Past Concerts
Mozartissimo, May 2023
Milton Crotts, conductor
Emily Schaad, Guest Conductor
The BRO wrapped up this ‘22-’23 season with a program paying homage to the incomparable Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart! We joined the 2023 Asheville Amadeus Festival as we highlighted one of his works, Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat, K. 364, with violinist Rachel Handman and violist Emily Schaad.
In keeping with the Americana theme, the second half of the program featured the BRO Winds performing classic works by several of the best-known American composers.
Musique Ménage, March 2023
"Musique Ménage" translates from French as "household of music."
In partnership with Fancy and the Gentlemen, the BRO combined Americana and Classical genres under the baton of Music Director, Milton Crotts. Patrons enjoyed two afternoons of intimate music and variety for the ear. Photo by Kathy Kmonicek.
Prelude to the Magic: An Intimate Musical Affair
Milton Crotts, conductor
Featured Guests, Fancy and the Gentlemen
Featured BRO String Sextet Members:
Paula Akbar, Jennie Brunner, Daniel Liech,
Vivian Torres, Eric Sands, Rachel Hahn
The Blue Ridge Orchestra held its inaugural “Prelude to the Magic” event at the Governor’s Western Residence in Asheville, NC. on March 2nd. This “Intimate Musical Affair” sold out within two weeks of publicity! Musicians and guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres from Ivory Roads Café. The evening was filled with conversations over Souther Williams wine and Whistle Hop’s beer with Music Director, Milton Crotts, BRO musicians, and our guest ensemble, Fancy and the Gentlemen.
We thank Fancy and the Gentlemen for their partnership with the BRO, our talented BRO string sextet, and board members Janet Schlaufman and Francee Healy for their efforts.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of Francee and Richard Healy, Mast General Store, Inc., Elevation Lofts Hotel, Dynamite Roasting Company, Whistle Hop Brewing Company, and Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn.
Concert Photo Credit: Kathy Kmonicek
BRO Revels! 2022: "Hansel & Gretel"
The Blue Ridge Orchestra continued its 2022-2023 Season with its annual highlight of BRO Revels! This year, the program celebrated Engelbert Humperdinck’s fairy tale opera, Hansel & Gretel, on December 3rd and 4th, in Lipinsky Auditorium on the campus of UNC Asheville. For this concert presentation, the BRO was honored to share the stage with UNC Greensboro’s Opera Theatre courtesy of David Holley, Director of Opera.
Senza Surprise
The Blue Ridge Orchestra started off the new season with "Senza Surprise"! The Blue Ridge Orchestra began the new season with "Senza Surprise"! This concert highlighted Haydn's "Surprise" Symphony. Audience members were happily surprised to hear a group of young, talented, local violin students present the famous melody.
The BRO also featured clarinetists Dr. Jonathan Salter and Justin Landry in Mendelssohn's Concert Piece No. 2 in D Minor, Opus 114. It came as no surprise that this weekend would set the bar high for an ambitious season.