Events included
 

“Salute to the Cinema,” Tar River Orchestra, September 30, 7:30 PM, The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts

The Tar River Orchestra showcases some of the most iconic film scores of the last 80 years, including "The Wizard of Oz" and James Bond, as well as music by Henry Mancini and John Williams. This concert also features our young artist concerto winner, Benjamin Luo, playing the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 2, a work which found a wide audience in numerous film scores from the 1940s and 1950s.

“Tar River Meets the Mouse: A Disney Centennial Celebration,” Tar River Chorus, November 4, 7:30 PM, First Baptist Church, Rocky Mount

Celebrate 100 years of Disney magic with the Tar River Chorus!  This thrilling show is literally one for all ages: it showcases many evergreen Disney favorites, as well as some newer and lesser-known gems, packing in selections from Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Newsies, High School Musical, The Jungle Book, and lots more. Accompanied by a kickin' rhythm section, you'll smile, you'll reminisce...and you might even dance!

 

“Celebrate Christmas!,” Tar River Children’s Chorus and Tar River Strings, December 2, 7:30 PM, First Baptist Church, Rocky Mount

For centuries Christmas has been a season for music and celebration around the world. Come enjoy beloved carols both old and new. The whole family will be entertained by fresh new arrangements and heart-warming songs of the season. Join the Tar River Children’s Chorus and the Tar River Strings for a festive Christmas Concert.

 

“Swingin’ Christmas Classics,” Tar River Swing Band, December 12, 7:30 PM, The Dunn Center

Join the Tar River Swing Band as we celebrate Christmas with classic holiday tunes in a swingin’ style as well as some traditional swing tunes you know and love!

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“Beethoven Lives Upstairs,” Tar River Orchestra Family Concert with “Classical Kids”,     February 24, 2 PM, The Dunn Center

Theater meets orchestra! The world famous production of “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” features a lively exchange of letters between young Christoph and his uncle. Their subject: the “madman” who has moved into the upstairs apartment of Christoph’s Vienna home. Through a touching correspondence, dramatically underscored with the composer’s most beautiful excerpts, Christoph slowly comes to understand the genius of Beethoven and the beauty of his music. This 50 minute production is perfect for concertgoers young and old!

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“By Land and By Sea,” Tar River Chorus, March 23, 7:30 PM, Tar River Chorus with Chamber Orchestra, First Baptist Church, Rocky Mount

Mountains, valleys, rocks, rivers, oceans and streams...and more!  The Tar River Chorus is accompanied by a chamber orchestra for this innovative and diverse concert, woven together by music inspired by the themes of earth and water.  Selections range from powerful Beethoven and brooding Handel to fun pop songs...from lush sacred anthems to stirring patriotic music.  You'll be amazed at the amount of different music you'll experience with just one ticket!

 

Special Event (not included in the season ticket)

“Soulful: 50 Years of R&B, Motown, Funk, Disco, & Pop,” Tar River Orchestra with Jeans ‘N Classics, April 19, 7:30 PM, The Dunn Center

Canada’s Jeans ‘n Classics returns to join the Tar River Orchestra for a musical celebration of 50 years of R&B, Motown, Funk, Disco, and Pop by 20 different recording artists. From Smokey Robinson to the Temptations, Stevie Wonder to Pharrell Williams, and Isaac Hayes to Seal, this concert will feature iconic hits like “My Girl,” “A House is Not a Home,” “September,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love,” “I Wish,” and many more. This concert is sure to have you dancing in your seat and smiling ear to ear! Tickets for a pre-concert reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks may be purchased for this concert. Purchase tickets at tarriverlive.com or by calling the Dunn Center Box Office (this concert is not included in the season ticket).

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“Celebrating 25 Years of Swing,” Tar River Swing Band, May 14, 7:30 PM, The Dunn Center

Beginning in 1999, under the leadership of J.C. Sykes, the Tar River Swing Band has shared the gift of music with our community for a quarter of a century. Join us for this anniversary concert as the band pays homage to its beginnings and entertains the audience once again with the classic swing tunes that started it all!

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