Credit: CofC Orchestra
For its third tour in four years, the College of Charleston Orchestra and Opera will perform at Boston Symphony Hall, celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a vibrant program of iconic American composers. The concert will feature Bernstein’s energetic overtures from Candide and West Side Story; Gershwin’s “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess, bringing a touch of Charleston’s charm to Boston; and Copland’s stirring The Promise of Living from The Tender Land, evoking the spirit of American hope and community. The program will culminate with the uplifting Make Our Garden Grow from Candide. This milestone performance is a celebration of America’s musical heritage, showcasing the College of Charleston’s orchestra and opera programs as they present this rich and diverse repertoire in the heart of Boston.
Led by Yuriy Bekker, the College’s orchestra is one of four featured ensembles invited to perform at the concert on March 29, 2026, as part of the Boston Instrumental Festival—an opportunity that will further raise the College’s national profile.
Bekker shares, "I’ve been conducting the College of Charleston Orchestra for 14 years, having started with only 15 musicians. We’ve since grown to 80 members, representing both music and non-music majors at the College, as well as professors, alumni, and community members. This year, we also welcome Citadel Cadets as part of our new partnership with The Citadel Military College."
Particularly in the last few years, the orchestra has had tremendous growth and unique opportunities with performances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and performing at home in Charleston with renowned soloists Augustin Hadelich and Sarah Chang.
Bekker adds, "In 2026, the orchestra’s upward trajectory will continue with another exceptional professional opportunity at Boston Symphony Hall — an experience our students will never forget. What better way to honor America’s 250th anniversary than by celebrating through the arts at an iconic, world-renowned landmark! I’m thrilled to celebrate alongside the College’s impressive opera program and its studio art program, which will present its own visual arts experience in Boston."
The College’s Department of Studio Art will join the Boston journey with its first-ever student trip to the city. Timed to coincide with the CofC Orchestra performance at Boston Symphony Hall, Studio Art students will visit galleries, museums, artists' studios, and graduate programs in the city, culminating in the exciting opportunity to exhibit their own work in Boston.
Enjoy performances:
Boston Concert on March 29, 2026 — The concert at Boston Symphony Hall offers free admission by reserving tickets in advance. Reservations will open in early 2026. A special alumni event will offer a chance for guests to join in the celebration and toast to Cougar Pride.
Fall Charleston Concert on
Spring Charleston Concert on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 — Cheer on the orchestra at this "send off" concert at the Gaillard Center, as they perform repertoire from their Boston performance. Tickets will be available soon.
Information about the Boston experience and the orchestra, including ticket links, is available at go.charleston.edu/cofc-boston.