Western Piedmont Symphony

Masterworks: Romantic Masters
2026-01-31 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | 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

American Pops Summer Concerts at FORUM at Lees-McRae College 5:00 p.m.
2026-07-06 17:00 - 18:30 | 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

American Pops Summer Concerts at FORUM at Lees-McRae College 7:30 p.m.
2026-07-06 19:30 - 21:00 | 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 7:30 p.m. show:
www.etix.com
