Asheville Symphony Guild Celebrates Community

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Asheville Symphony will present “Masterworks 6: Golden Glamour” at the First Baptist Church of Asheville, with matinee and evening performances.

Led by conductor Darko Butorac, “Golden Glamour” will transport audiences through the annals of classical history, from the elegant salons of Vienna to the glittering lights of old Hollywood.

The repertoire for the evening features selections from Mozart, Mahler, and Strauss, alongside the sparkling brilliance of Korngold’s Violin Concerto. At the heart of the performance lies the magnetic presence of violinist Blake Pouliot, whose virtuosity and passion have earned him accolades and admiration from audiences and critics alike.

Amidst the symphonic grandeur, a deeper narrative unfolds—one of community engagement and grassroots support. Proudly sponsoring “Masterworks 6: Golden Glamour” is the Asheville Symphony Guild, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Asheville Symphony and nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Before each performance, the Guild will host its annual “Pass the Hat” fundraiser. Far from a traditional fundraising endeavor, “Pass the Hat” embodies the spirit of communal generosity, as concertgoers help support the Guild’s flagship initiative, Music in Schools.

“Music in Schools is more than just a program—it’s a testament to the Guild’s unwavering commitment to music education and community enrichment,” says Asheville Symphony Guild Membership Co-Chair Clair Griffith. The Music in the Schools program delivers Asheville Symphony string and percussion ensembles to perform live at Asheville City and Buncombe County elementary schools. Second-, third-, and fourth-graders are introduced to these musical instruments through demonstration and discussion with orchestra members, who also share insights into the science behind music to align with STEM and Common Core standards.

Before both April 20 performances of “Golden Glamour,” The Asheville Symphony Guild will hold a special membership Q&A session, offering insights into the Guild’s mission and discussing opportunities for involvement. Interested concertgoers are invited to join to learn more about the Guild beginning at 12:40 p.m. and 6:40 p.m.

“The Guild strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and community united by a shared love of music and a desire to make a difference,” says Griffith. “Through initiatives such as Musical Feasts and Music in Schools, the Guild continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Asheville, ensuring that the transformative power of music remains accessible to all.”

You can learn more about “Masterworks 6: Golden Glamour” at www.AshevilleSymphony.org or by calling the Asheville Symphony Box Office at (828) 254-7046. You can learn more about the Asheville Symphony Guild at www.AshevilleSymphonyGuild.org.