27th Season: Blue Ridge Orchestra Fall Family Concert

The Blue Ridge Orchestra is launching its 27th season under Music Director Dr. Emily Mariko Eng with a Fall Family Concert weekend featuring tickets priced at $20 for general admission. The opening weekend offers distinct programming tailored for both young audiences and traditional concertgoers across two separate venues in October 2026.

Concert Dates and Venues Across Western North Carolina

The volunteer orchestra is currently displaced from Lipinsky Hall due to multi-year scheduled renovations at UNC Asheville. To accommodate the schedule, the orchestra split the upcoming weekend program across two distinct locations.

The Saturday performance takes place on October 10, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Blue Ridge Room inside the Highsmith Student Union building on the UNCA campus. The Sunday performance runs on October 11, 2026, at 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church Weaverville, located north of Asheville.

Programming and Family Activities Led by Music Director Emily Mariko Eng

Saturday’s interactive program targets concertgoers ages 12 and under, allowing children to engage with classical music through movement, crafts, and activities. Sunday offers the identical musical selections inside a traditional concert setting.

The program includes John Williams’ music from Jurassic Park, John Powell’s How to Train Your Dragon, Russell Peck’s The Thrill of the Orchestra, alongside works by Tchaikovsky, Holst, and Borodin.

This program was such a joy to put together. Musically, the program is very fulfilling, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences of all ages. Our goal for Saturday is that children feel the joy of being immersed in orchestral music, with room to dance and be creative! We’re hoping to inspire a love of classical music in an environment where kids feel comfortable just being themselves!

Dr. Emily Mariko Eng

Ticket Pricing and Sponsorship Details

General admission tickets cost $20. Additional ticket categories include $15 for donors in the Friends tier, $10 for groups of 10 or more, and $5 for students. Children aged 6 and under receive free admission.

The concerts receive financial support through corporate sponsorship provided by Asheville Pediatric Associates and Great Smiles. The event is organized by the Blue Ridge Orchestra, with additional information available through their official website or by calling 828-782-3354.