ALT ASO Flexible Chamber Orchestra Series

Melinda Rodriguez is a powerhouse jazz vocalist who will thrill audiences with her interpretations of beloved American musical favorites.

vocalist Melinda Rodriguez
Vocalist Melinda Rodriguez

On April 26, 2022, the Asheville Symphony’s new ALT ASO flexible chamber orchestra series visits The Orange Peel for an evening of jazz and American Songbook standards.

The concert takes place at 7 p.m. under the baton of guest conductor Christopher Lees, resident conductor of the Charlotte Symphony, and vocalist Melinda Rodriguez of The Voice television competition fame.

The evening’s program includes music from the American Songbook and Jazz repertory, including tunes like “Cheek to Cheek” (Ella Fitzgerald), “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” (George and Ira Gershwin), “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” (Cole Porter), “My Favorite Things” (Rodgers & Hammerstein), and more.

“The Orange Peel is a legendary performance venue in this region and in North Carolina, so it was a natural fit for the ALT ASO series,” said Daniel Crupi, Asheville Symphony Executive Director. “Melinda Rodriguez is a powerhouse jazz vocalist who will thrill audiences with her interpretations of beloved American musical favorites.”

Vocalist Melinda Rodriguez

Just 26 years old, Melinda Rodriguez has made a name for herself in the jazz world. She was a contestant on Season 17 of NBC’s hit singing show, The Voice, where she worked closely with Kelly Clarkson. She was also the People’s Choice Award winner in the 2022 American Traditions Vocal competition.

Melinda is the most recent winner of the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, which took place in Washington, DC, in early 2019. That same year she debuted with the Legendary Count Basie Jazz Orchestra. She spent 2018-20 as a teaching artist at The University of Illinois, Millikin University, and Illinois Wesleyan University while pursuing her master’s degree in performance.

Her debut performances took place at legendary clubs across the country, including New York’s Birdland Jazz Club and, in Chicago, Andy’s Jazz Club. Her other honors include the Ben Tucker Jazz Award and the Johnny Mercer Award in the prestigious American Traditions Vocal Competition held annually in Savannah, GA.

Purchase tickets

Tickets for ALT ASO events are $40 for all ages, general admission. Purchase tickets online at ashevillesymphony.org, by phone at (828) 254-7046, or in person at the Asheville Symphony office at 27 College Pl., Suite 100.

Safety Policies

The Asheville Symphony is dedicated to its audience members’ safety and comfort. At the April 2022 ALT ASO event at The Orange Peel, masks will be required for attendees, vendors, and staff unless actively eating or drinking. Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 (or a negative result of a Covid-19 diagnostic test taken within 72 hours of the event) will be required to enter. For more information on the Asheville Symphony’s Covid-19 safety policies, visit www.ashevillesymphony.org/covid-19-safety-policies.

The Asheville Symphony Orchestra performs and promotes symphonic music for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the people of Western North Carolina. The ASO presents concerts in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville.

Learn more at ashevillesymphony.org.