Asheville Symphony Guild

Thursday, March 13, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join us for an evening of good company and conversation following Music Director Darko Butorac’s Symphony Talk on Thursday, March 13. Enjoy drinks and refreshments, connect with fellow symphony enthusiasts, and share your excitement for Saturday’s Masterworks concert. 

Here’s the menu that you won’t want to miss: Two types of Paella–Chicken and Seafood, five kinds of Tapas, Salad, and three different desserts–Flan, Lemon Yogurt Cake and Ice Cream. And of course, wine–Sangria and Spanish White and Red.

Whether you’re humming “Habanera” or anticipating Montgomery’s “Strum!,” this feast is the perfect way to set the stage for an evening with Carmen Suite, contemporary composer Rodion Shchedrin’s orchestral reimagining of the legendary Georges Bizet opera. 

Hosted by Mary and Randall Johnson.

Co-Hosts: Birch Carlson, Nancy & Bill Gettys, Anne Jarema & Cliff Albertson

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

It’s time to tickle your taste buds and learn about the wonderful world of chocolate!  On March 19^th at 2:00 p.m. we will take a private tour with the folks that do it best-French Broad Chocolate.  This sneak peek into the French Broad Chocolate Factory on Riverside Drive will enlighten you with knowledge of the chocolate making process from bean to bar.  After the tour, join in the fun with a Chocolate Trivia game; teams and individuals are all welcome.  Space is limited so get your tickets early!

Hosted by the Brookshire-Garside Group of Baird Private Wealth Management

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Large Conference Room at the Symphony Office

Dr. James Cassarino, Music Director and Chair of the Fine Arts Department, Organist, and Choirmaster at Christ School, is our guest speaker. Mr. Cassarino will make a presentation on Welsh Music. Prior to Christ School, Mr. Cassarino created a vibrant program at Green Mountain College in Rutland, Vermont. It included opportunities in choral and instrumental ensembles and course work in music and performance. He has studied widely and earned several degrees in music and theology–one of them from the University of Wales in the U.K.

Thursday, April 10, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Prepare your senses for the passion and grandeur of Italian opera as we celebrate the symphony’s highly anticipated Masterworks 4: Ciao Italia. Just as the composers featured in February’s concert were inspired by the culture, food, wine and spirit of Italy, we too will immerse ourselves in the country’s most cherished flavors and sounds. 

Savor a slow-simmered Bolognese paired with fine Italian wines as we toast to the vivacious culture that has captivated composers for centuries — and to our wonderful Asheville Symphony! 

Hosted by Kathy and George Dambach

Saturday, April 26, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

The Musical Feast Committee invites you to enjoy a special Blue Ridge Mountain brunch when the mountains are bursting in the splendid colors of Fall. The picture was taken from the deck of our hostess, at the highest point of the Givens Estates. Use your imagination to add the magnificent colors that will transform the view that includes Mt. Pisgah in the mountain chain. You will be treated to a traditional mountain brunch with items such as country ham biscuits, grits casserole, egg specialties, and pastries. Bloody Marys and Mimosas will be offered along with coffee or water as preferred. You will be invited downstairs for mountain music entertainment. You may even be offered the opportunity to sing along to some well-known mountain tunes. It’s a lovely way to begin your Saturday morning.

Historical Sites and Delicious Bites

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 @ 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Take a walking tour of Ashevile with the Asheville Symphony Guild! Sue and George Luther of Walk with Me Tours will guide an intimate group for a mile-long tour of Downtown Asheville focusing on its unique architecture and the prominent people who contributed to the growth of a small town to the jewel of Western North Carolina. The tour will conclude at Asheville Charcuterie with a private party complete with delicious bites, wine, beer, and music.