Asheville Symphony Presents Handel’s Messiah
Pay What You Can Tickets and Thanksgiving Food Drive

The Asheville Symphony invites the community to join together for “Masterworks 3: Messiah,” presented at the First Baptist Church of Asheville on November 22 and 23, 2024.
This will mark the Symphony’s first orchestral performance following Hurricane Helene, and it will highlight not only the strength of music but also the resilience of our community.
As part of the Symphony’s commitment to making this concert series accessible, 200 “Pay What You Can” tickets are available for the Nov. 22 performance at 8 p.m. This initiative ensures that anyone in the community, especially those affected by the storm, can attend without financial burden. These tickets can be reserved for free, or whatever community members are able to pay. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We are dedicated to the idea that music brings people together, especially during times of hardship,” said Daniel Crupi, Executive Director. “This concert is not only a celebration of the holiday season but a reflection of our community’s resilience. Our ‘Pay What You Can’ initiative provides an opportunity for everyone to experience the healing power of music, no matter their circumstances.”
Under the baton of Music Director Darko Butorac, the Asheville Symphony will perform Handel’s iconic Messiah, joined by the Asheville Symphony Chorus led by Kyle Ritter. The Chorus will be joined by four renowned soloists: Grammy-winner Jessica Beebe, soprano; and Grammy-nominated artists Timothy Parsons, alto; Brian Giebler, tenor; and Jonathan Woody, bass. Performances will take place on Friday, November 22 at 8 p.m., and on Saturday, November 23 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
In addition to the music, the Asheville Symphony has partnered with First Baptist Church of Asheville to host a Thanksgiving Food Drive during the concerts. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable items such as canned ham, macaroni & cheese, instant potatoes, and other holiday staples to help restock the First Baptist Church’s pantry ahead of Thanksgiving, which serves families in need.
“The food pantry at First Baptist Church has become a significant resource to the community, particularly as our community continues to recover,” said First Baptist Church of Asheville Pastor of Music and Worship Emily Floyd. “Your donations will help so many of our neighbors celebrate the holidays.”
As a special thank-you to those who have helped in the recovery efforts, the Asheville Symphony will also offer complimentary tickets to first responders for each of the performances.
For more information and to reserve tickets, including Pay What You Can tickets for the Friday performance, visit www.AshevilleSymphony.org or call the Asheville Symphony Box Office at (828) 254-7046. You can also email [email protected]. The most up to date list of pantry needs for the First Baptist Church of Asheville pantry will be posted on Asheville Symphony’s Masterworks 3: Messiah event page at ashevillesymphony.org/event/masterworks-3-messiah.
Masterworks 3: Messiah Performance Dates and Times
- Friday, November 22 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, November 23 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, November 23 at 8 p.m.
The concerts take place at the First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St., Asheville, NC 28801.
Requests for Thanksgiving
The following donations to the First Baptist Church of Asheville Pantry Food Drive will help our neighbors celebrate the holidays.
- Canned Ham
- Canned Chicken
- Canned Green Peas
- Canned Green Beans
- Boxes of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Canned Yams or Canned Sweet Potatoes
- Canned Corn
- Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Mac & Cheese
- Canned Fruit
- Bags of Maseca
The most up-to-date list of pantry needs will be posted on Asheville Symphony’s Masterworks 3: Messiah event page at ashevillesymphony.org/event/masterworks-3-messiah.
The Asheville Symphony performs and promotes symphonic music for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the people of Western North Carolina. Related organizations include the Asheville Symphony Guild, Asheville Symphony Chorus, Asheville Symphonettes, and education initiatives such as the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, Music in the Schools, MusicWorks, Spotlight on Young Musicians, Symphony Talk, and pre-concert lectures. Learn more at www.ashevillesymphony.org.