Get ready for a thrilling weekend of music as Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS) kicks off its 60th anniversary season with not one but two spectacular concerts on November 9 and 10 in Hickory, NC! Known for delivering memorable performances, WPS is bringing a special lineup that promises to delight both classical music lovers and families alike.
Saturday, November 9: Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
WPS will officially launch its 2024-2025 Masterworks series with Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, an iconic piece that speaks to the resilience and triumph of the human spirit. This performance includes the unforgettable opening notes of Beethoven’s Fifth, Bach’s lively Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, and Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, featuring acclaimed violinist Misha Keylin and WPS principal cellist Samuel Magill. Each piece has its own story, echoing the themes of struggle, friendship, and reconciliation—making this concert a meaningful experience for all.
“Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony reflects the essence of our shared journey, facing challenges and emerging triumphant,” says WPS music director Matthew Troy. Alongside the Baroque charm of Bach and Brahms’ Double Concerto, this concert promises an evening of unforgettable music.
- Concert time: Saturday, November 9, 7:30 p.m.
- Location: P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, NC
- Tickets: $20 to $50 for adults, $10 for students with ID. Available at wpsymphony.org or by calling 828-324-8603.
Sunday, November 10: Discovery Family Concert – Robots, Machines, and Music
On Sunday, WPS presents its Discovery Family Concert, a fun, interactive concert aimed at families and young audiences. This year’s theme, Robots, Machines, and Music, is all about the wonder of machines, motors, and robots. The concert features well-loved music by George Gershwin, John Williams, Beethoven, and even a Beatles tune, blending music with themes of science and technology in partnership with Catawba Science Center’s new exhibit, Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind and the Machine.
Families can arrive early for pre-concert activities that start at 2:00 p.m., followed by the main concert at 3:00 p.m. It’s a perfect Sunday outing for kids to experience the excitement of live symphonic music, sparking curiosity about how music and machines connect.
- Concert time: Sunday, November 10, 3:00 p.m. (Activities begin at 2:00 p.m.)
- Location: P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, NC
- Tickets: $5 for children, $10 for youth 12-17, and $14 for adults. Get your tickets here.
More Upcoming Concerts
WPS’s 60th anniversary season continues with more diverse and exciting performances:
- November 16: Crossroads: A Viola Celebration – a unique blend of piano and violas at Drendel Auditorium on the SALT Block.
- December 7: Foothills Pops: Holiday Spectacular – celebrate the season with holiday classics at J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.
For more information on these concerts and the rest of WPS’s 2024-2025 season, visit wpsymphony.org, or stop by the WPS Box Office at 243 Third Avenue NE, Hickory.
Don’t miss this special weekend of music that offers something for everyone—an inspiring evening with Beethoven’s Fifth and an imaginative family concert exploring the world of robots and machines!