Béla Fleck & opal quartet

Asheville AmAdeus Concert In collaboration with Asheville Symphony Orchestra

DATE: TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2023, 8PM

LOCATION: WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

COST: $50/PERSON
STUDENTS $5

Proudly Sponsored by

 
“Mr. Fleck can lay claim to the title of the most popular living banjoist, having done much to push the instrument beyond the bluegrass terra firma into jazz, classical and beyond.”
— The New York Times

Born in New York City and named for the classical giants Bartok, Webern, and Janacek, Béla Anton Leos Fleck first tuned into his musical soul through TV, radio and a lucky encounter on a train ride (just after having received his first banjo from his grandfather) with a banjo player who saw the instrument young Béla was toting, tuned it up, and pointed him to Pete Seeger's book How To Play The Five-String Banjo. A move to Kentucky some years later immersed him in the sound's heartland, and led to a spot in the acclaimed progressive bluegrass band New Grass Revival.

The Opal String Quartet, born in Asheville in 2006, is the only local ensemble of its kind, performing masterworks of the string quartet repertoire and collaborating with living composers to premiere new works. Known for its polished precision, fiery intensity, and richness of tone, Opal is dedicated to bringing the art of chamber music to the people by performing in all kinds of venues, from schools, bars, and art galleries, to street corners and concert halls.

 

PROGRAM

Ernest Bloch: Prelude

Florence Price: String Quartet No. 2, mvmts 3 & 4 

Caroline Shaw: Entr’acte (2011)

Jessie Montgomery: Strum

Béla Fleck: Night Flight Over Water