Sandeep Das, The Texas Tenors and More Set for Western Piedmont Symphony 2026–2027 Concert Season

Western Piedmont Symphony (WPS), the professional orchestra of the western foothills of North Carolina, has revealed its 2026-2027 season, the 62nd of WPS and the eighth season with Matthew Troy as Music Director. Joined by acclaimed guests in programming that spans beloved classics to the music of today, WPS will perform across the region in Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir, and Boone.

The regional professional orchestra celebrates 62 years of music in the foothills of western North Carolina with more than fifteen concerts featuring music from across the centuries, from Handel to Max Richter, Tchaikovsky to Dinuk Wijeratne, Copland to Mark O'Connor, and more. Additional programming, community events, and educational offerings will be announced at a later date.

"As we enter the 62nd season of our journey as an orchestra, I am filled with pride and a bright optimism as we continue bringing exceptional artistic experiences to our region," noted Music Director and Conductor Matthew Troy. "The coming season is one driven by a bold and innovative vision that has been thoughtfully curated for our community. Come out and experience something real, something beautiful, and something powerful with the Western Piedmont Symphony!" added Troy.

2026-2027 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Foothills Pops: Symphony of the Shire

J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir
7:30 p.m.

An evening of music from fantasy, films, and games. Featuring the memorable music from Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Robin Hood, Final Fantasy, Legend of Zelda, and more.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 – SIDE/SHOW

Various locations, Downtown Hickory
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

An evening of FREE, unique performances with WPS Musicians and Friends spanning many musical genres including jazz, classical, and Americana. Presented in partnership with the City of Hickory and the Art Crawl and Hickory Downtown Development Association.

Saturday, October 24, 2026 – Masterworks: Mystic Horizons

P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured artist Sandeep Das, tabla

The season-opening Masterworks features the dynamic Concerto for Tabla and Orchestra by Dinuk Wijeratne featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Sandeep Das, plus works by living composers Max Richter (On the Nature of Daylight) and Behzad Ranjbaran (Seven Passages from his Persian Trilogy). The mesmerizing fairytale from The Arabian Nights, Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov closes the evening.

Thursday, November 19, 2026 – Masterworks: Handel's Messiah

St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured artists: The Symphony Singers

A musical rite of the holiday season, Handel's Messiah is a virtuosic and emotional oratorio chronicling the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ conveyed in music. Presented in true Baroque style by an intimate ensemble of 50 musicians and professional singers.

Special date and location.

Friday, December 4, 2026 – Foothills Pops: Holiday Spectacular

J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir
7:30 p.m.

Everyone's favorite seasonal concert is back for an evening of holiday and winter music classics. The region's best way to start December and get some holiday cheer! Matt Sickels, guitar, will electrify with Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas songs. Additional guest artists to be announced.

Sunday, December 13, 2026 – WPS Youth Orchestras: Fall Concert

Drendel Auditorium, Hickory
3:00 p.m.

Hear our young musicians perform classical works. Both Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony are important parts of the Western Piedmont Symphony family and the local community, providing members with valuable orchestral experience and musical growth. Seating is reserved and assigned. Tickets should be purchased in advance, as this concert often sells out.

Saturday, February 13, 2027 – Masterworks: American Roots

P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured Artists: Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper

Experience the sounds of regional traditions and melodies in works by American composers Aaron Copland (Appalachian Spring), William Grant Still (Festive Overture), Charles Ives (Variations on "America"), and Mark O'Connor (Queen Anne's Revenge). GRAMMY Award-winning fiddler Michael Cleveland and his band Flamekeeper will join the Symphony to perform a mix of Bluegrass and Americana songs for the second half of the concert.

Saturday, March 13, 2027 – Masterworks: Splendid Tchaikovsky

P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured artist to be announced

Embrace the romance of Russia in the Suite from Dr. Zhivago by OSCAR-winning composer Maurice Jarre, and a Tchaikovsky-centric program including the passionate tone poem Marche Slav, the bold and triumphant Piano Concerto No. 1, and the epic, theatrical fireworks and cannons of the iconic 1812 Overture.

Saturday, April 17, 2027 – Foothills Pops: The Texas Tenors

J.E. Broyhill Civic Center, Lenoir
7:30 p.m.

The Texas Tenors and the Western Piedmont Symphony perform a unique blend of country, classical, Broadway, and current pop music with breathtaking vocals, humor, and a touch of cowboy charm.

Sunday, May 16, 2027 – WPS Youth Orchestras: Spring Concert

Drendel Auditorium, Hickory
3:00 p.m.

Hear our young musicians perform classical works. Both Debut Strings and the Youth Symphony are important parts of the Western Piedmont Symphony family and the local community, providing members with valuable orchestral experience and musical growth. Seating is reserved and assigned. Tickets should be purchased in advance, as this concert often sells out.

Saturday, May 22, 2027 – Masterworks: Romantic Masters

P.E. Monroe Auditorium, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory
7:30 p.m.

Featured Artist: Andrew Sords, violin

Western Piedmont Symphony welcomes violinist Andrew Sords for a program of rich Romantic works. The evening includes Ethel Smyth's Boatswain's Mate Overture, Sibelius's lush and lyrical Violin Concerto in D Minor, and Dvořák's Symphony No. 7, a deeply expressive and dramatic work that reflects the composer's love for his homeland.

And more ... free masterclasses, education concerts, and community engagement events and conversations in Hickory and throughout the greater Catawba Valley. For more information about the Western Piedmont Symphony 2026-2027 season of concerts and events, visit wpsymphony.org.

Please note: all programs, artists, venues, prices, and dates are subject to change.

SERIES SUBSCRIPTION AND TICKET INFORMATION

Season Subscriber Renewals happening now. New Series Subscription packages and Single Tickets on sale June 15, 2026. Series subscriptions offer up to 15% off the single ticket price and a reservation on your favorite seats. Flex-6 and Flex-10 packages also available.

Single ticket pricing:

Masterworks: $20-$58; students with valid ID $10 (regular C seat)

Foothills Pops: $33-$58; students with valid ID $10 (regular C seat)

WPS Youth Orchestras: $10-$12

SIDE/SHOW and community engagement events are FREE.

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