Come June, the SouthPark area comes alive with strains of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart drifting through the air. Now celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Pops in the Park is one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
This well-attended event is held on the grounds of SouthPark Mall at the covered amphitheater. The Charlotte Symphony performs free concerts each Sunday in June for more than 10,000 grateful fans. In the past, the symphony has performed programs featuring the classic masters, such as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and Girshwin just to name a few. They typically have a program featuring Broadway tunes, always my favorite. The last event is usually a performance of patriotic pieces and fireworks, just in time for the coming 4th of July celebration.
The crowds here are very large and diverse. You will find families in blue jeans with a picnic basket, a cooler, and blankets on the ground to couples dressed in designer labels, hats, and Gucci glasses, all the while sipping on a nice Chardonnay and a spread of upscale goodies laid out on stylish tables. The atmosphere is almost that of a tailgating party, only offering more of an air of refinement befitting classic works by the masters. Many people bring coolers and picnic baskets, while some of the local restaurants offer brown-bag meals and already-made picnic baskets. You just provide the blanket.
Should you wish a location close to the stage, you would be wise to come down early in the day and secure a spot with your blanket, beach towel, or chairs. Otherwise, you should be here no later than 6pm. However, if you wait too late, you will be glad to know that this incredible symphony can be heard from anywhere near the mall area.
VISA and the Charlotte Symphony host this yearly event as a way to raise awareness of the orchestra and to thank the community for their support. For many years, the symphony performed on a stage set up every year for its use. In 2002, a permanent amphitheater surrounded by a beautiful duck pond was built.
The symphony was founded in 1932 by Spanish conductor and composer Guillermo de Roxlo and continues to be one of the foremost symphonies throughout the Southeast. This 100-piece company performs more than 100 concerts a year to more than 250,000 patrons. We are very blessed in this region to have a company of such caliber.
The symphony performs every Sunday in June. The prelude starts at 7:15pm, and then at 8pm, the Charlotte Symphony brings their immeasurable flair to the stage. They also perform on Fridays and Saturdays at various places throughout the area. For more information, please go to www.charlottesymphony.org. There is no better way than to spend a Sunday under the stars while strains of exquisite music smooths away your cares. So, if you’re here in June, make sure to join us!