The Blue Ridge Orchestra took its performances on the road for its 26th season debut under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Emily Mariko Eng. “Post-Helene: Remembering, Rebuilding, Reimagining” captured an array of emotions in two September events. We were proud to collaborate with UNCA as they honor WNC’s resilience one year after Hurricane Helene, Post-Helene “Remembering, Rebuilding, Reimagining” Symposium.

Through music, we reflected on the impact of Hurricane Helene, one year later. This program featured: the world premiere of Sinfonietta Helene by Asheville-based composer Jay Sanders; Iman Habibi’s Jeder Baum spricht, which is inspired by the beauty of nature and the impact of climate change; Elgar’s “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations to honor the memories of the people and places we lost; and local composer Phillip Rhodes’s Concerto for Bluegrass, a nod to the resilience of WNC.   

The BRO’s home at UNC Asheville is undergoing a multi-year scheduled renovation. While displaced from Lipinsky Hall, we are excited to bring our music to a venue near you this season!

Our passionate group of volunteer musicians performed in the charming Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church, east of Asheville, and the renowned Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville. 

Saturday, September 27th, 2025, 3:00 pm
Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church
101 Chapel Ln. Swannanoa, NC 28778

Sunday, September 28th, 2025, 3:00 pm
Diana Wortham Theatre
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
18 Biltmore Ave. Asheville, NC 28801

Tickets: Pricing varies per venue. Please visit our event page for accurate rates. Children 6 and under are always free.

Info:https://blueridgeorchestra.org/post-helene-remembering-rebuilding-reimagining-sept-25,   Facebook, Instagram, or call 828-782-3354. UNCA’s Post-Helene symposium: https://www.posthelenesymposium.com/
This program was made possible in part by the Dan Lucas Memorial Fund.

Photo Credit: Kathy Kmonicek