Heroes Among Us - September 11, 2021, 7:30pm
Milton Crotts, conductor
“Heroes Among Us” is the Blue Ridge Orchestra’s tribute to all those who have made personal sacrifices on behalf of strangers, both on 9/11 20 years ago, and during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020-21. The program features the initial “allegro con brio” movement of Beethoven’s Eroica symphony, which presents a triumphal attitude toward heroism, in addition to Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E minor, a haunting masterpiece sometimes referred to as Elgar’s war requiem (specifically, World War I). Together these pieces speak of both the euphoria of survival and the grief and loss that come with turbulent, world-shaking events.
In gratitude to all those who put themselves on the line in order that society would continue during the pandemic, the BRO is offering $5 tickets to this concert for anyone who was an “essential worker” in 2020-21.
Soloist
Franklin Keel, cello
Franklin, who earned his Bachelor’s of Music from Eastman School of Music, currently serves as Associate Principal Cello of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and performs as cellist and vocalist with Sirius.B, Upland Drive, and Samson and Delilah. He is a founding member of the Opal String Quartet, and often collaborates with chamber music groups such as Pan Harmonia and Amici Music. He has appeared as a featured soloist with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra, the Brevard Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Blue Ridge Orchestra, and has shared the concert stage with Emmanuel Ax, Ben Sollee, Free Planet Radio, Stephanie’s Id, the Jon Stickley Trio, Jane Kramer, Ben Phan and the Soul Symphony, and the Get Right Band. Franklin is also a passionate educator, regularly working with youth musicians across Western North Carolina.
Program
Beethoven, Allegro con brio and Allegro molto from Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” in E flat major, Op. 55
Elgar, Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 - with Franklin Keel, cello
Sponsored by
COVID-19 Safety Precautions
Masks will be required for all
Proof of vaccine OR proof of negative, lab-administered Covid test within the preceding 48 hours will be REQUIRED for entry
Seating limited to 60% capacity
Venue
Diana Wortham Theatre
at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
18 Biltmore Ave, Asheville 28801
about the venue
The Diana Wortham Theatre is a 500-seat proscenium theatre within the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. COVID-19 safety protocols may change in light of evolving circumstances; please check the Wortham Center website, here, for the latest guidance.
Diana Wortham Theatre at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.