“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.

Featured soloist:

Franklin Keel, cello

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