From "Pirates" to Parton: This season's Symphony highlights
A message from: Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 94th season this fall with a lineup you're not going to want to miss.
Some background: This season is focused on how music connects us — exploring "the meaning of home, the shaping of American identity, and the stories we share," says the CSO.
From classics to cinematic shows and seasonal scores, the 2025-26 season is set to delight audiences of all ages.
What's in store: Here's a roundup of the performances you should put on your calendar, grouped by category.
🎶 Chart-toppers, symphony style
Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony. Hear Dolly's classics like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" in a multimedia concert with the Charlotte Symphony, guest singers and Dolly on screen. Oct. 17-18, 2025.
The Music of Motown. Feel the magic of Motown as you get down to smash hits from legends like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and more. Jan. 23-24, 2026.
The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA. This one will have you out of your seat as the world's top ABBA tribute band joins the CSO to perform iconic songs like "Dancing Queen," "Mamma Mia" and "Take a Chance on Me." Feb. 27-28, 2026.
🧑🧑🧒 Magic for the whole family
Pirates of The Caribbean in Concert. Watch the adventures of Will Turner and Captain Jack Sparrow unfold on screen in "The Curse of the Black Pearl" while the CSO performs the movie's iconic score. Oct. 3-4, 2025.
Peter and The Wolf. See the beloved classic get brought to life with lively narration and colorful orchestration — perfect for young music lovers. Oct. 18, 2025.
Encanto in Concert. Experience "Encanto" like never before as the CSO performs the soundtrack while the feature-length film plays on the big screen. March 20-21, 2026.
Black Panther in Concert. Watch T'Challa become king and fight for Wakanda as the CSO plays the Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live. June 5-6, 2026.
🎭 Unconventional and unforgettable
Beethoven 360. Step into Beethoven's world of struggle and triumph in an up-close CSO experience, culminating in the uplifting Symphony No. 8. Nov. 7-8, 2025.
Cirque de Noël. The annual circus-meets-symphony event returns with jaw-dropping acrobatics suspended above the orchestra as they play holiday faves. Dec. 19-21, 2025.
On Tap Series. Grab a beer and hear the CSO at local taprooms, including NoDa Brewing, Triple C and Lenny Boy. Oct. 21, 2025-Feb. 25, 2026.
🎷 Inspired by reflections of home
Respighi's Pines of Rome. Acclaimed conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong leads the CSO through a moving performance that will transport you to the lush landscapes of Rome. Nov. 14-15, 2025.
Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas. Celebrate the holidays Carolina-style with bluegrass, blues and gospel. Plus, the one-hour Saturday matinee for young audiences will feature special appearances from Santa and friends. Dec. 12-14, 2025.
Ravel's Boléro. Discover the sounds of home with music that spans cultures, capped by a film honoring the Queen City and the musicians who shape the CSO. March 6-7, 2026.
Dvořák's New World Symphony. Soprano Janai Brugger and CSO Music Director Kwamé Ryan bring this exploration of home, nostalgia and longing to life on stage. March 27-29, 2026.
🎻 Spotlight Series: Exploring the work of composer Gabriel Kahane
Judith. Experience emotional storytelling through an orchestral arrangement inspired by Kahane's original song, "Last Dance." Oct. 24-26, 2025.
Pattern of the Rail. Hear a six-song cycle capturing the voices and landscapes from Kahane's cross-country train trip following the 2016 Presidential election. Feb. 13-14, 2026.
emergency shelter intake form. This powerful performance explores the housing crisis and the meaning of home, featuring a community choir of people affected by homelessness and housing insecurity. May 15-16, 2026.
Ready to fill your calendar with these must-see performances?
How it's done: Single tickets are available for each show, but you can save up to 50% off the cost of individual tickets when you subscribe to a series package.
- Packages this season include the Classical, Family, Movie and Pops series — or you can mix-and-match to create your own.
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