Arts

Sound of America: North Carolina Symphony Celebrates 250 Years Through Music

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The North Carolina Symphony will bring a powerful celebration of American music to Moore County this spring with its “Classical Favorites: Celebrating American 250” concert on April 23. Held at Owens Auditorium, the performance promises an evening that reflects the spirit, diversity, and evolution of the American sound through some of its most iconic composers.
Under the baton of Assistant Conductor Sophie Mok, the Symphony will perform works by three towering figures in American music: Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and John Williams. Each composer represents a distinct voice in the nation’s musical identity, offering audiences a journey through the emotional, cultural, and imaginative landscapes that define the United States.
Few composers capture the pulse of American life quite like Bernstein. Known for his “radical eclecticism,” Bernstein blurred the lines between classical music and popular forms such as jazz and Broadway. His compositions embody the energy of urban America—vibrant, restless, and emotionally charged.
Whether conducting, composing, or educating, Bernstein refused to accept rigid distinctions between “high” and “low” art, instead crafting a sound that felt accessible yet deeply sophisticated. His work continues to resonate as a reflection of America’s cultural dynamism.
In contrast, Copland’s music evokes the expansive beauty of the American landscape. Often referred to as the “Dean of American Composers,” Copland helped define what many listeners recognize as the quintessential American sound. His compositions are marked by open harmonies and a sense of spaciousness that mirrors the vastness of the American West.
In the late 1930s, Copland intentionally simplified his musical language, seeking to connect with broader audiences and create a style that felt distinctly American rather than derivative of European traditions. The result was a body of work that remains both timeless and instantly recognizable.
Bridging the gap between classical tradition and modern popular culture is John Williams, whose music has become synonymous with cinematic storytelling.
As the heir to the Romantic tradition, Williams revived lush orchestral scoring at a time when much of contemporary classical music was becoming increasingly experimental. His embrace of “Neo-Romanticism” reintroduced audiences to the emotional power of the symphony orchestra, making it central to some of the most beloved film scores in history. Williams’ music represents the mythic dimension of America, capturing heroism, wonder, and imagination on a grand scale.
Together, the works of Bernstein, Copland, and Williams form a compelling portrait of American music—one that spans concert halls, open landscapes, and movie screens. This program not only celebrates the nation’s artistic heritage but also highlights how music continues to shape and reflect American identity.
The concert also underscores the enduring impact of the North Carolina Symphony itself. Founded in 1932, the organization has become a cornerstone of the state’s cultural life.
Each year, it presents more than 300 performances and educational programs, reaching audiences in all 100 counties across North Carolina. From large concert halls to community spaces, the Symphony’s mission is rooted in accessibility and engagement, ensuring that live orchestral music remains available to diverse audiences.
Under the artistic leadership of Carlos Miguel Prieto, the Symphony continues to expand its reach and artistic vision. Its home base, Meymandi Concert Hall in downtown Raleigh, serves as a hub for performances, while regional series and summer concerts extend its presence throughout the state.
The Symphony is equally committed to innovation, having premiered more than 50 new works and embraced digital platforms to connect with audiences worldwide.
The venue for this special performance, Owens Auditorium, adds to the experience.
Located on the campus of Sandhills Community College, the auditorium is part of the Sandhills Bradshaw Performing Arts Center and is widely praised for its exceptional acoustics and intimate design. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the space offers an ideal setting for orchestral music, ensuring that every note is heard with clarity and precision. It is situated on the campus of Sandhills Community College, within the Van Dusen Hall building at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this concert serves as both a tribute and a reflection—honoring the composers who have shaped the nation’s sound while celebrating the enduring power of live performance.
The evening promises not just a concert, but an immersive experience in the music that defines America. To purchase tickets, visit the North Carolina Symphony’s website at https://ncsymphony.org/events/celebrating-america-250-04-23-26-730pm-mc04/.

