Involvement with a NC symphony can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to North Carolina symphonies to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors as well.

Orchestras in NC generally fall into the following categories:

1. North Carolina Symphony Orchestras have professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional North Carolina orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in North Carolina. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: MeettheMusic.org lists members of the League of American Orchestras in North Carolina alphabetically by city. Join the League of American Orchestras to support symphonies not only in North Carolina, but those around the country.

Support a youth orchestra in North Carolina

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. North Carolina youth symphonies are well-respected and perform many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: Playmusic.org has many music-related links, including an alphabetical list of youth symphonies by state. Your business can support a youth symphony orchestra such as the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Buy tickets to a NC professional symphony orchestra in your city

Most large cities in North Carolina have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. NC Orchestras play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The Charlotte Symphony performs classical and popular music in the Belk Theatre and family concerts in the Ovens Auditorium. The North Carolina Symphony performs most concerts at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh with an outdoor summer venue at Regency Park in Cary.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Listen to performances over the radio. Many major North Carolina symphony orchestras broadcast live and recorded performances that allow you to enjoy world-class music from your home. The websites for the orchestra and radio stations will list the scheduled air times and performances.