Music, Art and a bit of Vanderbilt Lore – The Episcopal Cathedral of All Souls

This Musical Feast has it all: classical and contemporary music performed by talented Kyle Ritter, Alicia Chapman, Frances Duff and Lea Kibler, in the art-filled sanctuary of  The Episcopal Cathedral of All Souls.  Built in 1896 as the home church of the Vanderbilt family, it is famous for its architecture and vibrantly colorful windows.  Tasty food, wine and delectable desserts in the Parish Hall, decorated with beautiful paintings by University of North Carolina at Asheville faculty member, Tucker Cooke, round out this multicultural event.

Kyle Ritter, All Souls organist and music director since 2002, will present a concert of trio sonatas by two German Baroque composers, Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann, as well as contemporary works for instrument and organ. We will be joined by Asheville Symphony musicians Alicia Chapman (oboe) and Frances Duff (cello).  Lea Kibler, a member of the All Souls Adult Choir, will play flute. Kyle Ritter plays and conducts for the Cathedral’s three Sunday services and directs a 50-member adult choir and two children’s choirs. He also serves as Assistant Director/Accompanist for the Asheville Symphony Chorus. 

The fascinating history of the Episcopal Cathedral of All Souls, will be revealed by Martha Fullington, coordinator of the docent program at All Souls. Martha is an architectural historian whose career was with the State Preservation Offices of both North and South Carolina. She will share some history highlights and cast aside a few myths.