North Carolina’s oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition, with stars, story, and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

Program:

Rigby’s Escape for Flute, Clarinet, & String Orchestra by Andre Madatian (b.1992)

Bradford Malbon, flute ~ Justin Landry, clarinet

  

“Humours of Mallow” by Landon Walker
“Prism” by Jennie Walker Brunner
“The Ashebrook” by Scott Walker, arranged by Scott Walker

 The Walker Family Band

 

Soñando en Español for harp and orchestra,  III. Baroque Flamenco, by Deborah Henson-Conant (b. 1953)
Tori Parrish, harp

 

“Call My Name” by Seth Walker

 

“Rewind” by Seth Walker, arranged by Scott Walker                                                                             Seth Walker, vocals and guitar ~ Landon Walker, bass

 

“All of These Things” by Seth Walker, arranged by Scott Walker

Intermission

 

Gaelic Symphony, II. Alla siciliana – Allegro vivace – Andante, by Amy Beach (1867–1944)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

The Nutcracker Suite, Op.71a                                                                                                                   

II. Danses caractéristiques

a. Marche

b. Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy

c. Russian Dance (Trepak)

d. Arabian Dance

e. Chinese Dance

f. Dance of the Reed-Flutes

III. Waltz of the Flowers

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)

 

Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson (1908–1975)
Guest Conductor, David Jamison

Featured Artists

Andre Madatian, composer

Andre Madatian is a guitarist, composer, and educator currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee. Andre holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Film Scoring with a minor in Contemporary Conducting from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and a Master of Music in Composition from Middle Tennessee State University. Aside from composing, Andre is also an active touring guitarist as well as an educator where he mentors students from all around the globe in several areas including composition, arranging, orchestration, and music theory. Andre recently accepted a full-time professorship position with Tennessee State University where he teaches arranging, music appreciation, and directs a commercial music ensemble.

Bradford Malbon, flute

Bradford Malbon is a flute maker and repair technician residing in Asheville since 2012. He works locally with the Abell Flute Company and has previously worked with Powell Flutes of Boston. As a musician, he has played flute and piccolo with many ensembles, including the Mercury Orchestra, Lowell House Opera Orchestra, and Boston Civic Symphony, as well as Irish flute and whistle in Asheville-area traditional Irish music sessions. He has a particular love for the symphony orchestra, and he has been pleased to play with the Blue Ridge Orchestra since 2012. Bradford earned a Master of Music degree in flute performance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2007, after studying music and mathematics at the College of William and Mary in Virginia.

Justin Landry, clarinet

Justin Landry (clarinet) has been playing clarinet for over thirty years. He attended the University of Maine, in his home state, where he studied Music Performance and
Mathematics. Later, Justin received his Master of Music Performance degree from State University of New York at Purchase under the tutelage of Ayako Oshima. He has since performed with theatre companies, chamber groups, and WNC regional orchestras and musicians, including the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra, Asheville Clarinet Choir, and the Blue Ridge Orchestra. He enjoys the outdoors, his family, and
his dog, Yogi.

Seth Walker

Seth Walker, the son of Scott Walker and brother to Jennie Brunner, is often cited as one of the most prolific contemporary American artists on the scene today. He’s a multi-dimensional talent who combines a gift for melody and lyric, He has a natural knack for getting around the guitar, and in the words of American Songwriter, a rich, Gospel-drenched Southern-inflected voice!  In addition to extensive recording and songwriting pursuits, Seth is consistently touring and performing at venues around the world. Along with headlining shows, he has opened for The Mavericks, The Wood Brothers and Paul Thorn.

For the Blue Ridge Orchestra performance, he will be joined by Landon Walker on Bass. Landon is a seasoned jazz bassist, and not only hired Seth for his first professional gig way back in the early 90’s, he also helped introduce Seth to the world of the blues by mailing him cassettes of radio shows that Landon produced and narrated on Jacksonville Florida’s NPR affiliate WJCT.

The Walker Family Band

For over two decades, The Walker Family Band has delighted audiences throughout the Southeast with a distinctive take on traditional styles, performing Irish dance music and American old-time music with a forward-reaching attitude. We especially enjoy sharing original tunes, which grow naturally from these roots and from our thorough training and experience in classical music and jazz. The result is varied music and not compartmentalized into a particular genre. All now living in the Asheville area, the band is playing for events in the area. Jennie Brunner is a long-standing member of the Blue Ridge Orchestra.

Jennie leads the way, with beautiful and heartfelt fiddle playing, and is a master of connecting with the audience. She is accompanied and supported, very capably by her dad, Scott Walker, on guitar and fiddle, and her uncle, Landon Walker on accordion and Bass. For the Blue Ridge Orchestra performances, we will be enhanced by a close friend and extended Walker Family Band member, Laura Boswell.

The orchestra will join both the Walker Family Band and Seth with string orchestra arrangements, written by Scott Walker, under the fine direction of our friend, Milt Crotts. They are thankful to him and everyone with the BRO for creating this opportunity. 

