For the 2023-24 season finale, the COT explores folklore and literature in classical music. Master Shakespeare is the first source of inspiration for Erich Korgold’s Much Ado About Nothing Suite, while things take a darker and somewhat dismembered turn in Dvorak’s Golden Spinning Wheel. Also, don’t miss the NC premiere of Emmy Award Winning Composer, Zhou Tian’s Flute Concerto.
Take in a breath of fresh air with this program dedicated to music specifically from the Classical Period. The program beings with a piece originally thought to be by Beethoven: Friedrich Witt’s “Jena” Symphony. In 1909, the music director at Germany’s University of Jena found complete parts for a Symphony in C, with Beethoven’s name clearly written on certain parts. Was this the long-lost Beethoven symphony in C?! Unfortunately no…but it was good enough to have most everybody fooled! Actually written by Friedrich Witt, who just so happens to have been born the same year as Beethoven, the “Jena” Symphony is a testament to the myriad of talented musicians working alongside one of history’s great geniuses. Next up is Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C. Performed by cellist James Back, this concerto represents the highest level of virtuoso string playing at the time it was written. An earlier work of Haydn’s, the full concerto was rediscovered in 1961, at which point it became a staple of the cello repertoire. And finally, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4. If his Symphony No.3 opened the door to a new era of music, and No.5 walked through the door and slammed it shut, then […]
Take in a breath of fresh air with this program dedicated to music specifically from the Classical Period. Originally thought to be by Beethoven, Friedrich Witt’s Jena Symphony is an exquisite piece of musical plagiarism. Performed in its original version, Boccherini’s Cello Concerto represents the highest level of virtuoso string playing of the time. And Beethoven’s 4th Symphony sees the great genius looking back to simpler times before changing the course of music forever.
On this remarkable day, February 1, in the year 1960, four college freshmen changed American history. This film depicts Ezell Blair, David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil—the “Greensboro Four”—as they began a sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. The restaurant refused service to patrons of color. This demonstration is considered one of the pivotal moments in the American civil rights movement. In the film, protesters recount how the idea for the sit-in grew out of their late-night talks in campus dorms, and how the decision to act changed their lives and history forever.
Denitia, with her fusion of country, folk, and rock in her latest album "Highways," has swiftly gained recognition and earning accolades, marking her as an artist to watch in the industry. Denitia is the inaugural artist performing in our Center Stage: The Wavemakers Series; a groundbreaking performance series curated by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer, dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and uncovering your next favorite artists.
Experience the golden age of opera when productions were broadcast over the radio to households nationwide. Featuring two winners of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, this program is a mix of opera’s greatest arias, duos and trios. And don’t forget overtures! Ranging from classics like Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde to Adam’s Dr. Atomic, this program has a little taste of everything.
The Durham Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro William Henry Curry, will transport audiences through a musical journey. In addition to beloved selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Sleeping Beauty,” the evening will unveil some true rarities, including the world concert premiere of the Tchaikovsky/Rapée “Symphonie Elégiaque.”
This orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s piano trio, discovered in an archive by Maestro Curry, promises to be a poignant highlight. It has been used as ballet music, but never performed at a concert. A gifted student trio from UNC-Chapel Hill, coached by conductor Tonu Kalam, will perform the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s piano trio. The program will also feature another rare gem, Tchaikovsky’s “Military March.” Originally for piano, the work was orchestrated by Maestro Curry and was premiered by the Durham Symphony several years ago at the Carolina Theatre. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of classical brilliance and historical significance.
The screeningof the film will be accompanied by a live scor e written by bassist and composer Dr. Mark Bergman and performed by members of Mallarmé Music. The Golem: How He Came into the World tells the story of Rabbi Judah Loew (a real, historical figure), who was the Chief Rabbi of Prague. According to legend, he brought a giant clay creature to life to defend the Jewish people. The story takes place around 1600 CE, which coincides with the beginning of the Baroque era of music. The instruments used in the performance are either from that era or modern reproductions.
Dress up to the nines and have a good giggle at the start to the COT’s 2023-24 season! Dedicated to humor in music, this concert takes its name from Darius Milhaud’s Le Boeuf sur le toit (A cow on the roof) and features Young Concert Artist winner, Chaeyoung Park performing Shostakovich’s sprightly 2nd Piano Concerto. The evening will also feature a silent auction prior to the concert and during intermission.
Story Pirates is a family media company that produces and creates content inspired by kids to inspire kids and their imaginations. They are best known for their multi-award-winning, top-downloaded family podcast, the “Story Pirates Podcast,” which takes stories submitted by kids and turns them into sketch comedy and songs.
The husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter “continue their commando, no-limits journey to the top of the music world” following their latest widely acclaimed release, “Hearts Town.” Known for a live show nearly revival-like in its intensity, they “build up waves of emotion that crash into a cathartic release of a tour-de-force performance,” as the versatile duo has opened for artists such as Al Green, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, John Legend, and Lauren Daigle while their multifaceted collaborative efforts include Dierks Bentley, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Leslie Jordan, Mumford & Sons, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Sturgill Simpson.
R&B powerhouse, singer/songwriter Leela James burst onto the scene in 2005 with her debut album “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Everyone quickly took notice and Leela received a Soul Train Award nomination for Best R&B Soul Artist and a NAACP Award nomination for Outstanding New Artist.
