A fundraising event (well, three) unlike any other
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Our annual Serenade gala is the flagship event of The Choir School’s annual calendar, and has become a favorite tradition for our MasterSingers and patrons for more than 15 years. This year, we’re taking Serenade online and expanding it with three unique events.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
It all starts on Wednesday, March 10 with our Trivia Night. Our executive director Davis Tapp hosts this casual evening that will be a great way to see some familiar faces and put your knowledge to the test. Put your feet up and bring your smarts. We’ll have special guest captains and you’ll be facing off with other Choir School fans for bragging rights and prizes from Charlotte-area breweries. Plus, every correct answer helps support The Choir School — and that’s a no brainer.
EXCITE YOUR PALATE
On Sunday, March 21, you can learn from some of Charlotte’s finest gourmet purveyors in an exclusive tasting class. Our neighbors at Seventh Street Market Rachel Klebaur of Ormann’s Cheese Shop and Josh Villapando of The Assorted Table Wine Shoppe host this exclusive and interactive wine and cheese seminar. You’ll learn from the best as you try great cheeses and exciting wines. The happy hour event is capped off with a tasting of chocolates from local artisans Pott’s Chocolate.
Friend of the Choir School Adam Santalla Pierce hosts this interactive class where we’ll toast to the future of The Choir School.
DELIGHT IN THE MUSIC
The celebrations conclude with a special live broadcast Serenade Concert featuring The Bechtler Ensemble String Quartet and performances from The MasterSingers. Grab a seat on your couch for an intimate evening full of music. Tanja Bechtler and the Bechtler Ensemble join The Choir School for a special live performance from Uptown Charlotte in support of our mission.
You’ll start your evening with our “Bites Box” featuring small bites and great wine from long-time Choir School supporters La-tea-da’s Catering. The night continues with virtual choir performances from The MasterSingers, and opportunities to support the Choir’s mission of accessible, excellent music education.
THE PATRON PASS
The best way to experience it all is with our Patron Pass. With this special pass, you get access to all three events at a special price. Each pass includes live-stream access to every event and all event boxes for two guests. And you save a bundle — more than $100!
START YOUR JOURNEY
There are lots of ways to support The Choir School this year at Serenade. You can make a gift below right now, for instance. And you can join us for any or all of the three Serenade events. You can read more about the events and get the details or you can go ahead and buy tickets today.
Attending a Concert
Whether you’ve been attending Charlotte Choir School concerts for years, or this will be your first time, we want you to enjoy yourself and support our singers as a comfortable member of our audience. Here are some frequently asked questions about the concert-going experience that may help.
When do I applaud?
Our choirs love an enthusiastic and appreciative audience, so we encourage your applause. Please hold any applause during short pauses between movements or sections of longer pieces. Once a complete piece has ended, your applause is greatly appreciative. A standing ovation for our final curtain call is always appreciated, too!
May I bring food and beverages?
Food or beverage is not permitted in our main stage venue, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Please respect the sanctity of our founding partner’s worship space.
What if I arrive late?
Concerts begin promptly at the announced starting time. Latecomers and those who leave the venue before or during a work will be seated at the first appropriate break in the program.
When should I arrive?
Please consider how long it will take you to park, walk to our venue, check in, and have a moment before the show to familiarize yourself with the program and relax. We suggest you arrive at the venue at least 20 minutes before showtime.
Can I bring my cell phone or camera?
Yes, cell phones and cameras are allowed. However, we require that you turn off all cell phones, cameras, pagers, beeping watches, and other electronic devices before the performance begins — and that you check to see that they are again turned off after any intermission.Audience members may take photographs before and after the concert. Please note, however, that no photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the performance. Anyone seen using a camera, smart phone, or other device for these activities will be asked to leave.
How long are your concerts?
Our main stage concerts are about 90 minutes and are generally presented without an intermission.
Where do I get my tickets?
Tickets are sold on our website and all tickets are delivered by email to the purchaser. We do not have a will call, and your ticket (printed or on device) must be presented for proof at the venue.
Where do I park?
For main stage concerts at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church or First United Methodist Church, free parking is provided in the TransAmerica Square parking garage on Seventh Street. Enter on Seventh just west of Tryon and bring your ticket with you to the show for validation.
What should I wear?
You’re Uptown for a concert in Charlotte — have fun! But there’s no need to stress. Business or business casual works for all main stage concerts. Most importantly, we want you to be comfortable.
What if I know nothing about choral music and your repertoire?
That’s okay! We perform sacred and secular choral music with a repertoire that features a mix of accessible, familiar choral works, and some pieces you may not expect. You don’t need to know anything about our repertoire to enjoy our concerts. We will publish the concert program in advance, with information about the composers featured and pieces to be performed. We’ll also include links to Spotify and Apple Music where you can hear some pieces in commercial recordings. Elizabeth Lenti, our Artistic Director, also offers program notes from the stage with information on what to listen for in a piece.
