The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1932 and today plays approximately 100 performances a year. These concerts include orchestral works from the late Baroque period to the present, entertaining pops concerts (Ella Fitzgerald, Bernadette Peters, Tony Bennett, and James Taylor are some of the CSO’s past guests), family concerts that help introduce children to the wonders of symphonic music, and summer concerts. The symphony is frequently joined by its own 130-voice volunteer chorus, the acclaimed Oratorio Singers of Charlotte.

Charlotte Symphony Information

• Venues: Belk Theater (130 North Tryon Street); Ovens Auditorium (2700 East Independence Boulevard); The Knight Theater (430 South Tryon Street)
• Public Transportation: Excellent for Belk Theater (a 5-minute walk from all CATS bus and rail routes at the Charlotte Transportation Center) and the Knight Theater (a 7-minute walk from all bus and rail routes at the Charlotte Transportation Center). Fair for Ovens Auditorium (a 6-minute walk from bus 27 at Washburn Avenue/Monroe Road)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good at all venues
• Performances/Programs: About 100 concerts per season including Classics, POPS, Lollipops, Knightsounds, Specials, Summer POPS, Open Rehearsals, Youth Orchestra, and more
• Ticket Prices: Tickets range from $15-$77 depending on concert and seating selection. $12 advance tickets available for students and for anyone 25 and under
• Group Rates: Discounted tickets are available for groups of 10 or more
• Subscriptions: Several options are available, and prices range from $23–$264 depending on series, date, and seating selection. Subscriber benefits include priority seating, easy exchanges, and ticket replacement
• Membership: Friend (up to $249); Contributing Member ($250–$499); Sustaining Member ($500–$749); Affiliate Member ($750–$1,249); Patron ($1,250–$1,999); League Benefactor ($2,000–$3,499); Founder ($3,500–$5,999); Conductor Circle ($6,000–$11,999); Gold Baton ($12,000–$24,999); Platinum Podium ($25,000–$49,999); and Music Director ($50,000+). Depending on level, benefits include voting privileges; an invitation to the Annual Membership Meeting; acknowledgement in concert program books; invitations to the Annual Summer Pops Picnic; complimentary intermission refreshments; invitations to meet-and-greets backstage with musicians and guest artists; invitations to a luncheon with the Music Director, Conductor, Assistant Conductor, or musicians; invitations to a dinner hosted by the Music Director, Conductor, Board Chairperson, Governor, and/or President & Executive Director; a private ensemble performance at your home; and more.