Press release:
Pan Harmonia begins its 18th season this September, and the air is abuzz with word of an exciting lineup. Known for a resounding tenure in Asheville and the Carolinas, the professional musical group continues to grow its reputation as a regional treasure with an exciting new four-concert series in collaboration with the Greenville Center for Creative Arts, along with other intimate performances and focused community engagement.
The season opens September 10th and 11th, with back-to-back performances in Greenville and Asheville. The Gallant Guitar will take listeners on a sonic journey, as the dynamicity of the guitar brings to life the vast ranges of JS Bach, Manuel de Falla, and Astor Piazzolla. These composers’ diverse styles awaken through the complex nature of the guitar and the resonant tones of the flute. Guitarists Amy Brucksch and Andy Jurik and flutist Kate Steinbeck will captivate with their intimate and energetic performances. There is a third chance to catch this show September 21st in High Point, NC.
As a committed community-arts supporter and partner, Pan Harmonia provides admission-free opportunities for the public to attend full-length performances. This includes October performances of an autumnal celebration, On This Harvest Moon: The Music of JS Bach, Frederik Holm, and Ernesto Nazareth, which will nestle audiences in the soothing and moving sounds of the flute, bassoon, and guitar. The season finale in May, Welcome to the Bassooniverse! is a rare chance to hear FOUR bassoons at once, featuring Rosalind Buda, Jennifer Anderson, Susan Cohen, and Will Peebles. It is also free of admission.
In addition to these public performances, Pan Harmonia musicians play for less-served audiences throughout the year as part of its “Shining Light Project.” Affirming that social justice and arts access go hand in hand, the group provides free music experiences to people who otherwise might not hear it, such as those in day facilities for seniors and disabled, prisons, and homeless shelters. This program is underwritten by private donors and profoundly connects artists and community.
The Midday Music series is another inspiring component of Pan Harmonia’s community programming. Offered in partnership with OLLI, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNCA, this series will be a mix of talks and open rehearsals as professional players join flutist and artistic director Kate Steinbeck in discussing and shaping the music. Peek behind-the-scenes: meet the musicians, learn about their process, inspiration, the music they love and more. Guaranteed to be interesting, insightful and humorous. Bring friends and a lunch!
Free and open to the public, Midday Music coordinates with Pan Harmonia’s programming and is scheduled in OLLI’s Manheimer Room for Saturday, September 9, 12 p.m. (guitarists Amy Brucksch and Andy Jurik), Friday, October 6, 1:30 pm (violist Kara Poorbaugh), Friday, November 3, 1:30 p.m. (clarinetist Fred Lemmons and pianist Hwa-Jin Kim), Friday, March 16, 1:30 p.m. (mezzo-soprano Brittnee Siemon and harpsichordist Barbara Weiss), and Saturday, April 28, 12 p.m. (harpist Jacquelyn Bartlett).
All in all, this coming season of Pan Harmonia is slated to be a delightful, diverse, and dreamy mezcla of styles and insights. A March 19th celebration of Joseph Boulogne, also known as “The Black Mozart,” and JS Bach’s 333rd Birthday is sure to ignite meaningful conversations. Other springtime highlights include the romantic Pink Moon in the Sky: Music of André Jolivet, Lawrence Dillon, Enrique Granados, which will be at the Haen Gallery in Asheville, and features the sounds of Jacquelyn Bartlett on harp, Kate Steinbeck on flute, and Rosalind Buda on bassoon. Additionally, the series Asheville Baroque Concerts, with harpsichordist Barbara Weiss, provides close and thoughtful performances of treasured music throughout the season.
In an age of amplification, Pan Harmonia’s nearly two-decade legacy shows that acoustic, intimate, small-audience performances are still truly treasured. Join in celebrating another robust season, as a diverse range of captivating music is brought to life.
Don’t wait too long to buy your tickets; seating is limited! Tickets for fall concerts are available now; 2018 events go on sale January 1. Purchase in advance online to save 20%. To check out the complete season calendar, read artist bios, purchase tickets, or sign-up for the mailing list, visit www.PanHarmonia.org.
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