(Photo: The North Carolina Symphony will be celebrating the 250th birthday of the US with a concert at Owens Auditorium in Pinehurst. Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Symphony Facebook page)

CFRT brings "Driving Miss Daisy" to their stage

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Some stories endure not because they belong to a specific moment in time, but because they reflect truths that remain part of the human experience. Driving Miss Daisy, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Alfred Uhry, is one of those stories. Coming to the stage at Cape Fear Regional Theatre at 1707 Owen Dr. from March 19 to April 4, the beloved production invites audiences to experience a quiet but powerful journey that spans decades, cultures and the slow transformation of relationships.
Set in Atlanta and unfolding over 25 years, Driving Miss Daisy follows the evolving relationship between Daisy Werthan, a strong-willed Jewish widow, and Hoke Coleburn, the Black chauffeur hired by her son Boolie after Daisy loses the ability to drive. What begins as a reluctant arrangement gradually grows into a meaningful friendship built through patience, humor and shared life experiences.
For director Laura Josepher, bringing the story to the stage now feels especially meaningful.
“I find this story so hopeful,” Josepher said. “It is a reminder that societal change is always possible.”
Although the play premiered in 1987, Josepher believes its themes remain strikingly relevant today.
“The themes of aging, loss of independence, and overcoming racial and social prejudices are timeless,” she said.
At its heart, Josepher describes the play as a gradual evolution.
“The journey moves from co-existence to acceptance to friendship,” she said.
Directing the production has also been especially rewarding because of the cast bringing these characters to life.
“All three of these actors are lovely humans as well as gifted actors,” Josepher said. “It is a joy to be in a room with them every day.”
Actor Marvin Bell takes on the role of Hoke Coleburn, a character whose history on stage and screen carries significant weight. Legendary performers such as Morgan Freeman and James Earl Jones have portrayed the role, something Bell recognizes as part of the character’s legacy.
“As a Pulitzer Prize-winning play with a history that includes names like Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones and Angela Lansbury, the roles are as iconic to me as Hamlet, Othello and Cleopatra,” Bell said.
For Bell, preparing to portray Hoke began with a deep dive into the script itself.
“The layered complexity of these characters lies within the text,” Bell said. “Good preparation comes with reading, re-reading and reading some more.”
Hoke’s personality plays a central role in the relationship that develops throughout the play.
“My character has a very ingratiating personality,” Bell said. “The son of Daisy takes to him right away. Miss Daisy is slower to trust but eventually comes to trust him.”
One particularly meaningful moment in the play occurs when Hoke admits he cannot read. Daisy’s instincts as a teacher resurface, creating a turning point in their relationship.
“That moment brings the two closer together,” Bell said.
Actor Greg King portrays Boolie Werthan, Daisy’s son, who finds himself balancing concern for his mother with respect for her independence.
“Boolie is a good man just trying to do right by his mother, even when she makes it difficult,” King said. “He’s practical, a little exasperated, but deeply devoted to Daisy.”
To prepare for the role, King focused on the many pressures Boolie carries.
“I looked at the responsibilities he faces, running a business, caring for his mother, being a Southern Jew, and navigating a world where he sometimes feels he doesn’t quite fit,” King said.
Those pressures shape the complicated relationship between Boolie and his mother.
“Love in families isn’t always poetic,” he said. “Sometimes it looks like arguing with your mother while quietly trying to take care of her.”
Capturing that balance between patience and frustration became one of the most challenging parts of the role.
“Anyone who’s had a strong-willed parent knows that love can sometimes look like a negotiation,” King said. “Coloring those moments of negotiation is challenging but extremely rewarding as an actor.”
As the story moves through the decades, audiences witness not only the personal growth of the characters but also the changing landscape of American society.
“Covering a twenty-five-year period allows many generations to see themselves in this play,” Bell said.
Josepher hopes audiences leave the theater with a renewed sense of empathy and possibility.
“I want them to feel that societal change is possible,” she said. “And it starts with how we treat every other human we encounter.”
For those who have never seen Driving Miss Daisy, Josepher believes the experience speaks for itself.
“This show takes the audience on a real journey,” she said. “The characters travel through twenty-five years and pivotal moments in U.S. history. But they should come to see the incredible performances in this Pulitzer Prize-winning play.”
Tickets to Driving Miss Daisy can be found at https://www.cfrt.org/driving-miss-daisy/. CFRT will be holding military and teacher appreciation nights.

