Jamie Laval. Photo by Arlin Geyer
Blue Ridge Orchestra presents BRO Revels! with Jamie Laval Saturday and Sunday, December 10–11, at 3 p.m. The concert features classical, pops, traditional Celtic tunes and original, Celtic-inspired arrangements of holiday favorites. Laval, an internationally renowned Celtic fiddler, will perform solo material and new versions of traditional carols, as well as join the Blue Ridge Chamber Symphony as featured violinist in Vivaldi’s Winter.
“It is an unusual privilege to create original works for orchestra with a set performance date,” says Laval. “Milt [Dr. Milton Crotts, BRO’s music director] is fearless about exploring new musical horizons.” A resident of Tryon, Laval blends the simplicity of an ancient art form with contemporary flair. In 2002, he won the US National Scottish Fiddle Championship, which launched his career throughout the US and Scotland.
“The program is a creative collaboration between two consummate musicians, Jamie Laval and Milton Crotts, whose imaginations complement one another,” says Ruth Hall, BRO’s vice president. “Within this context, audiences will have a rare opportunity to hear Laval perform a baroque masterwork with the orchestra in Vivaldi’s Winter.”
BRO is an all-volunteer ensemble featuring the participation of students from UNC Asheville as well as professional and retired musicians. Its programming draws not only experienced symphonic audiences, but is intended to open the doors of the symphonic experience to those who have found it inaccessible in the past. This is the inaugural year for BRO Revels!, expected to be a highlight of the 2016–2017 season.
“My aim with BRO Revels!,” says Laval, “is to fill listeners with an exuberant feeling of holiday cheer and tickle their imaginations with some of our innovative surprises.”
Saturday’s show is at Lipinsky Auditorium, 300 Library Lane, UNC Asheville campus. Sunday’s show is at the Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 382, Asheville. Admission is $15 general, $10 friends of BRO, $5 students. Purchase tickets or learn how to become a friend of BRO at blueridgeorchestra.org.
