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North Carolina Symphony

Celebrating America 250

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the North Carolina Symphony joins in marking the occasion by reflecting on this nation’s founding ideals. We invite all North Carolinians to celebrate the ingenuity, heroism, hope, and resilience that define the American spirit. With America 250, we honor the voices—past and present—that contribute to this ongoing narrative, tracing a thread of reflection and relevance.

A250NC blue
A250NC blue

One State, One Score

Be part of One State, One Score—a statewide virtual performance video honoring America 250. Create your unique take on “America the Beautiful” in any artistic medium. We can’t wait to see your video! Submission deadline is April 30.

Concerts Across the State

Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250

THU, APR 16, 2026 | 7:30PM
JOHN W. BARDO FINE & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, CULLOWHEE

Reserve your free tickets now!
North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

Your North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Concert in Your Community of Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250 with music from timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.

PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Bank of America
CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR:
John William Pope Foundation
The Western Residency is a multi-county initiative that brings the North Carolina Symphony’s free concerts, education programs, and musician-led workshops to communities across Western North Carolina, serving students from preschool through high school and audiences of all ages.
The Western Residency is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250

FRI, APR 17, 2026 | 7:30PM
PORTER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, INDIAN TRAIL

Reserve your free tickets now!
North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

Your North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Concert in Your Community of Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250 with music from timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.

CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR:
John William Pope Foundation
The Western Residency is a multi-county initiative that brings the North Carolina Symphony’s free concerts, education programs, and musician-led workshops to communities across Western North Carolina, serving students from preschool through high school and audiences of all ages.
The Western Residency is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250

THU, APR 23, 2026 | 7:30PM
OWENS AUDITORIUM, PINEHURST

Limited tickets available—buy now!
North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

The North Carolina Symphony will perform timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.

The North Carolina Symphony Classical Favorites Concert Celebrating America 250 is made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Appalachian Spring

FRI, MAY 8, 2026 | NOON & 8:00PM
SAT, MAY 9, 2026 | 8:00PM

MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH

Tickets selling fast—buy early!
North Carolina Symphony
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La Noche de los Mayas*

*selections will be performed at noon concert
FRIDAY FAVORITES SERIES SPONSOR:
The Cardinal at North Hills

Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250

TUE, JUN 9, 2026 | 7:30PM
TOWN COMMON, TARBORO

This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required
North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

Join us for a FREE concert in Tarboro celebrating America 250 featuring patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”

PRESENTING SPONSOR: Furman-Mathewson Memorial Trust of Edgecombe County Memorial Library
CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR:
John William Pope Foundation
CONCERT PARTNER: Tarboro Savings Bank
CONCERT SPONSORS: LS Cable & Systems, Warren Accounting Group
CONCERT SUPPORTERS: Southern Bank, Margaret Anne and Billy Wooten 
CONCERT FRIENDS: The Chafin Family, Medical Edge Day Spa, Ann & Carl Warren
The North Carolina Symphony Patriotic Pops Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250

THU, JUN 11, 2026 | 7:30PM
SOUTH LAWN, TRYON PALACE, NEW BERN

This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required
North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

Join us for a FREE concert in New Bern celebrating America 250 featuring patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”

PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Bank of America
CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR:
John William Pope Foundation
PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: Tryon Palace
The North Carolina Symphony Patriotic Pops Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Patriotic Pops at Summerfest

FRI, JUN 12, 2026 | 8:00PM
KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE, CARY

Subscription packages including this concert are on sale now—individual tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00am.
The North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

The North Carolina Symphony will perform a Patriotic Pops concert celebrating America 250. This program includes patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”

PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR: Bank of America
SUMMERFEST PRESENTING SPONSOR: UNC Health
SERIES SPONSOR: First Citizens Bank
CONCERT SPONSOR: CEI – The Digital Office
PICNIC OF THE WEEK SPONSOR: Wegmans
HOSTED BY: Town of Cary

Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250

TUE, JUN 16, 2026 | 8:00PM
NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, JACKSONVILLE

North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

Join us for a FREE concert in Jacksonville celebrating America 250 featuring patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”

CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR:
John William Pope Foundation
CONCERT SPONSOR: First Bank
CONCERT SPONSOR: Seaside Arts Council
The North Carolina Symphony Patriotic Pops Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250

THU, JUN 18, 2026 | 8:00PM
SOUTHERN VILLAGE GREEN, CHAPEL HILL

This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required.
North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

Join us for a FREE concert in Chapel Hill celebrating America 250 featuring patriotic favorites such as Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare,” the “Armed Forces Salute,” and Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday.”

PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR:
Bank of America
CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR:
John William Pope Foundation
CONCERT PARTNER: Southern Village
CONCERT SPONSOR: Southern Village Homeowners Association
The North Carolina Symphony Patriotic Pops Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Stars & Stripes Celebrating America 250

THU, JUL 2, 2026 | 7:30PM
WILSON CENTER, WILMINGTON

North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

Join your North Carolina Symphony in Wilmington for a Stars & Stripes celebration honoring America 250. This festive performance highlights the ingenuity, heroism, hope, and resilience that define the American spirit, featuring all of your favorite patriotic classics.

PATRIOTIC POPS PRESENTING SPONSOR: Bank of America
In partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Independence Day Concert Celebrating America 250

FRI, JUL 3, 2026 | 8:30PM
LAKE BENSON PARK, GARNER

This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required.
North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

The North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Independence Day Concert in Your Community that celebrates America 250. 

Host: Town of Garner; also supported by CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR: John William Pope Foundation
The North Carolina Symphony Independence Day Concerts are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Independence Day Concert Celebrating America 250

SAT, JUL 4, 2026 | 7:30PM
KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE, CARY

This concert is FREE and open to the public. No tickets are required.
North Carolina Symphony
Sophie Mok, conductor

The North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Independence Day Concert in Your Community celebrating America 250 with patriotic music and a fireworks display over Symphony Lake.

CELEBRATING AMERICA 250 SPONSOR:
John William Pope Foundation
SUMMERFEST PRESENTING SPONSOR: UNC Health
SERIES SPONSOR: First Citizens Bank
HOSTED BY: Town of Cary
The North Carolina Symphony Independence Day Concerts in Your Community are made possible through a partnership with the State of North Carolina and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
FREE Concert in Your Community

NEW BERN

Appalachian Spring

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9, 2026 | 8PM
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas

 

 

 

UNC Health Summerfest

Appalachian Spring

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9, 2026 | 8PM
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas

 

 

 

FREE Concert in Your Community

JACKSONVILLE

Appalachian Spring

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9, 2026 | 8PM
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas

 

 

 

FREE Concert in Your Community

Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250

THU, ARR 16, 2026 | 7:30PM
JOHN W. BARDO FINE & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, CULLOWHEE
Sophie Mok, conductor

Celebrate America 250 with music from timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.

Celebrating America 250 Sponsor:
John William Pope Foundation
The Western Residency is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

 

 

FREE Concert in Your Community

Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250

THU, ARR 17, 2026 | 7:30PM
PORTER RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, INDIAN TRAIL
Sophie Mok, conductor

Celebrate America 250 with music from timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.

Celebrating America 250 Sponsor:
John William Pope Foundation
The Western Residency is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

 

FREE Concert in Your Community

Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250

THU, ARR 26, 2026 | 7:30PM
OWENS AUDITORIUM, PINEHURST
Sophie Mok, conductor

Your North Carolina Symphony will perform a free Concert in Your Community of Classical Favorites Celebrating America 250 with music from timeless masterpieces by Bernstein and Copland—along with the cinematic brilliance of John Williams.

 

Friday Favorites Series

Appalachian Spring

FRI, MAY 8, 2026 | NOON
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: Selections from La Noche de los Mayas

Friday Favorites Series Sponsor: The Cardinal at North Hills

 
 
 
 

Raleigh Classical Series

Appalachian Spring

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9, 2026 | 8PM
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas

 

 

 

FREE Concert in Your Community

TARBORO

 

Appalachian Spring

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9, 2026 | 8PM
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas

 

 

 

FREE Concert in Your Community

CHAPEL HILL

Appalachian Spring

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9, 2026 | 8PM
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas

 

 

 

Special Event Concert

WILMINGTON

Appalachian Spring

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9, 2026 | 8PM
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas

 

 

 

FREE Independence Day Concert in Your Community
GARNER

Appalachian Spring

FRI/SAT, MAY 8-9, 2026 | 8PM
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor

Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Revueltas: La noche de los Mayas