Spring Fourth, 2024
Milton Crotts, conductor
Emily Eng, Guest Conductor
SPRING FOURTH with the Blue Ridge Orchestra's lively 2023-24 finale. The BRO celebrated the return of spring with the first and fourth movements of Schumann's Spring Symphony, Beethoven's Fourth Symphony, and the first movement of Dvorak's Cello Concerto in B minor, with Franklin Keel, violoncellist, and conductor Milton Crotts.
Spring Fourth featured works by Schumann, Dvorak, and Beethoven, three of the world’s greatest classical composers, chosen by BRO Music Director Milton Crotts to commemorate the season.
The program began with the first and fourth movements of Robert Schumann’s majestic Symphony No. 1 – “Spring” – written in 1841, and reflective of the composer’s joyful optimism at that time of his life. Asheville’s own Franklin Keel performed the first movement, Allegro, from Anton Dvorak’s beloved Cello Concerto in B Minor, known for the lyrical solo part and the richness of the orchestral accompaniment. The program closed with Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fourth” – his irresistible Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major – a lively, cheerful contrast to many of his better-known works.
The Blue Ridge Orchestra has been making fine music accessible to audiences across WNC for upwards of two decades. Comprised of over fifty talented local musicians who volunteer their time to practice, rehearse, and perform, the BRO has presented concerts not only in Asheville, but in Canton, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, and Clyde. Under the leadership of Milton Crotts, the orchestra has become known for its imaginative, inventive, and invigorating performances.
Photo Credit: Kathy Kmonicek
Concert Photo Credit (3/7/2024, GWR): Kathy Kmonicek