Tori Parrish, harp

Tori Parrish (they/them pronouns) is a classically trained harpist with a degree in fine art painting from Stanford University and over a decade of experience performing at weddings, concerts and events. Tori has performed worldwide with the American Youth Harp Ensemble as well as across the United States with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra. Some notable venues include the Stanford Memorial Church, Bing Concert Hall, SLAC Accelerator Lab in California and St. Peter’s Cathedral in Vienna. You can learn more about Tori’s work at luxuryharpist.com. 

Join International Ballet and Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova as the beloved holiday classic returns to the Peace Center stage. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and be dazzled as the angelic voices of the Greenville Youth Chorale are featured as snow falls on the Concert Hall stage. No holiday season is complete without joining Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they encounter dancing snowflakes, spirited sword fights and a visit to the Kingdom of Sweets. With glittering costumes and exquisite sets, this incredible performance is not to be missed.

The Blue Ridge Ringers Present Ring We Now of Christmas, 3-4pm, Come join the Blue Ridge Ringers as they perform their
holiday special, Ring We Now of Christmas at the First Congregational Church in Hendersonville, The Blue RIngers are an
advanced auditioned group of handbell musicians in Hendersonville NC. Free,

The official 2023 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 27, 2023 and will continue through Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Explore an array of exquisite gingerbread houses meticulously crafted by talented competitors from across the nation in the grandest gingerbread house competition of all.

Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 4:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed. Before travelling to the property, visit our Facebook page to verify display access is open for public viewing. CLICK FOR LIVE PROPERTY UPDATES

HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM

Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $923,000 to not-for-profit partners in Buncombe County, North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. From October 1, 2023 – January 2, 2024, parking rates are as follows:

• Valet Parking: $35 for day parking & overnight guests
• Self-Parking: $25 for day parking & overnight guests

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events.

As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food and media professionals and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.

The Gingerbread Display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same – one of wonder, awe and delight.

NEW QUEER’S EVE
Developed by a Collaboration of Queer Writers
Directed by Dwight Chiles

Maybe it’s much too early in the game, but I thought I’d ask you just the same, what are you doing New Year’s? Join us for a look at this holiday through a new lens. New Queer’s Eve takes place in one location over multiple New Year’s Eve celebrations and provides a glimpse into the LGBTQIA+ experience through time. Through interconnected stories told by a collaboration of queer writers, New Queer’s Eve invites audiences to share in the joys and struggles of queer life through the decades.

Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.

The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring Ryan Cox, Miranda Allison & Art Sturtevant!!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

Another Great Comedy Show at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co, Theater 2! 6:30p, 18+, Get Dinner, Drinks & Laughs with the areas best standup comics. Featured and Open Mic Comedy. [Performing comics get FREE entry and pizza. ]
Get Your Tickets Now!! Hosted Mario Trevizo. Featuring great regional comics!
For more info and other standup comedy shows go to sliceoflifecomedy.com or contact Michele at [email protected]

• WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., Farmers Truck Shed #1, daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Even though it’s getting colder, you can still find fresh, local food at area farmers markets. Nine markets in Buncombe County will offer extended seasons or special holiday dates in November and December. In addition to seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, and bread, these markets will feature local artists and handmade goods, such as wreaths, pottery, jewelry, and more.
• ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription. Both programs offer participants free market tokens that can be spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. That includes in-season fall produce such as root veggies (including carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips), tubers (potatoes and sweet potatoes), brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), winter squash, greens, and fruits like apples and persimmons.

Living in Western North Carolina means there is always something to do in the garden, from preparing soil and pruning to fertilizing and transplanting. But when and how? You’ll find the answers in A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains.

Created by NC State Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers of Buncombe County (BCEMG), the guide provides a complete month-by-month description of what to do (and not to do), along with tips on invasive species, mulching, composting, and creating bird- and pollinator-friendly habitats.

This quick reference makes the perfect holiday gift for the gardeners in your life, whether they are old hands, new to gardening, or new to gardening in the mountains. A Gardening Guide for Our Mountains will get them off to the right start and keep their gardens growing all year long. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that funds raised through this publication go to support the many educational and outreach programs provided by BCEMG volunteers.

How to order: Send $13 (checks payable to Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener) to N.C. Cooperative Extension, Buncombe County Center, 49 Mount Carmel Road, Asheville, N.C. 28806, ATTN:  Buncombe County Master Gardeners. Include mailing address for shipping and a phone number, in case we have a question about your order.

Copies are available for pick up at the office for $10.  Please call in advance. 828-255-5522.

To learn more about the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program in Buncombe County, go to: https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/

Whether you start decorating for the holidays before Thanksgiving or well into December, now is the best time to get into the holiday spirit by sponsoring a gift for kids or adults.

Being an adult without a support network, an adult with a disability, or a kid in foster care can be tough over the holidays; this is a great opportunity to let them know that the community cares for them.

Every year, Buncombe County hosts an Adult Wish Tree and a Foster Care Wish Tree that allows members of the community to sponsor a gift for someone this holiday.

Foster Care Wish Tree

Each year, children in foster care in Buncombe County submit a list of wishes they would like for the holidays.

To sign up to sponsor a child, click this link and select the person you would like to sponsor. You will receive an email confirmation that provides a copy of the wish list and all the instructions for drop-off.

