The College of Charleston School of the Arts will present a local sendoff concert on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Charleston Gaillard Center. This performance serves as a Charleston showcase for the College’s Orchestra and Opera programs before they travel to the historic Boston Symphony Hall for a landmark performance on March 29.
Titled "Spring Concert: Celebration of America’s 250th," the evening will feature a vibrant program of iconic American composers, curated to honor the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Conducted by Yuriy Bekker, the performance highlights the rapid growth and rising national profile of the College’s music programs.
“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,” says Bekker. “In 2026, our trajectory continues with an experience our students will never forget at Boston Symphony Hall—one of the music world’s most iconic landmarks. We are thrilled to share this repertoire with our Charleston home crowd first.”
The concert program is designed to bridge the gap between Charleston’s rich history and Boston’s legendary musical stage. Featured works include Leonard Bernstein's energetic overtures from Candide and West Side Story; George Gershwin's classic “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess, bringing the specific "Charleston charm" of the Lowcountry to the Northeast; Aaron Copland's stirring “The Promise of Living” from The Tender Land, evoking the spirit of American hope; and the uplifting and transcendent “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide.
The College of Charleston Boston Arts Tour:
The Boston tour is a multidisciplinary effort representing successful programs at the College of Charleston School of the Arts. In addition to the Orchestra and Opera, the Department of Studio Art will join the journey to Boston, marking their first-ever student trip to the city to visit galleries, museums, and artists’ studios and exhibit
The College of Charleston Orchestra is one of only four featured ensembles invited to perform at Boston Symphony Hall as part of the Boston Instrumental Festival, further cementing its reputation as a premier destination for musical excellence in the nation. The performance opportunity
Ticket and Event Information:
Tickets for the Charleston sendoff concert on March 16 are available now. Members of the community are encouraged to attend and support these student-artists before they take the stage in Boston.
Charleston Sendoff Concert (March 16, 7:30 p.m. at Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St.): Tickets and details can be found at the Gaillard Center website (gaillardcenter.org/
Boston Event (March 29): For more information regarding the Boston Symphony Hall concert, visit go.charleston.edu/cofc-boston.