WILSON, N.C. — January 15, 2026 — Make your Valentine’s Day memorable with the 34th annual “Love the Symphony” Benefit, presented by the Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of conductor Christopher Ellis, this year’s concert will feature acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Winstead performing with the orchestra. Guests will also enjoy a menu catered by Scarborough Fare, complementing a program of music and festivity.
The event begins with a wine reception at 6:15 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m. in Wilson Gymnasium on the Barton College campus. A candlelight buffet dinner will immediately follow the program at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $100 per person. Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Jessica Tyson at (252) 399-6381, emailing [email protected], or online at barton.edu/cultural-arts/love-the-symphony-registration. Guests are encouraged to make reservations by Friday, Jan. 30, to attend this beloved Valentine’s Day tradition.
About the Guest Soloist —
Elizabeth Winstead, a native of Wilson, North Carolina, has more than 25 years of experience teaching singers in her private studio and at Barton College and Methodist University. She has conducted church, community, and college choirs, including The Tar River Chorus, The Playhouse Choral Society, and the Methodist University Women’s Chorus.
Winstead has served as musical director for theatrical performances at Theater at Barton, Methodist University, Playhouse of Wilson, and Elizabeth Winstead Act for Youth. She has performed professionally as a recitalist, oratorio and opera singer, choir singer, and singer/actor in theatrical productions. She also serves as a lecturer and adjudicator for singing competitions at the state and regional levels.
She earned a Bachelor of Music from Meredith College and a Master of Music from East Carolina University and is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).
About the Conductor —
Christopher Ellis began studying the violin at age 10 and holds a Master of Music degree from Florida State University. He has performed with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and served as concertmaster of the Barton College/Wilson Symphony from 2002 to 2023. In 2023, Ellis was named conductor of the orchestra. He also teaches violin and viola in Wilson and surrounding communities and conducts the Beaufort County Community Orchestra.
“Love the Symphony” is sponsored by Truist Financial Corporation.
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