(Photo: Kim Zimmer plays Daisy Werthan. Photos courtesy of Ashley Owen, Cape Fear Regional Theatre)

An Intimate celebration of sound: Camellia Camerata’s festival debut

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Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The city of Fayetteville is set to welcome a vibrant new addition to its cultural landscape with the debut of the Camellia Camerata Chamber Music Festival, a three-day celebration of artistry, collaboration, and community. Taking place from May 1 through May 3, this inaugural festival signals an exciting step forward for chamber music in the region, bringing together internationally recognized performers, regional ensembles, and local musicians in a series of intimate and inspiring performances.
Presented by Camellia Camerata, the festival reflects the organization’s mission to foster a thriving musical community while expanding access to high-quality classical music experiences. With all events free and open to the public, the festival invites audiences of all backgrounds to engage with chamber music in meaningful and accessible ways.
The festival opens on May 1 at noon at the ArtsXL Building at 214 Burgess St. in downtown Fayetteville. This opening concert will feature members of Camellia Camerata, including violinists Megan Kenny and Holland Phillips, pianist Amanda Virelles, and guitarist Carlos Castilla. They will be joined by guest artists Kristina Henckel on piano and percussionist Joseph Spearman. Together, these musicians will set the tone for the weekend, blending their talents in a collaborative performance that highlights the expressive possibilities of chamber music.
Later that evening at 7 p.m., the festival continues at the ArtsXL Building with a performance by the Lorena Guillen Tango Ensemble. Comprised of faculty members from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Wake Forest University, this ensemble brings a dynamic and rhythmic program rooted in the rich traditions of tango, offering audiences a vibrant contrast to the classical repertoire featured earlier in the day.
On May 2, the festival shifts its focus toward education and mentorship—key pillars of Camellia Camerata’s mission. At 11 a.m., the ArtsXL Building will host a workshop and master class for select college and high school ensembles. Led by guest artists, this session provides emerging musicians with valuable coaching, performance insights, and the opportunity to refine their craft in a supportive environment.
That evening at 7 p.m., audiences can return to the ArtsXL Building for a performance by the Brierwood Ensemble, a group based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Known for their engaging interpretations and ensemble cohesion, Brierwood Ensemble will continue the festival’s tradition of showcasing diverse chamber music voices from across the state.
The festival concludes on May 3 with two performances at Haymount United Methodist Church on 1700 Fort Bragg Rd., a venue chosen for its warm acoustics and intimate atmosphere. At 2 p.m., the Cardinal Sound Collective, a woodwind ensemble from Greensboro directed by Joshua Bottoms, will present a program that highlights the versatility and color of wind instruments.
The final concert at 7 p.m. will feature the Betchler Ensemble from Charlotte, NC. Comprised of cellist Tanja Bechtler, violinist Tatiana Karpova, and pianist Emily Urbanek, this ensemble brings a wealth of experience and artistry to the stage. Their performance will serve as a fitting conclusion to the festival, celebrating the collaborative spirit and musical excellence that define the event.
Beyond its performances, the Camellia Camerata Chamber Music Festival represents a broader commitment to cultural enrichment and community engagement. Through partnerships with local artists, organizations, and venues, Camellia Camerata continues to expand the reach of chamber music in Fayetteville and beyond. Their initiatives include educational programs, festivals, music camps, master classes, and competitions, all designed to nurture both aspiring musicians and lifelong learners.
By creating spaces where musicians of all levels can explore and share their artistry, Camellia Camerata is helping to cultivate the next generation of performers while strengthening the region’s cultural identity. The festival itself embodies this vision, offering audiences not only world-class music but also opportunities to connect, learn, and be inspired.
As Fayetteville embraces this new tradition, the Camellia Camerata Chamber Music Festival promises to become a cornerstone of the city’s artistic calendar—an event where music, community, and creativity come together in harmony.

FSO's Side-by-Side Concert celebrates student musicians

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

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.