Asheville Symphony to Present Mozart’s Requiem

The Asheville Symphony will present Masterworks 6: Requiem on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Asheville.

Conducted by Asheville Symphony Music Director Darko Butorac and featuring the Asheville Symphony Chorus, the program brings together two deeply personal works: Mozart’s Requiem and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings.

Widely regarded as one of the most profound works in the choral repertoire, Mozart’s Requiem was left unfinished at the composer’s death and has long been associated with themes of mortality and reflection. The performance will feature four award-winning soloists: soprano Jessica Beebe, mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali, tenor John Ramseyer, and bass-baritone Jonathan Woody.

Beebe, praised by Opera News for her “evocative and ethereal” singing, has appeared with leading ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and at Carnegie Hall. Rogali, an award-winning mezzo-soprano known for her versatility across opera and concert stages, has recently performed leading roles with Virginia Opera and Florentine Opera.

Ramseyer, described as having a “hypnotically lyrical” voice, has performed with ensembles including the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and he made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2023. Woody, a sought-after bass-baritone and composer, appears regularly with leading early music ensembles and has earned acclaim for his work with the Choir of Trinity Wall Street.

Paired alongside the Requiem is Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, a work the composer described as written “from the heart” and as a tribute to Mozart. The piece offers a contrasting sense of warmth and lyricism, highlighting the expressive depth of the string orchestra.

The Asheville Symphony Chorus joins the Asheville Symphony for this performance. Under the direction of Kyle Ritter, the chorus continues a long tradition of presenting major choral works in collaboration with the Symphony.

Masterworks 6: Requiem is sponsored by Mountaine Jonas, with guest artist sponsorship provided by Sarah Van Gunten.

Performances will take place at First Baptist Church of Asheville, located at 5 Oak Street. Tickets are available by phone at (828) 254-7046 and online at ashevillesymphony.org.

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, Young People’s Concerts, and pre-concert lectures. Learn more at ashevillesymphony.org.