Photo: Mike Morel
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the Asheville Symphony will present “Masterworks 2: The Great Gate” at the First Baptist Church of Asheville, with performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Led by Asheville Symphony Music Director Darko Butorac, the concert features Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, Mussorgsky/Ravel’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” and “Evening Serenade” by Silvestrov, Ukraine’s foremost composer.
Acclaimed American pianist Drew Peterson will join the Asheville Symphony as the featured soloist for Ravel’s Piano Concerto. Praised for his commanding and poetic performances of repertoire ranging from Bach to Zaimont, Peterson is the recipient of the 2018 Avery Fisher Career Grant, 2017 American Pianists Award, and the Christel DeHaan Fellow of the American Pianists Association. His virtuosity and artistry will bring Ravel’s concerto to life, showcasing its innovative blend of classical and jazz elements.
The program also includes Mussorgsky/Ravel’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” a celebrated masterpiece known for its vivid and evocative musical depictions of a series of paintings and drawings by Viktor Hartmann.
Rounding out the evening will be Ukrainian composer Silvestrov’s “Evening Serenade.” This composition, characterized by its minimalist and ethereal qualities, captures a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
“It will be absolutely thrilling to hear an enormous work like ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ in the intimate setting of First Baptist Church of Asheville,” said Asheville Symphony Executive Director Daniel Crupi. “The church’s brilliant acoustics will also make for a vibrant portrayal of the Ravel concerto performed by Drew Petersen. I worked with Drew previously in Santa Fe and he is an incredible talent—we are delighted to welcome him to Asheville!”
Tickets for “Masterworks 2: The Great Gate” can be purchased at www.AshevilleSymphony.org, by calling the Asheville Symphony box office at (828) 254-7046, or in person at 27 College Place, Suite 100, in Asheville.
