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FSO sets the stage for "Night on the Town"
- Details
- Tuesday, 10 February 2026
- Written by Sheila D. Barker
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience an evening of vibrant sound, artistic exploration, and urban-inspired energy with “A Night on the Town,” taking place on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m., promising a dynamic night of orchestral music that bridges classical traditions with modern influences. Tickets for the concert may be purchased online at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org, by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the evening of the performance.
At the heart of February’s program is Nightlife, a genre-blending concerto for double bass by Kebra-Seyoun Charles, who will also perform the work as soloist. Charles, the 2022 Sphinx Competition winner, brings a fresh and deeply personal voice to the stage, drawing inspiration from their experiences living in New York City.
The concerto’s two movements flow seamlessly through baroque textures, gospel rhythms, waltz-like elegance, and jazz-infused improvisation, creating what Charles describes as a musical playlist that captures the pulse and diversity of urban life.
Charles has appeared on prominent stages around the world, including Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kagoshima Jazz Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Library of Congress. Their career reflects a dual dedication to performance and composition, as well as a broader mission to foster inclusivity within classical music.
During their visit to Fayetteville, Charles will also lead a masterclass at Fayetteville State University, offering students and musicians a rare opportunity to engage directly with a contemporary composer-performer.
“This concert really embodies the spirit of curiosity and artistic growth that has defined this season,” said Jessica Munch-Dittmar, Executive Director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. “As we near the close of Maestro Stefan Sanders’ remarkable tenure, 'A Night on the Town' is a powerful moment to gather as a community, experience something new, and honor the impact this orchestra continues to have on Fayetteville.”
The concert holds additional significance as it marks the second-to-last performance of Maestro Stefan Sanders’ farewell season, concluding his nine-year tenure as Music Director of the FSO. Sanders’ final season has celebrated innovation, collaboration, and community engagement—hallmarks of his leadership with the orchestra. The Symphony’s 2025–2026 season finale will feature the iconic music of John Williams, while Sanders will also conduct the FSO’s Side-by-Side concert with the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and a special performance at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens in March.
"A Night on the Town" is the Symphony’s fifth concert of the 2025–2026 season, and a fitting celebration of artistic energy, community connection, and a legacy of musical excellence. More information about this concert and the FSO’s many free events and performances can be found at https://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/.
(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's Facebook page)
