The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Side-by-Side Concert on Sunday, March 15, at Methodist University’s Huff Concert Hall. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the performance beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are affordably priced at $8 for all attendees and can be purchased online at fayettevillesymphony.org, by calling the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the day of the concert.
A highlight of the symphony’s education initiatives, the Side-by-Side Concert brings together members of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and professional FSO musicians for a shared performance experience. The event celebrates both the dedication of young musicians and the educators who mentor them while showcasing the vibrant musical community in Fayetteville.
Throughout the academic year, FSYO students rehearse weekly under the guidance of experienced instructors — many of whom also perform with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. These rehearsals prepare students not only for this collaborative concert but also for other performances that build their technical skills, confidence, and ensemble experience. During the Side-by-Side Concert, those same teachers and professional musicians perform alongside the students, creating a rare opportunity for emerging artists to experience orchestral performance at a professional level.
Daniel McCloud, conductor of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra, emphasizes the significance of the event for young performers.
“The opportunity for our students to perform side-by-side with masterful musicians is a profound bridge between education and artistry,” McCloud said. “It moves the learning process beyond the rehearsal room and into a live experience where students don’t just hear excellence in performance — they participate in it. This collaboration highlights the FSO’s commitment to high-level mentorship, building the next generation of musical artists.”
The concert will open with selections performed independently by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, giving youth orchestra members and audience members a chance to hear the professional ensemble before the joint performance begins. The program promises an engaging musical afternoon designed to inspire listeners of all ages.
This event forms part of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s broader education and community outreach programs, which aim to foster a lifelong appreciation for music while providing meaningful learning opportunities for young performers. Community support plays a vital role in sustaining these initiatives. The concert is made possible in part through grants from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council, along with support from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.
The March 15 concert also marks an important moment in the orchestra’s season as Music Director Stefan Sanders continues his tenure with the FSO. Additional information regarding Sanders’ upcoming departure can be found on the symphony’s website. Looking ahead, the orchestra’s final concert of the 2025–2026 season will feature the beloved film music of John Williams, and Sanders will also conduct a special performance at Cape Fear Botanical Garden on March 22, with further details expected soon.
For Fayetteville residents and music lovers alike, the Side-by-Side Concert offers an inspiring afternoon of collaboration, mentorship, and community celebration through the power of live orchestral music.