Guild News through the year, by date

Join the fun and help the Symphony. We need greeters and ‘direction-givers’ at some of the Amadeus Events March 16-24. It is a great way to meet people, see your Symphony friends, and help out at the same time. Contact Betty Paine, bettyjpaine@gmail.com

Not-to-miss Musical Feasts

“The Last Castle” Author Denise Kiernan
Tuesday, April 2, 4:30 p.m.
Edgerton Home on Reynolds Mountain

Come spend time with and ask questions of Asheville’s Denise Kiernan, author of “The Last Castle,” an epic story of love, loss and American royalty in the nation’s largest home. That home is, of course, our own Biltmore House and the story highlights the impact the Vanderbilts had on Western North Carolina early in the 20th century. This early evening Musical Feast will also feature the Asheville Cello Kids directed by Francis Duff of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy their music while you indulge in high tea served as only the Vanderbilts would, featuring an excellent variety of small sandwiches and tea cakes.
Ticket Cost: $50 per guest

The Legacy of Wilma Dykeman
Sunday, April 7, 3 p.m.
Beaverdam Run Condominium Clubhouse

You are invited to a gathering highlighting Asheville’s Wilma Dykeman. A true Renaissance woman, Dykeman was an author, historian, educator, journalist, and environmental advocate. James Stokley, Dykeman’s son, will discuss his late mother’s memoir “Family of Earth,” discovered after her death in 2006, and will present a 20-minute film documenting her life and career. Robin Gaiser, noted musician and author, and resident of Beaverdam Run, will entertain us on the Appalachian dulcimer. Feast on hors d’oeuvres and sumptuous desserts paired with wine and coffee. Attendees receive a copy of “Family of Earth.”
Ticket Cost: $70 per guest

NEW! BMW Factory Tour
June, Date TBD
Spartanburg BMW Manufacturing Plant

We have added a NEW Feast! The BMW manufacturing plant in Spartanburg is partnering with the Guild to provide an excellent opportunity to view their production facility. BMW will provide us with their spring calendar shortly, so stay tuned for the date of this one-of-a-kind event. Stay tuned for June visit details!

MUSICAL FEASTS are major fundraising events for the Asheville Symphony Orchestra hosted by the Asheville Symphony Guild.

Masterworks 5: BEETHOVEN
Saturday, February 23 • 8 p.m.
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Mei-Ann Chen, guest conductor
Alexi Kenney, violin

Kodály  Dances of Galánta
Dvořák  Violin Concerto
Beethoven  Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”

Join the Asheville Symphony March 15-24 to rock out with Rachmaninoff at Asheville Amadeus 2019, a 10-day festival inspired by the things we believe Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have loved. This year we are thrilled to host two of the world’s leading musicians: rock guitarist Warren Haynes and Rach pianist Garrick Ohlsson — as well as many other talented musicians, artists, brewers and entertainers — for a full schedule of performances, education programs, collaborations and social events.

Tickets are on sale now for all Amadeus events. For more information and individual event details, visit ashevilleamadeus.org.

Our Guild program on February 21 will feature Dr. Melodie Galloway, the head of the UNCA Music Department and the musical director of the Asheville Choral Society.

Conducting – The Art of Persuasion, Commanding the Invisible Instrument

Dr. Melodie GallowayDr. Melodie Galloway will give a presentation on the craft of musical conducting, both instrumental and choral, using contemporary examples and techniques. The role women have historically played in the industry will also be discussed, including the work of Nadia Boulanger and Baltimore Symphony’s Marin Alsop.

We will meet in our usual place, the conference room at the Explore Asheville building, 27 College Place, Asheville, NC 28801. The program starts at 10 a.m. with refreshments.

Not-to-miss Musical Feasts

“The Last Castle” Author Denise Kiernan
Tuesday, April 2, 4:30 p.m.
Edgerton Home on Reynolds Mountain

Come spend time with and ask questions of Asheville’s Denise Kiernan, author of “The Last Castle,” an epic story of love, loss and American royalty in the nation’s largest home. That home is, of course, our own Biltmore House and the story highlights the impact the Vanderbilts had on Western North Carolina early in the 20th century. This early evening Musical Feast will also feature the Asheville Cello Kids directed by Francis Duff of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy their music while you indulge in high tea served as only the Vanderbilts would, featuring an excellent variety of small sandwiches and tea cakes.
Ticket Cost: $50 per guest

The Legacy of Wilma Dykeman
Sunday, April 7, 3 p.m.
Beaverdam Run Condominium Clubhouse

You are invited to a gathering highlighting Asheville’s Wilma Dykeman. A true Renaissance woman, Dykeman was an author, historian, educator, journalist, and environmental advocate. James Stokley, Dykeman’s son, will discuss his late mother’s memoir “Family of Earth,” discovered after her death in 2006, and will present a 20-minute film documenting her life and career. Robin Gaiser, noted musician and author, and resident of Beaverdam Run, will entertain us on the Appalachian dulcimer. Feast on hors d’oeuvres and sumptuous desserts paired with wine and coffee. Attendees receive a copy of “Family of Earth.”
Ticket Cost: $70 per guest

NEW! BMW Factory Tour
June, Date TBD
Spartanburg BMW Manufacturing Plant

We have added a NEW Feast! The BMW manufacturing plant in Spartanburg is partnering with the Guild to provide an excellent opportunity to view their production facility. BMW will provide us with their spring calendar shortly, so stay tuned for the date of this one-of-a-kind event. Stay tuned for June visit details!

