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Tuesday, 10 March 2026
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
On March 20, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will raise a glass, strike up the band, and gather the community for an unforgettable evening honoring Maestro Stefan Sanders. After nine transformative seasons as Music Director, Sanders will be honored at a vibrant cocktail-style celebration at Studio 215 in downtown Fayetteville. The evening promises live jazz, heavy hors d’oeuvres, heartfelt tributes, and a major announcement about the orchestra’s future.
Set for 7 p.m. at Studio 215, 215 Williams Street, the event is designed not as a formal concert, but as a joyful, stylish gathering — an opportunity for patrons, musicians, board members, and friends of the Symphony to mingle, reminisce, and celebrate a remarkable chapter in the orchestra’s history. It will be, as organizers describe it, “a celebration of the past… and a reveal of the future.”
A Vision That Grew With the Community
When Stefan Sanders first arrived in Fayetteville nine years ago, his focus was clear but evolving.
“When I first became Music Director for the Fayetteville Symphony, I didn’t really know the community that well,” Sanders reflected. “Initially, I focused on the things I knew about: music, the orchestra, and audiences. I knew we had a very capable and flexible ensemble that could play pretty much anything.”
As he became more familiar with Cumberland County and the surrounding region, that focus expanded. “I soon realized that my vision for the orchestra needed to become one of expanding awareness of the FSO in Cumberland County and the broader region.”
Under his leadership, the orchestra not only elevated its artistic standards but also broadened its reach, performing in venues across the region and meeting audiences where they are. The Symphony began appearing in spaces previously off its radar, introducing orchestral music to new listeners and strengthening its ties to the community.
Raising the Artistic Bar
Sanders’ tenure was marked by artistic growth and bold programming choices. He oversaw the hiring of numerous musicians and staff members, raising the bar for the entire organization.
“It is always very inspiring and exciting when a new musician joins the orchestra, and at their first rehearsal everyone notices a beautiful new ‘sound’ in the group,” Sanders said. “We have also expanded the orchestra’s repertoire to include several works by traditionally underrepresented composers and guest artists, most of which audiences have very much enjoyed.”
The results were evident on stage. Performances grew increasingly polished and dynamic, blending beloved masterworks with contemporary voices and diverse perspectives. The orchestra’s sound matured, and its reputation expanded beyond Fayetteville.
“I am equally proud of elevating the FSO’s artistic standards as well as expanding the region’s awareness of the FSO as one of North Carolina’s best orchestras,” Sanders said.
Leadership Beyond the Podium
Colleagues consistently point not only to Sanders’ musicianship, but to his leadership style and personal warmth.
Jessica Munch-Dittmar, FSO Executive Director, shared, “Although I’ve only worked with Stefan for a short time, it was immediately clear how deeply he has shaped our orchestra and the wider community. His passion for music is evident in every rehearsal and performance, and his energy and commitment inspire those around him to give their very best. Beyond his artistry, he brings a genuine warmth and dedication that have strengthened our organization in meaningful ways. He will be truly missed, and I wish him every success in his next endeavors.”
Doug Stephens, FSO Treasurer, echoed that sentiment.
“Stefan was the right musical director at the right time for the FSO. He took over a quality organization and was able to make it even better. I appreciated Stefan’s ability to connect with our audience and our patrons. Not many conductors of his ability are also so personable. His skills will be missed, and we wish him well, but he leaves the FSO prepared for the next stage of the organization’s development.”
David Guidi, FSO Board Vice Chair, added, “Stefan’s strong musicianship allows him to channel his passion into crafting a compelling narrative for audiences. His artistry shone through in every performance, and we wish him great success in his next adventure.”
For Sanders, leadership has been about stepping off the pedestal traditionally associated with conductors.
“I learned a great deal about leadership and how, as a Music Director, it is critical that we uplift the musicians and staff we work with,” he said. “Music Directors are literally and figuratively placed on a pedestal. I found that by mindfully staying off of that ‘pedestal’, everything became more meaningful for everyone, including me.”
Symphony On Tap and Community Connection
One of Sanders’ most innovative contributions was helping to develop the Symphony On Tap Series — small ensembles performing in local breweries and social hubs. The initiative brought classical music into casual, welcoming environments, attracting first-time listeners.
“We saw the Symphony On Tap series translate from first-time ticket buyer to subscriber to major donor,” Sanders explained. “I hope this series, or something like it, will continue. While Symphony On Tap has done much to broaden awareness, this work is still necessary and vital to fulfilling the FSO’s mission of Educating, Entertaining, and Inspiring the people in our community.”
The program became a model for how orchestras can remain relevant and accessible in the 21st century — blending artistry with approachability.
A Community Relationship
Sanders describes his relationship with Fayetteville as mutually enriching.
