The Harmony of the Twin City: A History of Music in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem has long been celebrated as the "City of Arts and Innovation." This reputation is built on a musical foundation that spans over 250 years, beginning with the meticulous compositions of 18th-century settlers and evolving into a diverse landscape of professional symphony, opera, and rock ‘n’ roll.

The Moravian Genesis (1766–1800s)

The city’s musical identity was forged by the Moravians who settled Salem in 1766. Unlike many early American frontier towns, Salem considered music a spiritual and communal necessity.

• The Salem Band: Established in 1771, it remains the oldest continuous mixed wind ensemble in the United States. Their performances are still a cornerstone of local culture, particularly during the annual Easter Sunrise Service.

• A Legacy Preserved: Today, the Moravian Music Foundation serves as a global custodian for this era, housing over 10,000 manuscripts and the historic instruments of David Tannenberg, America’s first master organ builder.

The Foundations of Excellence (1940s–1950s)

As the city transitioned into a tobacco and textile powerhouse, its residents invested heavily in professionalizing the arts.

• Winston-Salem Symphony (Est. 1946): Born from a civic orchestra at Salem College, the Winston-Salem Symphony became a professional powerhouse in the 1950s. It was the first organization of its kind in the Piedmont Triad and remains a vital cultural anchor.

• The Nation’s First Arts Council: In 1949, Winston-Salem made history by creating the first local arts council in the United States, providing a blueprint for public-private arts support that cities across the country would eventually follow.

Soul, Gospel, and the "Red Sea of Sound"

Parallel to the classical movement, the city’s African American community was revolutionizing gospel and R&B.

• The "5" Royales: This home-grown group became one of the most influential acts of the 1950s, blending gospel fervor with R&B to help lay the groundwork for rock 'n' roll.

• Winston-Salem State University (WSSU): The university’s music department, active since the 1930s, gave rise to the legendary Red Sea of Sound marching band, known globally for its precision and soulful performances.

The Modern Conservatory & Opera Era (1960s–1970s)

The latter half of the 20th century saw Winston-Salem solidify its status as a training ground for world-class talent.

• UNC School of the Arts (1963): The establishment of the UNCSA—the first state-supported arts conservatory in the U.S.—transformed the city into a magnet for the world's most promising musicians, dancers, and actors.

• Piedmont Opera (Est. 1978): Following several years of planning that began in 1976, Piedmont Opera staged its first production, Rigoletto, in 1978. It has since become a premier regional company, attracting international talent.

Power Pop and the Club Scene

In the 1980s and 90s, Winston-Salem became an unlikely hub for the "Southern Power Pop" movement.

• The Mitch Easter Influence: Producer Mitch Easter’s Drive-In Studio and his band Let’s Active put the city on the indie-rock map.

• Ziggy’s: This legendary venue became a rite of passage for touring acts, hosting everyone from the Dave Matthews Band to Phish. That spirit lives on today through venues like The Ramkat in the Downtown Arts District.

Winston-Salem Music in 2026

Today, the city's music scene is as vibrant as ever. We look toward to the 2026 season and the 50th year of Piedmont Opera.