The Latest From Our Blog

Music Lover’s Almanac: March 18
posted by: Arthur Ryel-Lindsey, Communications Project Manager

ON THIS DATE one hundred years ago – American opera gained home-court advantage. Born in Newton, Mass., in 1871, Frederick Shepherd Converse was a quick study on the piano who ... More »

The Care, Feeding and Eradication of Earworms
posted by: Jeannie Mellinger, Director of Communications

Maybe it’s the theme from “Rocky.” Maybe it’s Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Maybe, we hope not for your sake, it’s the Disney “Small World” tune. Regardless of any musical merit, ... More »

Thoughts on the Rhine from 30,000 feet
posted by: Timothy Myers, guest conductor

12:45 a.m. South African time (already Monday), 6:45 p.m. Raleigh time (still Sunday). I’m 30,000+ feet in the air flying from Johannesburg - where I’ve been conducting a production of ... More »

Hippos Become Musicians
posted by: Jeannie Mellinger, Director of Communications

Saturday's New York Times published a funny, sweet, moving tribute to a New Jersey music teacher that is just too good not to share with our readers. Whether you are ... More »

North Carolina Symphony Blog

Summerfest and Standup - Music and Laughter

Posted: July 1, 2009 10:46 AM | Posted By : Michael Cyzewski, Assistant Principal Clarinet

Only two more Saturday night Summerfest concerts at Regency park starring the North Carolina Symphony and its Summer Artistic Director and resident standup comedian William Henry Curry. Mr. Curry is a world class conductor and musician. He has much music to offer the audiences of North Carolina as well as the musicians of the North Carolina and Durham Symphonies. He also possesses has the tools to be a fine comedian.

The relaxed atmosphere at Regency park provides the perfect setting for the conductor to show his playful side, sharing his considerable wit with the audience. The musical offerings are always accompanied by carefully crafted comedic comments designed to make the listeners laugh. These anecdotes often have the audience and the orchestra howling.

Recent Examples:

After surveying the huge throng turned out to see the North Carolina Symphony and the Cirque de la Symphonie, he opened his remarks with, “Good evening everyone and Welcome to Woodstock."

Before performing Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, he tells of asking an audience in Asheville if anyone knew what a Valkyrie was. A man in the first row waved his hand and pointed to his wife sitting next to him. The couple was seen leaving at intermission.

Professional comedians can spend up to one year perfecting a routine. With only one week between concerts to compile his material, the success of Mr. Curry’s jokes suggest that an additional career is possible.

If you are unable to witness Mr. Curry’s Act on stage at Regency Park on July 18th, maybe in the not too distant future the conductor will be seen on a different stage doing stand up at a local comedy club. I know I will be in that audience with other members of the North Carolina Symphony.