The Blue Ridge Orchestra. Photo by Kathy Kmonicek
©Photography by Kathy Kmonicek
In early December, join the Blue Ridge Orchestra (BRO) for its traditional seasonal concert, BRO Revels! 2026: A Holiday Renaissance, with performances in Weaverville on Saturday, December 5, at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Weaverville; and in Swannanoa on Sunday, December 6, at 3 p.m. where musicians will take the stage at the newly renovated Kittredge Arts Center on the Warren Wilson campus.
On the program are Three Botticelli Pictures by Ottorino Respighi, a 1927 composition based on three paintings by Italian Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli; Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite; and a medley of familiar carols during which audiences will be invited to sing along.
“I think there is something for everyone in these two concerts, whether you are someone who loves the beautiful music of The Nutcracker, someone who appreciates a classical music ‘deep cut’ with the glorious and evocative Respighi or someone who is in it for the Christmas cheer and wants to sing your heart out in our singalong,” says Dr. Emily Mariko Eng, the orchestra’s music director.
Tickets for the performances are $20 for general admission, $15 for Friends of the Blue Ridge Orchestra, $10 for individuals in groups of 10 or more, and $5 for students. Children ages six and under are admitted free.
The season continues in the new year with Oui Oui in C February 27-28, featuring the works of French composers Camille Saint-Saëns, Cécile Chaminade and Georges Bizet; and the season finale, Voices of America, on May 1–2. “In this, we collaborate with URSA Asheville on Gil Evans and Miles Davis’ Porgy and Bess, among the many American voices we will bring to celebrate America 250,” says Deb Kenney, the BRO’s board president. “The nightcap of our season is our fourth annual fundraising event at Souther Williams Vineyard, Summer Soirée, on June 11. As noted by several patrons, it is an evening of BRO music, fine wines and dining that is simply magical.”
The Blue Ridge Orchestra is a volunteer, nonprofit ensemble. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit BlueRidgeOrchestra.org or call 828.782.3354.
