Sarah Brightman To Bring ‘A Winter Symphony’ To Charlotte

The World’s Best Selling Soprano To Perform At Ovens Auditorium

Legendary singer Sarah Brightman has recently kicked off an 18-city North American Tour and will soon be heading to the Queen City for what is bound to be an unforgettable performance. Brightman’s ‘A Winter Symphony’ will showcase her three-octave soprano with all the magic and spectacle of a Christmas production, complete with an orchestra, choir, and even a few special guests along the way.

With over 35 million units sold worldwide and receiving more than 180 awards in over 40 countries, Brightman is not only an international superstar but also the biggest-selling soprano singer in the world. This is a unique opportunity for Charlotte area music fans to experience her one-of-a-kind voice live and in person. The Grammy-nominated vocalist is also an acclaimed Broadway artist, taking on world-renowned roles as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera and Nora Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.

Shutter 16 Magazine had the chance to ask Sarah a few questions about her upcoming show and get to know her a bit better. Check out what she had to say below:

What are you most looking forward to with the A Winter Symphony tour, AND What can fans expect when they come out to the Charlotte (12/10 North Carolina) show?

I’ve been performing my Christmas show for several years around the world, and I have a real passion for it. I love this time of year — the traditions, the sense of togetherness, and spending time with family and friends. Christmas should be a positive, reflective season, and I really enjoy the message at its heart, the beauty of it, and what we can learn from it. I also like the feeling of the year drawing to a close: we reflect, we celebrate, and then we move forward into new beginnings.

The show itself is particularly special — full of beauty, with music that people genuinely love. There are stunning costumes, uplifting and playful lighting, and a huge orchestra and choir that create moments that feel almost heavenly. I think audiences will be completely transported for two hours.

Do you have a favorite Christmas song or one that brings about special memories for you?

I love singing the traditional pieces most of all — they remind me of home and of carolling with my family when I was a young girl. If I had to choose a favourite, it would be Silent Night. It’s such a timeless classic, beautifully simple, and instantly recognisable to everyone.

What are the differences for you as a singer between a concert performance and a Broadway performance?

The difference between a concert performance and a Broadway performance is significant. In a concert, your primary focus is connecting with the audience through your music and your voice. In a Broadway show, you’re part of a larger story with many other performers—you’re embodying a character. While both involve singing and acting, performing in a musical requires a different approach because you’re contributing to a narrative and interacting within a fully staged production.

What is your favorite musical memory?

My favourite musical memory was performing at the Chinese Olympic Games. It was an incredible experience, especially because I was one of the few Western artists invited to sing at the opening ceremony — a real honour. I loved being in China and performing on such a global stage, quite literally standing on a massive globe in the arena. I felt extremely proud to be part of that moment, and it remains one of the most exciting highlights of my career.

Having achieved so many accomplishments and awards, what is your drive to keep going and performing?

I have a real passion for the arts and for performing — it’s been part of me since a young age, starting with dance. I feel very lucky and privileged to work in this industry. It can be tough, as you never truly know from year to year what you’ll be working on, but that unpredictability also makes it exciting. You’re always ready to jump into the next project. It definitely takes a particular kind of personality to keep going, but I love both the beauty of the work and the challenge it brings.