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Asheville Symphony Presents Masterworks 5: Carmen Concert

Orchestra performing at the Asheville Symphony concert

News Summary

The Asheville Symphony is set to enthrall audiences with its concert ‘Masterworks 5: Carmen’ on March 15, 2025, featuring a modern reimagining of Bizet’s ‘Carmen.’ Led by Music Director Darko Butorac, the concert includes Jessie Montgomery’s vibrant ‘Strum!’ and highlights talented soloists, including flutist Lissie Shanahan and harpist Rebekah Hou. The event promises a captivating blend of classical music and innovation at the First Baptist Church of Asheville, with tickets starting from $15.

Asheville Symphony to Dazzle with “Masterworks 5: Carmen” Concert

Asheville is gearing up for a musical delight as the Asheville Symphony prepares to present its much-anticipated concert titled “Masterworks 5: Carmen.” Slated for two performances on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Asheville, this event promises a compelling mix of classical elegance and modern innovation that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

Dynamic Repertoire Highlights

Led by Music Director Darko Butorac, the concert will feature a fresh reimagining of the renowned opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet. This unique concert experience opens with Jessie Montgomery’s vibrant piece “Strum!” part of “The Black Composer Speaks” series. This work shines a spotlight on the diverse voices emerging from generations of Black American composers.

“Strum!” is known for its energizing rhythms and intricate pizzicato styles, blending elements that echo folk traditions—think banjo-like strumming to fiddle-inspired tunes. It sets an exhilarating mood that will engage the audience right from the start.

Featuring Talented Soloists

One highlight of the concert is the performance by Lissie Shanahan, Asheville Symphony’s Principal Flutist since 2009. She will captivate attendees with her artistry in Mozart’s “Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra.” During this enchanting piece, flute and harp engage in a delicate dance, fostering lyrical dialogues and graceful serenades that will surely resonate within the church’s acoustics.

Adding another layer of excitement, Harpist Rebekah Hou, who is emerging as a prominent talent and recently won the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) Concerto Competition, will also take center stage as a soloist. Her participation is part of the Asheville Symphony’s annual collaboration with CIM to feature the best of up-and-coming artists.

A Dramatic Conclusion

As the concert progresses, it will culminate in a performance of Rodion Shchedrin’s “Carmen Suite,” which takes Bizet’s original themes and injects them with new life through orchestration for strings and a variety of percussion instruments. Originally crafted for ballerina Maya Plisetskaya, Shchedrin’s suite adds layers of theatricality and rhythmic fervor that are simply unmissable.

Supporting New Talent

This exciting event not only showcases brilliant compositions but also supports young artists through local partnerships. Particularly, local resident Thomas C. Bolton plays a vital role in fostering these connections with the Cleveland Institute. The Payne Fund, which provides scholarships for conservatory students, also significantly contributes to this enriching collaboration.

Ticket Information

Concertgoers should mark their calendars for the two scheduled performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on March 15, 2025. With ticket prices starting as low as $25 for adults and $15 for youth, attending this concert is an opportunity to enjoy exquisite music without breaking the bank. Tickets can be easily purchased via the Asheville Symphony website or by calling their box office during the week.

Box office hours run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the physical address is 27 College St., Suite 100, Asheville, NC. For further details, don’t forget to visit the Asheville Symphony website.

This concert is set to be a magical evening filled with remarkable performances, and it’s definitely something you won’t want to miss. So gather your friends and family and prepare for an unforgettable musical journey.