Asheville – The Asheville Symphony has created an incredible music season for 2024-2025, and then Helene hit. But fear not. The symphony is back, and their first performance is more than just a concert; it is a celebration of our amazing community as well as a food drive to help provide a happy Thanksgiving for those in need.
On November 22 and 23, 2024, the Asheville Symphony invites the community to come together for “Masterworks 3: Messiah,” presented at the First Baptist Church of Asheville.
Pay What You Can Tickets
As part of the Symphony’s commitment to making this concert series accessible, 200 “Pay What You Can” tickets are available for the Friday, November 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 for 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 of the Asheville Symphony. “This concert is not only a celebration of the holiday season but also 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, regardless of their circumstances.”
Grammy-Winning Soloists
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 accompanied 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.
Food Drive for Thanksgiving Dinner
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, mac & cheese, instant potatoes, and other holiday staples to help restock the First Baptist Church’s pantry ahead of Thanksgiving.
“The food pantry at First Baptist Church has become a significant resource for the community, particularly as we continue to recover,” said Emily Floyd, Pastor of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church of Asheville. “Your donations will help so many of our neighbors celebrate the holidays.”
Complimentary Tickets for First Responders
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 tickets@ashevillesymphony.org.
Food Drive Items Needed
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 https://ashevillesymphony.org/event/masterworks-3-messiah.
First Baptist Church of Asheville is organizing a pantry food drive in preparation for Thanksgiving, and they are requesting donations of various items. The church is looking for canned ham, canned chicken, canned green peas, and canned green beans. Additionally, they would greatly appreciate boxes of Jiffy corn muffin mix, cream of chicken soup, and cream of mushroom soup. Other requested items include canned yams or canned sweet potatoes, canned corn, boxed instant mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, canned fruit, and bags of Maseca. Your contributions will help ensure that those in need have a fulfilling Thanksgiving meal.
The Asheville Symphony performs and promotes symphonic music for the benefit, enjoyment, and education of the people of Western North Carolina. Learn more at www.ashevillesymphony.org.