Join the Blue Ridge Orchestra for a musical celebration of spring in two 3:00 pm concerts: on Saturday, April 27th in Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville; and on Sunday, April 28th in the Diana Wortham Theatre. Spring Fourth features works by Schumann, Dvorak, and Beethoven, three of the world’s greatest classical composers, chosen by BRO Music Director Milton Crotts to commemorate the season.
The program begins with the first and fourth movements of Robert Schumann’s majestic Symphony No. 1 – “Spring” – written in 1841, and reflective of the composer’s joyful optimism at that time of his life. Asheville’s own Franklin Keel will perform the first movement, Allegro, from Anton Dvorak’s beloved Cello Concerto in B Minor, known for the lyrical solo part and the richness of the orchestral accompaniment. The program closes with Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fourth” – his irresistible Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major – a lively, cheerful contrast to many of his better-known works.
The Blue Ridge Orchestra has been making fine music accessible to audiences across WNC for upwards of two decades. Comprised of over fifty talented local musicians who volunteer their time to practice, rehearse, and perform, the BRO has presented concerts not only in Asheville, but in Canton, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, and Clyde. Under the leadership of Milton Crotts, the orchestra has become known for its imaginative, inventive, and invigorating performances.