Asheville Symphony

Excellent concert. Emanuel Ax did the Mozart Concerto No. 14 (K. 499) for piano and orchestro, and he and Orion Weiss played the Concerto No. 10 (K. 365) for two pianos and orchestra. The Asheville Symphony also did the Sinfonia in D Major by Antonio Salieri (q.v. Amadeus the play or movie) and Symphony No. 5 by Schubert, which is a tribute to Mozart. So all late 18th century with a Mozart connection. Ax and Weiss received lengthy standing ovations and performed an encore.

I love hearing live orchestral music. The selections in the first half were interesting but I could not find a melody within them. A young boy who mentioned he was learning to be a drummer loved the first piece with its rhythmic nature. The Sibelius Symphony in the second half delivered the melodies. Is there a sweet spot in the hall where all the music on stage can be clearly heard? I was a professional musician so I am hunting for that. I can see that the Asheville Orchestra is playing very well, with nuance and gusto and would like to hear everyone. . When the orchestra played simultaneously with the fine piano soloist, with the grand piano's lid fully opened, her playing could not be heard from where I sat up in I E section upstairs. My friend was in row G, very close in and heard her very well.

the composer was energetic, the program diverse and exciting, and the crowd was thoroughly energized, and the musicians, as always were inspiring. The Asheville symphony never fails to deliver!

First time in the US Cellular Center, We had a wonderful view of front row and Elena was Amazing!!!! But we were so close we couldn't see the rest of the musicians. It was wonderful to listen for all the different instruments that might have been performing but wish i could have seen more of the stage. Performance was wonderful and would definitely recommend and would attend future events. Nice night out and now I'm familiar with venue and will be able to enjoy additional shows in the future.

This was my second year to attend this incredible event. Both years I have taken one of my local grandchildren to experience both the amazing music and overall sense of wonder that marks this event. This year I took my eleven year old granddaughter, who heard the music of the "Messiah" for the first time in her life. I watched as she sat, transfixed and enthralled. I "heard" it new through her. And it was a very poignant moment, for her grandfather and I had sung this piece every one of our four years in college. The enthusiasm that the Symphony and the Chorus brought to the event was palpable throughout the auditorium, and the attendees were fully THERE throughout. Finally, the conductor , Daniel Meyer's enjoyment of this event was evident, both as he led the wonderful symphony and when he "conducted" the audience's participation.

What an Unexpected Surprise, what a Fine Evening it was ~ thank you, Asheville Symphony!

The Part and Ralph Vaughn Williams works were well matched in the same concert. The Part was performed well as was the Memorium to Benjamin Britten. The Requiem conveyed deep emotion with sad undercurrents. wonderful performances

Having attended classical and opera performances in San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Boston, St. Louis, Europe and many other venues, I was amazed that there was no control in Asheville over the continuing late entrance of so many people. I was near a stairwell and could hear talking in the hallway downstairs, as well. There were only 2 ushers, who could not keep up with the flow of at least 100 latecomers throughout the concert hall. The first composition began without regard to the entering crowd (as a conductor I contolled this aspect of the beginning of a performance, and it is easy to also instruct the ushers on the protocol). The house lights should be kept up until the doors are closed, and then begin the performance. Simple. The first composition was elegant, and nuanced, and I simply closed my eyes to appreciate it as best I could, considering the people groping their way in the dark and several with the flashlights of the ushers, all the while trying to block out the talking from the hallway and stairs. The first piece was just concluding as the last of the audience members settled into their seats

I was looking forward to listen this Mozart's masterpiece in a live perfomance setting after listening many digital, vinyl and radio performances. Of course the quality of sound is mind blowing and worthy driving 130 miles to get to the concert. I was, however dissapointed with the director's approach to interpret the Requiem in such a casual, almost nonchalant way. There is so much drama and sublime beauty in this composition that it ought to be perform with a sense of awe and reveration . You cannot feel it in the Asheville Symphony performance.. Too fast (the violin section was sometimes behind), with no "gravity", which converted the 3/4 parts into a wiennese waltz. Pluses: decent choir, very good soprano and excellent alto.

It was like getting to slip into another world for a night, it was quite nice! Tim Fain was fantastic! ! ! !

We very much enjoyed the concert. In addition to the Tchaikovsky music, there was a story-music from a French composer that they did also, which they brought in an actress for to read the story between movements. It really gave more meaning to what you were hearing. Then, the piano player was a young man from Russia. He was absolutely amazing! Not only did he play beautifully, but he played all from memory! It was wonderful. I think it's great that Asheville can get people like that to come in to enhance their already excellent performance! We are already signed up for the next concert!

