Charlotte Symphony plays Motown and Tchaikovsky

DANIEL COSTON | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Kwamé Ryan, presents Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 on Feb. 13-14 at Belk Theater.

Happy New Year! 

There’s plenty to do as 2026 kicks off. Here’s a list of some of them.

Through Jan. 4
Mint Museum Randolph presents “Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks” and “Central Impact: Skateboarding’s Art and Influence.” 

“Future Now” features futuristic designs from Bata Shoe Museum’s holdings alongside creations from top designers, collectors, and innovators.

“Central Impact” explores skateboarding through its most iconic canvas: the deck. The exhibit features rare boards, original art, and archival media from the 1980s forward as it highlights the evolution of skate culture locally and globally. Free with general admission to the museum.

Jan. 9-10
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra presents Strauss’ “Blue Danube” at Belk Theater, 130 N Tryon St.

A sweeping tribute to Vienna and the rich tradition of the waltz, the program includes virtuosity to start the new year. Grammy-winning conductor Michael Christie will lead the symphony.
Tickets: tix.blumenthalarts.org.

Jan. 17
The Philharmonik with Bobby Carter at Booth Playhouse, 8 p.m.

Black Notes Project Music Weekend kicks off with the ensemble, which fuses classical orchestration with hip-hop’s energy and contemporary groove. 

Christian Gates, known professionally as The Philharmonik, is an American vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist, music producer and genre defining artist. 

Special guest Carter, producer of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, opens with a live DJ set.

For tickets, go online to: blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-philharmonik. 

Jan. 23-24
Charlotte Symphony presents “The Music of Motown” at Belk Theater, 7:30 p.m., 130 N. Tryon St.

The symphony plays iconic pop-soul hits by Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and others. The program is part of the symphony’s Sandra & Leon Levine Pops Series. Tickets available at tix.blumenthalarts.org.

Feb. 13
Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills are extending their “The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage” tour to Spectrum Center.

The tour brings together four trailblazing R&B/pop giants for a celebration of legacy, sisterhood, and music.

Tickets: bpctickets.com.

Feb. 13-14 
Charlotte Symphony presents Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 

As part of the CSO Spotlight Series, pianist and vocalist Gabriel Kahane joins the orchestra conducted by Kwamé Ryan to perform “Pattern of the Rail,” a song cycle inspired by Kahane’s cross-country train journey through the United States during the 2016 presidential election. 

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 closes the program, tracing a journey from darkness to resolve, with sweeping melodies and dramatic power.

Program starts at 7:30 p.m. both days. Tickets $40.39-$145.68; available at tix.blumenthalarts.org.

March 7 
The eighth annual Queen City Blues Festival is at Ovens Auditorium at 7 p.m.

The Southern soul and modern blues scene blend old-school storytelling with contemporary R&B. with performances by King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love, Tonio Armani, Mike Clark Jr., E.J. Jones, Stephanie Luckett & the YP Band, and Henry Welch.

Tickets: ticketmaster.com.

Comments