A Year of Joy and Connection

The Asheville Senior Chorus Reflects on 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, the Asheville Senior Chorus pauses to reflect on a year filled with beautiful music, lasting memories, and the profound joy that comes from singing together as a community.
Over 50 voices united this year in celebration, and with each performance, we discovered something we already knew but felt more deeply than ever: music has the power to transform lives, strengthen bonds, and remind us of what truly matters.

We opened 2025 with renewed energy and a sense of purpose. In March, our collaborative performance of “When Thunder Comes” with the UNC-Asheville University Chorale at the Reuter Center reminded us that our voices are stronger when joined with others. The energy in that room, the blend of young and experienced singers, the shared commitment to excellence – it was electric.

One of our members shared afterward, “I didn’t expect to feel so moved singing with the university students. It reminded me why I love this choir – we’re all here for the same reason: to make something beautiful together.”

In May, “Songs That Make the Whole World Sing” featured the music of Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, and Neil Diamond – contemporary classics that resonated with audiences and performers alike. The joy on our singers’ faces as they performed these beloved songs was unmistakable. Audience members lingered after the concert, sharing how the music lifted their spirits and transported them to cherished memories.

Spring Awakening:

When Thunder Comes and Songs That Make the Whole World Sing

Beyond the concert hall, we had the privilege of serving our community in meaningful ways. Our Memorial Day tribute in May at Weaverville allowed us to honor those who gave their lives for our country. Standing together, singing in tribute, we felt the weight and honor of that responsibility.

In November, we returned for our Veterans Day celebration, once again paying tribute to those who served. These performances reminded us that the Asheville Senior Chorus is more than an ensemble – we are stewards of community values, carriers of gratitude, and voices for remembrance.

Community Service:

Honoring Those We Remember

October brought a special evening with “Magical Moments: The Music of Dave Bates.” This concert was particularly meaningful because it celebrated a local artist whose work has enriched our community for decades. Performing his compositions felt like a gift – to Dave, to ourselves, and to everyone who came to listen.

One singer reflected, “Performing Dave’s music was different. There was so much heart in every note. You could feel the story behind each piece, and it made us want to sing better, dig deeper, and really honor what he created.”

Autumn Magic:

Celebrating Dave Bates

As we close out the year with “Holiday Joy: From Silent Night to Broadway Bright” in December, we’re reminded of why we do this. The holiday season brings families together, creates traditions, and fills hearts with warmth. Our December concert at the Reuter Center carries all of that.

Members spoke about the impact of singing holiday music together: “There’s something about these songs that brings out the best in us. We laugh during rehearsals, we support each other through the challenging passages, and by the time we perform, we’re not just singing – we’re sharing something sacred.”

The Holiday Spirit:

From Silent Night to Broadway Bright

What We've Learned This Year

As the Asheville Senior Chorus reflects on 2025, several truths have become crystal clear:

Our members have experienced renewed confidence, deeper friendships, and a sense of purpose. The act of singing together releases something in us – joy, connection, belonging. One longtime member said simply, “This choir changed my life. I’ve made incredible friends and discovered I could sing.”

Music Heals

Every performance – whether in a concert hall, at a memorial service, or in a community center – reminds us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. Our audiences tell us that our music matters to them, and that fuels our commitment to serve Asheville, Weaverville, Woodfin, and surrounding communities.

Community Matters

Our singers range from their 50s to their 90s, and every single voice adds value. The diversity of our ensemble – in age, experience, and background – makes us richer. We learn from each other, support each other, and celebrate each other’s growth.

Age is Just a Number

Yes, we care about performing well. But what we’ve discovered is that the real magic happens in the weekly rehearsals at the Reuter Center, in the laughter we share, in the friendships that deepen over months and years, and in the knowledge that we’re part of a community that values us.

The Joy is in the Journey

Looking Forward to 2026

As we step into 2026, the Asheville Senior Chorus carries with us the joy of this year. We’re grateful for every audience member who came to our concerts, every community member who invited us to perform, and most importantly, for every singer who showed up week after week, ready to give their best.

Under the direction of Chuck Taft and with accompanist Eric Fricke, we’ve created something special – a space where 50+ singers can explore music from Bach to the Beatles, can challenge themselves, can make friends, and can experience the profound satisfaction of making beautiful music together.
We’re committed to continuing this work. Because we’ve learned what so many of you already know: that music is a gift, that community is essential, and that joy – real, deep, meaningful joy – comes from singing together.

Join Us in 2026

If you’ve been thinking about joining a community choir in Asheville, there’s never been a better time. The Asheville Senior Chorus welcomes singers of all experience levels – no auditions required. We rehearse every Monday evening from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. in the Mannheimer Room at the Reuter Center on the UNCA campus.
Whether you’re a lifelong singer or picking up music for the first time, you’ll find your voice here.

Contact us:

Email: info@ashevilleseniorchorus.com
Phone: (828) 903-4272
Address: PO Box 8185, Asheville, NC 28814Facebook for updates on our 2026 concert season.

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Thank you for being part of our 2025. We can’t wait to see you in 2026.
With gratitude and harmony,