“Mostly positively,” he said when asked how the community shaped his experience. “The community met me where they were and where I was, and we have had a great relationship. I learned a lot and enjoyed the process. I hope they did too!”
After nine seasons, what will he miss most?
“The people! Over the past nine seasons, I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible people, several of whom I consider to be friends.”
What’s Next
While this farewell marks the end of one chapter, Sanders’ career continues to flourish. During his time in Fayetteville, he also served as Music Director of the Central Texas Philharmonic in Austin, Texas, an orchestra that has experienced significant growth in recent years.
“Last Spring I felt that it was time to invest more fully in the growth taking place at CTP and move to Texas,” Sanders said.
His upcoming season includes guest conducting appearances with the Colorado Symphony and the Virginia Symphony, as well as teaching at a summer music festival in Kraków, Poland.
It is a testament to his artistry that his influence extends nationally and internationally — yet Fayetteville remains a defining part of his journey.
A Reveal of the Future
As much as the evening will honor Sanders’ legacy, it will also turn the spotlight toward what lies ahead. During the celebration, the Symphony will reveal its Music Director Candidates for the 2026–2027 season — a pivotal moment signaling the launch of an exciting new era.
Attendees will be among the first to hear what’s next for the orchestra, reinforcing the sense that this is not simply a farewell, but a transition filled with promise.
When asked how he hopes Fayetteville audiences will remember his time here, Sanders answered with characteristic humility.
“First of all, I sincerely hope that there are more people aware of and engaging with the FSO today than when I started. And I hope each of them remembers the genuine love for the music and the people involved in it that came off the stage at all of our many performances. Thank you, Fayetteville, for allowing me to share my passion for music and people with you for nine incredible years.”
On March 20, that passion will be on full display, for one of the last times — not from the podium, but among friends, colleagues, and supporters whose lives and community have been enriched by his leadership. It will be a night filled with gratitude, joy, great music, and the promise of what’s ahead — a fitting tribute to a maestro whose legacy will resonate in Fayetteville for years to come.
(Photo: Maestro Stefan Sanders will be celebrated by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra on March 20. Photos courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra)
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Tuesday, 10 March 2026
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Written by Tara Kamiya
The Harlem Globetrotters have long entertained audiences with a distinctive blend of basketball talent, humor and family-oriented performance. As the team marks its 100th anniversary tour, fans in Fayetteville will once again fill the Crown Coliseum at 1960 Coliseum Dr. for an event that has become a long-standing tradition shared by multiple generations in the community.
The Globetrotters are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on March 20 as part of their global centennial tour. The milestone season highlights the long history of a team that has entertained audiences around the world while redefining the possibilities of basketball as performance.
The continued popularity of the Globetrotters after 100 years is tied to their ability to evolve while preserving the core elements that first made them famous. The team is known for combining legitimate basketball skill with humor and theatrical moments that invite the crowd into the action. Fans attend expecting impressive ball handling, gravity-defying dunks, and playful interactions that make each game feel less like a traditional sporting event and more like a live entertainment experience.
While professional sports leagues focus on competition and statistics, the Globetrotters emphasize joy and participation. Audience members frequently become part of the show as players engage with fans courtside and throughout the arena.
Another factor that keeps audiences returning is the constant evolution of the performance. Although the team is rooted in traditions that date back to the 1920s, every tour introduces new routines, ball-handling techniques, and on-court comedy segments. These additions help ensure that longtime fans see something different each time they attend a game.
The current tour introduces new visual elements and special moments designed to celebrate the centennial season. A highlight includes a special golden basketball created by the sporting goods company Spalding, which adds a symbolic touch to the anniversary performances. The team also features new pregame activities and expanded opportunities for fans to interact with players after the game.
The team also carries a legacy that extends beyond entertainment. Over the decades, Globetrotters players have traveled extensively, bringing basketball exhibitions to communities around the world. Their performances helped popularize the sport internationally and introduced countless young fans to the excitement of the game.
The Crown Complex in Fayetteville has been part of that history for nearly half a century. Records show the Globetrotters' appearances at the venue dating back to 1976. Over the years, those performances have become a local tradition that many families look forward to each season.
The 2026 tour also highlights a family legacy within the team itself. Current player Louis J. Dunbar, known as Sweet Lou II, follows in the footsteps of his father, former Globetrotter Sweet Lou Dunbar.
As the Globetrotters mark a century of performances, their success illustrates how a blend of athletic skill, humor, and audience engagement can remain relevant across generations. For families attending the Fayetteville show this March, the experience will offer more than a basketball game. It will provide a shared moment of nostalgia, laughter, and live entertainment that continues to capture the imagination of audiences nearly 100 years after the team first took the court.
(Photo: The Harlem Globetrotters have provided a century of family friendly fun. Photo courtesy of Harlem Globetrotters)
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