The Spartanburg Philharmonic closes out its 2025-2026 Zimmerli Series season on Saturday, April 25 with “American Dreams,” a program that explores the stories of composers and performers who left their homelands to bring rich musical traditions to America. The concert takes place at Twichell Auditorium in the Zimmerli Performance Center at Converse University, with doors opening at 6:00 PM and the performance beginning at 7:00 PM.
The evening’s program is anchored by violinist Vijay Gupta, who takes center stage as the featured soloist. The program brings together three compelling works: “Dancing Moonlight” by Dai Wei, the Violin Concerto Op. 14 by Samuel Barber, and Rachmaninoff’s sweeping “Symphonic Dances,” Op. 45. Conductor John Young Shik Concklin leads the Philharmonic for the performance.
The Barber Violin Concerto, composed in 1939, is one of the most celebrated works in the American orchestral repertoire, demanding extraordinary technique and expressiveness from its soloist. Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” his final major orchestral work, is considered among the most emotionally rich and technically ambitious compositions in the orchestral canon. Together, the program makes a strong case for the Philharmonic’s 2026 season finale.
A Season Finale at Twichell Auditorium
Twichell Auditorium has served as the home of the Spartanburg Philharmonic’s signature concert series, providing the Upstate with professional orchestra performances in a setting that is both intimate and acoustically distinguished. The Zimmerli Performance Center at Converse University is located at 580 East Main Street.
Tickets for “American Dreams” are on sale now through the Converse University Box Office, which can be reached at 864-596-9018 or by email at [email protected]. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Subscribers to the Zimmerli Series receive a discount that effectively provides all five concerts for the price of four.
An additional pre-concert event, a behind-the-scenes look at the season finale, is scheduled for April 24 at The Piedmont Club. Tickets for the season finale and information about 2026-2027 subscriptions are available at spartanburgphilharmonic.org.
What’s Happening
Q: When and where is the American Dreams concert?
A: The Spartanburg Philharmonic performs “American Dreams” on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Twichell Auditorium, Converse University, 580 East Main Street, Spartanburg.
Q: Who are the featured performers?
A: Violinist Vijay Gupta is the featured soloist, with John Young Shik Concklin conducting the Spartanburg Philharmonic.
Q: What is on the program?
A: The concert features “Dancing Moonlight” by Dai Wei, the Violin Concerto Op. 14 by Samuel Barber, and Symphonic Dances Op. 45 by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Q: How can I get tickets?
A: Tickets are available through the Converse University Box Office at 864-596-9018 or [email protected], and online at spartanburgphilharmonic.org.
