What school children learn about history in school can, sometimes, leave something to be desired. And when it comes to the Holocaust it seems there are always new tidbits of information to be learned. The Charlotte Symphony, in partnership with the UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture, is taking a unique education program into local schools that explores music and its connectionto the Holocaust. Certain music and musicians were banned before and during the Holocaust. But some ghettos had full musicals that were put on for the Nazis and many victims used forms of music to keep their spirits up. We’ll explore music and its role in the Holocaust, when Charlotte Talks.
Part One: Charlotte Symphony's Classical Idol. The concept behind American Idol is not new. We have always been fascinated by that special talent who comes along and inspires us with their vision and craft. But most American Idol winners are everyday folks with a gift. Classical musicians are highly trained, dedicated and persistent artists who often go unnoticed in the communities they serve with their music. Not in Charlotte. Last year Classical Idol was hatched. It's a friendly competition to raise funds for the Symphony but it's also a way to raise awareness of these incredibly talented musicians in our midst. With offerings from Celtic fiddle to an elementary school choir, Classical Idol has music for everyone.
At Pop Up Opera, the Charlotte Symphony displayed facts about composers, musicians, and the operas. The KnightSounds series is geared toward attracting young, and diverse audiences, while also engaging its traditional supporters in new ways.
The Charlotte Symphony is in the midst of change. For 10 years, the Symphony’s been running a deficit. It is now trying to appeal to a younger and more diverse audience without upsetting its traditional supporters.
The KnightSounds series is part of that effort. It’s a series of informal concerts geared to attracting first-timers to the Symphony. The latest show was called Pop Up Opera it’s an effort that’s still evolving.
A group of anonymous donors is giving the Charlotte Symphony $2 million. The donors’ contribution could increase if some financial goals are met.
The donation represents about one-quarter of the Symphony’s $9 million budget.
Two-thirds of that comes from fundraising, but it’s been 10 years since the Symphony met its fundraising goals, says Robert Stickler. He’s the Symphony’s Interim Executive Director.
