964-1965 with The Chairmen of the Board for a night of music, dancing, and fun memories.

1999 inductees into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
All tickets after Feb. 14: $140 per person (single ticket general admission)
Reserved Table of 8: $1,500
Each ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres courtesy Cranford Hospitality,
complimentary wine and beer, cash bar, live music, and dancing!
Dress Code: Beach Party
*Beach Music Birthday Party is the annual fundraiser event supporting
Western Piedmont Symphony. Tickets must be purchased in advance: no door sales.

Crossroads: Gamelan-A Balinese Percussion Orchestra
2025-03-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Gamelan-a Balinese percussion orchestra. Experience the shimmering, mystical, vibrant music of Southeast Asia featuring more than 30 traditional instruments, musicians, and dancers from the Sekaa Gong Mandala Giri (Appalachian State University-Hayes School of Music) and the Gamelan Giri Murti (WFU School of Music) ensembles.
Watch a sneak peek of Cendrawasih, Gamelan Giri Murti
Concert Sponsor

Presented in partnership with L.A.T.E. hours at Hickory Museum of Art

Foothills Pops: What's Goin' On: Music of Disco and Motown
2025-04-26 19:30 - 21:30 | J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, 1913 Hickory Blvd, Lenoir, NC, 28645, United States
Get ready to groove tonight! Western Piedmont Symphony and the Jeans ‘N Classics Band returns to perform the timeless pop hits of the Disco and Motown eras, from the 1970s to now. Hits such as “What’s Goin’ On,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “My Girl,” “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love,” “The Hustle,” If I Can’t Have You,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love,” and more.
Featured Artist:
Jeans ‘n Classics Band
Note: programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates subject to change.
CONCERT SPONSORS

SERIES SPONSORS

Masterworks: Mozart and the Mandolin
2025-05-17 19:30 - 21:30 | P.E. Monroe Auditorium, LRU, 775 6th St NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
Hear the sounds of spring and joy in the exciting mandolin concerto, From the Blue Ridge, performed by composer and Bluegrass mandolin player Jeff Midkiff. The concert opens with the lighthearted Overture to La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie) by Rossini and Mozart’s popular and joyous “Jupiter” Symphony.
Featured Artist
Jeff Midkiff
Program
Rossini Overture to La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie)
Midkiff, J. Mandolin Concerto, “From the Blue Ridge”
Jeff Midkiff, mandolin
Mozart Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551, “Jupiter”

CONCERT SPONSORS
CENTURY FURNITURE
THE KENNETH K. and SUZANNE G> MILLHOLLAND ENDOWMENT FUND

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

SOLD OUT: WPS Youth Orchestras Spring Concert
2025-05-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Drendel Auditorium, SALT Block, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC, 28601, United States
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 sale.
Note: programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates subject to change.

WPS Youth Orchestras: Auditions for 25-26 Debut Strings and Youth Symphony
2025-05-31 10:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-01 13:00 - 17:00 | 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!
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
