These concerts are the North Carolina Symphony debut for Hugh Panaro.

Hugh Panaro is perhaps best known for having played the title role in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera more than 2,000 times, including the 25th Anniversary production. In fact, he is one of the few actors to be cast by Harold Prince as both The Phantom and Raoul in the show’s Broadway production. He more recently starred as the title role in the New York production of Sweeney Todd.

Panaro made his Broadway debut in the original production of Les Misérables as Marius, the role he originated in the first national company. He also created the roles of Buddy in the original Side Show; Julian Craster in Jule Styne’s last musical, The Red Shoes; and the title role in the American premiere of Cameron Mackintosh’s Martin Guerre. He was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance in the title role of Elton John’s Lestat, based on Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles.

An active concert artist, Panaro has performed with symphony orchestras including the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall; The Cleveland Orchestra; Philly Pops; Dallas and Detroit symphony orchestras; San Francisco, Seattle, and Utah symphonies; and the London Sinfonietta, among many others.

Panaro’s recordings include Jerome Kern Treasury, the original cast recording of Side Show, Tap Your Troubles Away! The Words and Music of Jerry Herman, Kurt Weill: The Centennial, and Jerome Kern: Life Upon the Wicked Stage. His first solo CD, Man Without a Mask, was recorded live at 54 Below and released in 2024. In addition, he has toured Europe with Barbra Streisand.

A native of Philadelphia, Panaro graduated from Temple University and was awarded the Boyer College of Music Certificate of Honor.