Joyce Yang was such a joy to watch. She plays with such feeling and love of music. We completely enjoyed every minute of her performance.

Outstanding performance with very good musicians indeed.

I have been in music a long time, and I have attended many concerts. I don't think I have ever had more fun at a classical symphony orchestra concert than I did seeing the Asheville Symphony on Saturday, February 11, 2012. The hall was beautiful and so was the music. Their conductor is truly inspiring.

I was very impressed with what Asheville has to offer by its local talent. The symphony was excellent...the choirs were good. Billy Jonas was not the correct choice for the guest artist. Nonetheless, it was a great show and I will attend again next year. Note: The ushers need to learn to seat folks between pieces. Very disruptive.

I'm used to seeing the symphony in NYC and STL. This venue is old, paint peeling in multiple places. Back wall of stage has air ducts visible. Chorus was so deep upstage they had to be miked. Soloists also miked. Not used to that. Better to hear natural sound. A piece of something from the ceiling even fell down onto the bass section during the concert. Temperature was boiling. Fortunately someone turned on the A/C in the middle of the evening, so that helped. Surprised the staff wouldn't have anticipated this. The program itself was shorter than expected, and since I came to hear the chorale, I was disappointed since their portion of the evening only lasted about 20 minutes. Overall I enjoyed that portion, as the 125-member double chorus and the soloists sounded nice, although, again, not quite right due to miking them over the sound system. Sound system itself okay, but not the best way to hear classical music. I understand why it was done, since the voices might have been lost from the back of the stage. The venue is not well designed for classical music. I hope Asheville is able to construct or use a different venue for the symphony, as they deserve better.

This was our first time to the Symphony. The occasion was my son's 20th birthday. He has been learning to play the cello, and just so happens we sat in front of the cello section. So he was able to get an up close and personal view. The solo violinist was awesome. We will be returning in November.

Opening performance of the 2011-12 season. After opening selection called Lolapalooza, S. Dinerstein played the Ravel piece with intense energy and excitement. The Tchaikovsky symphony #5 was almost an afterthought even though performed with energy, sensitivity and feeling. Standing ovations all around.

Great performance; soloist was amazing - cellist. Never cared much for strings, but he changed that view for life.

The New Year's Eve farewell concert was a thrilling performance in spite of icy conditions decimating the orchestra and chorus. Outstanding soloists and conductor inspired the chorus and orchestra members who gave it their all and performed magnificently in spite of only 4 of the 16 tenors and 3 of the 8 percussionists being able to get to the concert. It will live in my memory as one of the most welcoming and engrossing performances I have ever attended.

On New Year's Eve, against all odds, with icy roads keeping half the Asheville chorus at home, and many members of the Symphony orchestra away from the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, the show went on, before 700 intrepid audience stalwarts...even Michael Lancaster, the Chorus director, was unable to attend. "Altos became tenors, percussionists doubled up on their parts and other unthinkable last-minute adjustments were made for a rousing performance of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana---and you couldn't tell the ranks of the musicians were severely depleted...", said one of the chorus members. The maestro Daniel Meyer delivered on his promise. Right before the first downbeat, he announced that, freezing rain and icy roads aside, the orchestra and chorus would give the audience a great performance. And so they did. Carmina Burana was performed \u2026 in all its magnificence!

Wonderful evening at the symphony. Parking is convenient and the Cellular Center is clean.

Why I have not gone to the symphony sooner. What a fabulous way to spend the afternoon. How wonderful to go and enjoy "no talking, respectful coattendees".

It was a wonderful performance, the Asheville symphony has never disappointed.

This was our first time hearing the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. We were amazed how packed the theater was and the wonderful audience response, several cheers, bravos, and standing ovations. It's nice to see how this group is supported. Arrive extra early because parking is extremely limited. We had to park in a residential area 4 blocks away.

This was me and my fiancé first Symphony. She loves Disney and we were able to experience the Asheville Symphonies Music from Fantasia. Very beautiful and a wonderful experience

As fine an interpretation of thr ninth I've ever heard. The chorus, the soloists and the orchestra were superb. I guess you could say I loved it.

Hopefully I will be able to enjoy a similar performance next New Year's Eve!

Every aspect was perfect! From the performance to the parking shuttle, it was a perfect evening!

Have attended this symphony before, this was another fantastic performance!

Our whole family, including our 9yo, so enjoyed hearing the symphony, Brahms Double Concerto.

