The Latest From Our Blog

Music of the Moment: July 27, 2010
posted by: Amy Russell, Director of Artistic Programs and Partnerships

We presented our final concert of the Summerfest series on July 17th and now is the time to plan for the coming season, as we await the return of our ... More »

Summertime at the Symphony
posted by: Jessica Nalbone, Education Manager

I’m often asked by friends and colleagues what life is like during the summer at the North Carolina Symphony’s Artistic Operations and Education Departments. After all, schools on the traditional ... More »

Our Final 2010 Summerfest Concert
posted by: William Henry Curry, Resident Conductor

Our 2010 Summerfest season ends at Regency Park this Saturday with a classical blockbuster of a program that I will conduct. The concert begins with music from Handel’s Music for ... More »

Pianos on the Street Corner
posted by: Arthur Ryel-Lindsey, Communications Project Manager

"People need to get more music in their lives," says New Yorker Aaron George. We couldn't agree more. Read about a fascinating public art installation by British artist Luke Jerram, ... 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.