The Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra: Charlotte’s creepiest holiday tradition

All holiday traditions are special. But one involving woodland robots? I’m not sure I’m on board.

Of course I’m referring to the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra that has been performing in Uptown’s Founder’s Hall since the late 1990s. Leonard Bearstein (the maestro) and his 17-piece orchestra perform a 45-minute show every hour. This group of musical bears is the brainchild of Todd Alexander who also, oddly enough, runs a wedding DJ group called Spintastic Sounds. 

Think we’re the only city lucky enough to have a bear orchestra? Not even close. Malls across North Carolina and Virginia also feature Leonard and his friends. Some even have Chuckles Quartet, which is; you guessed it, a quartet of bears. (The girl bear is very scantily clad by the way.)

After exhausting the little internet research that is available on this fur orchestra, I had to go see it for myself.

A drive Uptown, a run-in with two security guards (I was acting suspicious) and 17 Christmas songs later, I was left with a series of questions:

(1) How did Todd Alexander come up with a bear orchestra? Did he just have a bunch of over-sized robotic bears lying around? I asked Todd about this but he has yet to respond.

(2) Is the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra available for weddings? Perhaps a DJ and bear orchestra package deal?

(3) And, most important, have the Founder’s Hall employees heard this show so many times that they want to axe-murder the bears and wear them as robes?

Since Todd ignored my messages, I realized it was up to me to do some hardcore investigative journalism to answer question number three. Here’s what I found:

Me: “How do you feel about the bear orchestra that plays all day long?”

Gateway Newstands lady: “I have a headache! It doesn’t stop!”

Ivy and Leo girl: “They totally freak me out.”

Other Ivy and Leo girl: “I want to pull out their wires. Do they have wires?”

Guy at wrapping station: “To put it politely… it’s quite painful.”

(I’m not sure that was put politely.)

Julie’s woman: “Oh honey, I am so tired of those bears. They are just a smidgen too loud. But then when I see the kids out dancing and laughing, then it’s ok. It’s for the kids.”

Customer in Julie’s who chimed in: “I don’t like their faces. They stare at me.”

Whether they’re annoyed or freaked out, it’s clear that people who work with the bears aren’t “beary” happy about it. But like the Julie’s woman said, it’s not about them. It’s about the kids. And for the one kid I saw watching the show, Leonard is a Christmas miracle.

Sure, the bears have large, icy eyes that seem to follow you as you walk by. And sure, the fact that Leonard Bearstein is the one posting on Facebook is downright unsettling.

But for some people, the Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra is a holiday tradition. I mean, look at this adorable family.

The bears helped them make a memory. And who am I to say that it’s wrong?

All I am saying is that if you add a few terrifying bears to run around and chase people, this orchestra would also be the perfect Halloween installation.

Still haven’t had a chance to see Leonard Bearstein? Don’t worry; this creepy orchestra plays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until December 31.