MUSICAL FEASTS are major fundraising events for the Asheville Symphony Orchestra hosted by the Asheville Symphony Guild.

Masterworks 5: BEETHOVEN
Saturday, February 23 • 8 p.m.
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Mei-Ann Chen, guest conductor
Alexi Kenney, violin

Kodály  Dances of Galánta
Dvořák  Violin Concerto
Beethoven  Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”

Join the Asheville Symphony March 15-24 to rock out with Rachmaninoff at Asheville Amadeus 2019, a 10-day festival inspired by the things we believe Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart would have loved. This year we are thrilled to host two of the world’s leading musicians: rock guitarist Warren Haynes and Rach pianist Garrick Ohlsson — as well as many other talented musicians, artists, brewers and entertainers — for a full schedule of performances, education programs, collaborations and social events.

Tickets are on sale now for all Amadeus events. For more information and individual event details, visit ashevilleamadeus.org.

PLEASE NOTE: The January 17 Guild Program will take place at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. This change is for January only. Unless otherwise announced, future Guild Programs will take place at the ASO offices at 27 College Place.

GPS address: 135 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Entrances to the parking lot are located on Merrimon Avenue and E. Chestnut Street.

Guild Program: Marketing the Music

Join us on Thursday, January 17th at 10 a.m. for an Asheville Symphony Guild Program about what goes into marketing the Asheville Symphony.

From setting each season’s look, to video and photo shoots with the Maestro, to managing the symphony’s social media presence — learn about all the methods being used to spread the word about our amazing orchestra. Mary Ellen Dendy, contract marketing coordinator for the Asheville Symphony, shares about the marketing efforts that go into making the symphony a success.

Enjoy refreshments at 10 a.m. followed by the program.

The January 17 Guild Program will take place at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. This change is for January only. Unless otherwise announced, future Guild Programs will take place at the ASO offices at 27 College Place.

GPS address: 135 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Entrances to the parking lot are located on Merrimon Avenue and E. Chestnut Street.

Coming in February

February 21: Conducting – The Art of Persuasion, Commanding the Invisible Instrument
Dr. Melodie Galloway, UNCA professor and head of the university’s music department, will offer insights into the art of conducting. She should know — she is the music director of the Asheville Choral Society and has conducted at Carnegie Hall and performed at the White House!

Location: Asheville Symphony Office, 27 College Place, Asheville, NC 28801. Refreshments are served at 10 a.m. and the program begins at 10:30 a.m.

Masterworks 4: SAINT-SAËNS
Saturday, January 19 • 8 p.m.
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Ward Stare, guest conductor
Daniel Kaler, cello
Laura Strickling, soprano
Asheville Symphony Chorus

Offenbach  Overture to Gaîté Parisienne
Saint-Saëns  Cello Concerto No. 1
Poulenc  Gloria
Berlioz  La Marseillaise

Learn more

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who donated to our Pass The Hat fundraiser at the November Asheville Symphony concert!

We raised more than $15,400 for the Guild’s Music in the Schools Program. You all are the reason we are able to bring classical music to all the second-, third- and fourth-grade students in Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools.

Thank you to the hard-working Pass-The-Hat committee and to all of you for your generosity and support.

Pictured: Asheville Symphony musicians demonstrate their instruments to students during a Music in the Schools event.

Fine Feasts Ahead

Have you attended a Musical Feast yet this season? These fantastic events are a key way that the Guild raises money to support the Symphony. We’ve got plenty of unique feasts lined up for the second half of the season and we invite you to join us!

Painting with a Twist

FEATURED FEAST

February 3: “Painting with a Twist”

Bring some friends and spend an afternoon learning to paint with Erin Schmidt. She will provide step-by-step instructions, as participants enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres in a fun afternoon with friends!

LEARN MORE

Great Guild Programs

January 17: Marketing the Music
Mary Ellen Dendy, who is part of the marketing team of the Symphony and who creates the Guild’s e-blasts, will talk about what is involved in marketing the events and programs of the Asheville Symphony — from producing brochures and posters to creating videos with Maestro Butorac (like the one below).

February 21: Conducting – The Art of Persuasion, Commanding the Invisible Instrument
Dr. Melodie Galloway, UNCA professor and head of the university’s music department, will offer insights into the art of conducting. She should know — she is the music director of the Asheville Choral Society and has conducted at Carnegie Hall and performed at the White House!

Programs are held at the Asheville Symphony Office, 27 College Place, Asheville, NC 28801. Refreshments are served at 10 a.m. and the program begins at 10:30 a.m.

Pass the Hat was a tremendous success!

A huge thank you to the Asheville community for helping us raise $15,261.49 (yes — every penny counts) to support our thriving Music in the Schools program.

Our Pass the Hat hats are off to Sylvia Cassel and Susan Arnold for their leadership in chairing the committee of dedicated volunteers who worked together to make this effort such a success.

Thank you to all!

Due to the prediction of icy road conditions and inclement weather in the Asheville area during the morning of Thursday, Nov. 15, we have canceled the Guild Program scheduled for 10 a.m. We plan to reschedule the “Marketing the Music” presentation for a future Guild Program.

Stay safe and warm!