I was so pleased to hear Jennifer Koh play the Tchaikovsky In D. The sound was amazing even from the people in the very back I heard to was bright. Very happy to have attended this event.

The music was flawless. ASO put on a great performance.

Solid orchestra performance under Daniel Meyer. Asheville chorus along with WNC students did an outstanding interpretation of Verdi's Requiem. Dr. Lancaster pulled off this difficult Requiem! Loved the soloists, their voices as well as willingness to sign autographs and interact with patrons after the performance.

It was a great night to hear the AS and the Beethoven Violin Concerto; it was wonderful!! The complaints I have are just about the venue; the parking is difficult; one has to walk too far in the freezing cold if and when you finally find a space. If you don't like crowds and bar scenes, it's not much fun walking through all that either. Then there aren't enough restrooms; there is always a too long line outside both the mens and womens. I actually have to ponder, each time, if i have the energy to deal with these problems. Otherwise, the hostesses and other workers are always very friendly and helpful!

Great performance! I could feel the harmony of Mendelssohn, sadness of Strauss and felt like Beethoven was opening up to a loved one when the conductor and violinist synched so beautifully.

The piece-de-resistance for the day was a concert of the Asheville Symphony. The Asheville Symphony is not a small symphony orchestra, with 64 total players including the conductor. The symphony hall is called the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium that was last renovated in 2010, and seats 2,431. The seating in the balcony is kind of horseshoe shaped right up to the stage. Our seats were great, the closest section to the stage, and they were comfortable, too. The orchestra is really quite good, well balanced and well managed. The program began with a short talk by the conductor about the music that will be featured. The program included 3 pieces: a Mendelssohn overture, "The Hebrides ", a very melodic piece, in which the timpanist really stood out as an almost featured performer. He didn't overpower the orchestra, but really made a positive contribution to the music. The second piece was a study by Richard Strauss, not usually a favorite composer of mine, being usually too "modernistic" for my taste. But this piece, "Metamorphosen", written in 1945 in Germany in Berlin, where everything seemed to be falling apart as the war was concluding. The piece reflected the feelings of the composer as he saw the destruction of the places he had grown up in. The featured piece was the Beethoven Violin Concerto, featuring a marvelous young violinist, Bella Hristova originally from Bulgaria. And was she ever fantastic. That was one of the best and most enjoyable renditions of the concerto that I have ever enjoyed. The music brought tears to my eyes - it was so beautiful. A really great day.

We, my husband And I really enjoyed the concert. We both love Frank Sinatra and Steve did wonderful, would go again and again.. Asheville has talent too, Orchestra was awesome.

I closed my eyes and it was as if Frank Sinatra was there in the flesh. A fun show, so much talent!

First, seeing The Planets in person was something else. The Planets and Gustav Holst have been dear to my heart since my early years discovering classical music. They did this wonderful work justice. Obviously talented musicians who have put in a lot of hard work to create what I had the pleasure of being a part of. The greatest part was being able to bring my partner along. He had never seen anything like this. I'm a former band nerd, so I've been able to see many great performances myself. He was in with a different crowd back in school, so classical music wasn't high on his radar. He has been to many concerts, but never a symphony. He absolutely loved it! I was so glad that we were able to attend and that his first experience with live classical music was such a good one. He came to know The Planets from Isao Tomita's 1976 rendition, but hadn't heard Gustav Holst's until I 'forced' it on him! I am proud to say that he was taken with Gustav Holst's Planets and was just as excited to see The Planets as I was! Thank you for the wonderful evening! It will be one that we will remember fondly!

This was a beautiful event. The symphony performed so exceedingly well, and Chee-Yun was out of this world phenomenal! Brilliant!

First time ever at a symphony. I am a rock/country/blues concert fan. This was amazing! Wife and i both enjoyed the evening! I don't think I will be giving up my regular music but I am very happy that we went to see this type of an event. Always wondered what it would be like, now i know.

Not bad. Only fell asleep about 3 times. Acoustics are very bad. Otherwise exceptional talent.

concert was very good , but the side seats in this facility are not. Very hard to view the stage from side seats.

Denk's musicianship is extraordinary. We've enjoyed his performance immensely. The Bartok's 3d piano concerto is extremely demanding and presents the biggest challenge for both the pianist and the orchestra. We've witnessed a true masterpiece!

It was an incredible performance! Denk was amazing.

Wonderful music. We loved every minute. Thank you!

Fabulous. Mariangela is one of the finest pianists performing today.

Orchestra was magical. Way too hot and left early.