A symphonic wager on the Super Bowl

Well, this was inevitable. With both Super Bowl cities supporting orchestras known locally as the CSO – not to mention having a music director named Christopher – Super Bowl 50 has inspired a bet between the Charlotte Symphony and Colorado Symphony.

The terms? Should Denver win, Charlotte’s Christopher Warren-Green agrees to conduct Aaron Copland’s “Hoedown” while wearing a Peyton Manning jersey. If Charlotte wins, Denver’s Christopher Dragon will conduct a piece of our choosing (presumably “Sweet Caroline”) while wearing a Panthers jersey (presumably Cam Newton’s).

Musically, it may to Charlotte’s advantage to take a whipping: the finale to Copland’s “Rodeo” is one of his most delightful pieces. But should the Panthers win, humiliation will be doubly sweet: Denver concertgoers will have to listen to a 1970s pop song borrowed from the Boston Red Sox.

Staff reports

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 1:01 PM with the headline "A symphonic wager on the Super Bowl."