9/21-23 // CHARLOTTE
Die Roten Punkte
Back by popular demand to “Rock-Bang” Charlotte, Die Roten Punkte (Otto and Astrid Rot) pump up the musical intensity in their high-powered “return concert.” At least they would, if they could ever get all the mikes, guitars and stools working at the same time. Otto and Astrid’s attempts to perform numbers from their first album are constantly interrupted by technical hitches, and it’s impossible to figure out which are real and which are feigned. Whatever the truth, the brother-sister act is always amusing, trying to keep up a rock ‘n’ roll appearance while endlessly bickering. There’s something intensely funny about their German accents, their suspiciously close relationship, Otto’s lipstick and eye shadow, and Astrid’s antics with drumsticks. Duke Energy Theater. blumenthalarts.org.
10/7 // CHARLOTTE
Celtic Thunder
Following the success of their last four shows, the new Celtic Thunder show Heritage accentuates the musical culture of Ireland. Celtic Thunder features performances by fan-favorites Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, George Donaldson and the newest member of the ensemble, Emmet Cahill. Delivering stirring and show-stopping performances, Celtic Thunder returns to their distinct Irish roots with this inspired collection of songs, including the sweet and tranquil “Kindred Spirits,” the rousing jig, “A Place In The Choir,” the seductive “Black Is The Color” and the upbeat “Whiskey In The Jar,” to name a few.
Belk Theater. blumenthalarts.org.
10/15-23 // CHARLOTTE
‘Il Trovatore’
Opera in Italian with English subtitles. On opposite sides of a political conflict, and rivaling for the affections of the same woman, the Count di Luna and the troubadour Manrico have no idea they are brothers. Lady Leonora is the woman of their dreams but another would be the sibyl of their inescapable nightmare — Azucena: a gypsy woman whose mother, at the behest of di Luna’s father, was burned at the stake for practicing witchcraft. Bent on revenge she stole the count’s younger brother at birth and raised him as her son. Little does the impassioned and honorable Manrico know that he will be the chief agent in a vow of vengeance that will destroy everything he holds dear. This is a tale where sweet romance is devoured by a force far more rapturous. This time it is the bitter promise that rests beneath every tongue, lingers on every lip. Various prices. Belk Theater. blumenthalarts.org. operacarolina.org.
11/11-12 // CHARLOTTE
Mozart: Requiem
The text of Mozart’s Requiem reads “Death and nature will be astounded, when all creation rises again, to answer the judgment. A book will be brought forth, in which all will be written, by which the world will be judged.” The final piece the composer wrote before death, this stirring work speaks of eternal rest and final judgment. Featuring the Oratorio Singers of Charlotte, join the Charlotte Symphony and conductor Christopher Warren-Green for this all-Mozart performance. Belk Theater. charlottesymphony.org.