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WINSTON-SALEM — The Winston-Salem Symphony is presenting a Classic Series concert cycle featuring banjo legend Béla Fleck on Saturday, Jan. 11, and Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. Timothy Redmond, the symphony’s new music director, will take the podium for this can’t-miss concert series, which will open with a familiar favorite, Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man.” Next up will be local composer Kenneth Frazelle’s “Shivaree”, which was inspired by childhood memories of a joyride on New Year’s Eve. After intermission, the symphony returns with another master work by Copland, Four Dance Episodes from “Rodeo.” Fleck will then join the symphony to perform his Second Banjo Concerto. Named for his son Juno, this remarkable concerto shines a light on an instrument rarely experienced in a classical setting.

“This concert is going to be the perfect antidote to the winter blues,” said Tim Redmond. “Copland’s lively and stirring “Fanfare for the Common Man” and his iconic and exciting ode to the cowboy from “Rodeo” as well as Frazelle’s boisterous and exuberant “Shivaree” all celebrate the American spirit at its best. To cap off the concert, banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck will join us to play his own Banjo Concerto No. 2, “Juno.” The chance to hear this great artist perform his own work live will be an unforgettable experience. People don’t often think of the banjo when they think of classical music. Béla will show us why we should.

Tickets begin at $24 and are available in advance by calling the symphony box office at 336-464-0145 or online at wssymphony.org.

 “Music Lovers’ Luncheon,” a fun and informative pre-concert event, will occur the Friday before each 2019–20 Classics Concert and will give attendees a chance to enjoy gourmet dining with a side of engaging conversation with symphony hosts and guest artists discussing the orchestra world, their experiences, and that week’s concert repertoire. The Jan. 10 “Music Lovers’ Luncheon” will take place at Forsyth Country Club from noon-1:30 p.m. This intimate afternoon event will include an enlightening discussion led by Timothy Redmond and Kenneth Frazelle. “Music Lovers’ Luncheons” are an opportunity to gain insights on the music presented and learn more about the performers personally. Advanced registration is required and can be made by calling 336-464-0145. The luncheon is $25 per person.

Béla Fleck is a 15-time Grammy award winner who has been nominated in more categories than any other artist in Grammy history. He remains a powerfully creative force globally in bluegrass, jazz, classical pop, rock, and world beat. Most recently, he and Abigail Washburn took home the 2016 Grammy for Best Folk Album. In 2009, Fleck produced the award-winning documentary and recordings, “Throw Down Your Heart,” where he journeyed across Africa to research the origins of the banjo.

For more information visit belafleck.com.

This concert and the Winston-Salem Symphony are sponsored by Season Presenting Sponsors Bell, Davis, & Pitt, P.A. and BB&T; Concert Sponsor Talon Healthy IT Services, Redmond’s Inaugural Season Sponsor Mrs. Charles M. Howell; Symphony Unbound Sponsors Chris & Mike Morykwas; Classics Media Sponsors 89.9 FM WDAV Classical Public Radio; as well as the Arts Council of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and the North Carolina Arts Council.