A note from Health and Human Services:

Hello and thank you for your generosity this holiday season. We are grateful for your unwavering support for our foster youth. Here at Buncombe County Health and Human Services, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of our foster youth, and having your support means so much to us and our kids. You are not just providing gifts this holiday season; you are telling someone that they matter and that they are important! That is something to celebrate! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

If you have any questions about your sponsorship, please call Amber Cook at 828-772-5553 or email [email protected] during business hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Adult Wish Tree

When you can’t drive a car or don’t have someone to bring you the things you might need, like a new nightgown or socks, it can be tough. The Adult Wish Tree is a Buncombe County program that works with agencies throughout the county to identify adults and adults with disabilities who don’t have access to a support network to help with these basic needs. The program also identifies young adults in our extended foster care program who will likely not receive a gift this year. Please consider selecting an adult to sponsor this holiday season.

To sign up to sponsor an adult, click this link and select the person you would like to sponsor. You will receive an email confirmation that provides a copy of the wish list and all the instructions for drop-off.

A note from Health and Human Services:

This holiday season we hope you will choose one of the many names that are submitted by Health and Human Services and our partner agencies for adults and adults with disabilities.  It is such a joy to see the smiles on the faces of adults who have their wishes fulfilled, as these are adults who are not expected to have anyone else to provide them with a gift this year.

If you have questions, please email us at [email protected].

Happy Holidays and thank you for supporting those who need a little extra care this upcoming season.

​

​

Give the gift of holiday joy in the form of a unique, beautiful, locally made ornament! Handcrafted ornaments made by local artists will be for sale in our lobby on our Christmas tree through the middle of December. Gift the gift of art this year and support local artists in the process!

The Peppermint Bear Scavenger Hunt will take you on a fun-filled bear hunt through downtown Hendersonville looking for Peppermint Bear’s lost bear cubs, who are hiding out in the shops, Get your map at the Visitor Center, then head out to find all of the cubs and get a stamp at each location after you’ve found the bear, return completed entry forms to the Visitor Center to be eligible for great prizes!

Guided tours will be at 10:30 AM each day.

$15 adults, $10 students, $10 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

Self-guided tours will be from 1-3 PM each day with a volunteer in the house to answer questions.

$8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (65+), free 4 and under

All tours include hot chocolate and cookies and a visit with the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists.

ONSITE | Monday, December 11, 1 – 4 p.m. | $45 Adult Non-Member (Arboretum member discount applies!) Pre-registration Required.

Find inspiration in fall’s beautiful leaves in this half day class that covers the basics of eco-printing. Artist Joyce Tromba helps you learn how to select and test leaves and other plant material for making permanent prints on paper. We will walk around the arboretum and pick some leaves for our printing. Then while our papers are processing you will learn how to make a lovely star book that can be used as an ornament on your tree. You will take home a collection of papers to use in card, ornament and book making this season.

Pre-register for this small-group experience through the form linked below and staff will  be in touch to finalize registration and payment.

The official 2023 Gingerbread display begins on Monday, November 27, 2023 and will continue through Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Explore an array of exquisite gingerbread houses meticulously crafted by talented competitors from across the nation in the grandest gingerbread house competition of all.

Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 4:00 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. Display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed. Before travelling to the property, visit our Facebook page to verify display access is open for public viewing. CLICK FOR LIVE PROPERTY UPDATES

HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM

Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $923,000 to not-for-profit partners in Buncombe County, North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. From October 1, 2023 – January 2, 2024, parking rates are as follows:

• Valet Parking: $35 for day parking & overnight guests
• Self-Parking: $25 for day parking & overnight guests

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events.

As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food and media professionals and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.

The Gingerbread Display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same – one of wonder, awe and delight.

Festival of Lights offers two different experiences for attendees: a drive-thru and a walk-thru. The walk-thru dates will take place on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. and the drive-thru will be taking place nightly from Dec. 4 – Dec. 23 from 6-9 p.m.

The walk-thru nights (Dec. 2 and 3) will consist of fun holiday crafts, kettlecorn, hot chocolate and the spectacular light show. Admission to the walk-thru nights is only $5 for adults, and children 16 and under get in free, making it an affordable and joyful outing for families to celebrate the holiday season together. Please note that parking for the walk-thru nights will be available at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School. This is only a short walk from Lake Julian Park. Cars will not be permitted to enter the park unless they have a need for ADA accessible parking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to dress warmly.

The drive-thru nights (Dec. 4 – Dec. 23) allow you to stay in the comfort of your own car while oooh-ing and ah-ing at the beautiful lights around Lake Julian Park. As participants drive throughout the park, they can tune into their favorite seasonal music on the radio. Admission is $10 per car for personal vehicles, $25 for sprinter vans, trailblazers, and conversion vans, and $50 for busses and motorcoaches. Purchased tickets will be valid for one-time use on any night of the festival; tickets are not date specific.

The Most Wonderful Tour of the Year is coming to Bon Secours Wellness Arena this holiday season! Come celebrate the holidays with the world’s biggest a cappella act 🎁