Asheville Senior Chorus Highlights
for Winter & Spring 2026
Feeling isolated or bored with winter blues in Asheville as a senior? You crave uplifting music events that build community and health without the hassle of searching everywhere. This article spotlights the Asheville Senior Chorus’s Winter and Spring 2026 highlights, from signature concerts to rehearsals, all through UNC-Asheville’s trusted OLLI program serving hundreds locally.
Discover the Asheville Senior Chorus
The Asheville Senior Chorus is more than just a singing group; it is a vital community partner affiliated with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC-Asheville. This chorus brings together adults from across the Asheville area who share a passion for music, regardless of their prior professional experience.
They perform a diverse repertoire that ranges from classical masterworks to popular modern songs. As a special interest group within a lifelong learning program, the chorus emphasizes the joy of learning new skills at any age. It provides a structured yet welcoming environment where seniors can connect socially while engaging in the artistic process.
Winter 2026 Highlights
Winter 2026 is shaping up to be a season defined by collaboration and emotional depth. The chorus has prepared a program that explores the connections between people and the animals they love. The season culminates on February 28 with a major performance titled Kindred Spirits: A Choral Celebration of Companionship.
This isn’t a standalone effort. The Asheville Senior Chorus is joining forces with the UNCA University Choral and the Asheville Singers. This intergenerational collaboration brings together student voices with senior voices, creating a rich, full sound that reflects the entire community.
Signature Winter Concert Details
The Kindred Spirits program features music that romps with cats and dogs and laughs with old friends. A centerpiece of the evening is Santiago Veros’s moving tribute to his dog, I Will Dream with You. The repertoire also includes works by renowned composers like Rutter, Barber, LaBarr, and Hagenberg. It is an evening designed to slip quietly into luminous songs of love, memory, and hope.
Spring 2026 Highlights
As the seasons change, the musical focus shifts from classical choral works to the golden age of American songwriting. On May 3, the chorus presents Laurel Canyon Echoes: Harmonies from the Hills (1966–1976). This concert is a nostalgic journey to the sun-dappled hills above Los Angeles.
The program celebrates the generation of songwriters who changed music forever. It brings the warm, close-harmony sound of the late 60s and 70s to the choral stage. The audience can expect a night filled with iconic melodies, heartfelt storytelling, and a distinct rock-and-folk groove.
Building Repertoire in Rehearsals
To prepare for Laurel Canyon Echoes, the chorus focuses on capturing the specific style of artists like The Mamas & the Papas and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Rehearsals involve mastering hits such as California Dreamin’, Teach Your Children, and Desperado. Singers work on blending their voices to recreate that authentic, acoustic-era warmth that defined the Laurel Canyon sound.
Collaborative Performances and Guests
The Spring concert highlights the work of legends like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and The Eagles. While the Winter concert focuses on physical collaboration with university students, this performance is a collaboration with history. The chorus invites the audience to relive the soundtrack of a remarkable era, ensuring these tender and hopeful songs remain unforgettable for a new year.
How the Chorus Seasons Work
The Asheville Senior Chorus operates on a semester basis, generally aligning with the academic calendar of UNC-Asheville. This structure gives members a predictable routine and clear goals to work toward.
Weekly Rehearsals: Members meet regularly to learn notes and refine technique.
Seasonal Focus: Each semester targets a specific concert theme, keeping the material fresh.
Performance Goals: Each season has major public performances like the Spring Season ones in February and May.
This format allows singers to gradually build their confidence and vocal strength over several months. It ensures that by the time the concert date arrives, the group is polished and ready to perform for the Asheville community.
Health and Community Benefits of Joining
Singing is widely recognized for its positive impact on health, and the Asheville Senior Chorus explicitly promotes these benefits. Participating in a choir engages the brain, improves respiratory health through deep breathing, and reduces stress levels.
“The program invites listeners to remember that in every season of life—playful, tender, or bittersweet—we are held by the friends and gentle hearts who walk (and wag) beside us.”
Beyond the physical, the social component is critical. The chorus combats isolation by providing a regular place for seniors to meet friends and work toward a shared creative goal. It builds a support system where members look out for one another.
Best Practices for Attending Concerts and Rehearsals
If you plan to attend the 2026 concerts or are considering joining the group, a little preparation goes a long way. Because the chorus is affiliated with UNC-Asheville, performances often utilize university facilities.
Check Schedules: Confirm event dates and times on this website: https://ashevilleseniorchorus.com.
Plan for Parking: Campus parking can be tricky; look for designated visitor lots having
checked the UNCA Visitor Parking Policies at Visitor Parking – Parking Services.Plan Early: Popular concerts like Laurel Canyon Echoes may draw large crowds.
Being proactive ensures you have a stress-free experience, whether you are in the audience or on the stage.
Arriving Prepared
For the February 28 and May 3 events, aim to arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early. This gives you ample time to navigate the campus and find your seat before the music begins. If you have mobility concerns, check the venue map beforehand for accessible entrances and elevators. Performances are free and open to the public with donations welcomed at the door and online at Support – Asheville Senior Chorus to support the chorus activities.
Engaging with the Community
These concerts are community events, not just performances. After the show, take a moment to stay and chat.
Greet the singers and congratulate them on their work.
Ask about their experience with the Asheville Senior Chorus and also the OLLI program.
Connect with the directors if you have questions about the repertoire.
This interaction bridges the gap between performer and audience, reinforcing the sense of companionship that defines the chorus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the Asheville Senior Chorus?
Click Here to get more information and to get started.
Where are the Winter and Spring 2026 concerts held?
Both February 28 Kindred Spirits and May 3 Laurel Canyon Echoes concerts take place at on UNC- Asheville’s campus at the Lipinsky Hall OLLI / Reuter Center. Free visitor parking is available in the adjacent visitor lot after 5 PM.
Are the Asheville Senior Chorus concerts free?
Yes, all public performances are free and open to the public community, no tickets needed. Donations are welcomed at the door and online at Support – Asheville Senior Chorus to support the chorus activities.
What should I expect at rehearsals if I join?
Rehearsals are weekly on Mondays for two hours on the UNC-Asheville campus, focusing on themed repertoire like Laurel Canyon hits. New members receive the music scores and supportive feedback from directors.
Does the chorus offer accessibility for seniors with mobility issues?
Yes, UNC-Asheville venues provide wheelchair ramps, elevators, and reserved front-row seating. Contact OLLI at least 48 hours ahead at (828) 251-6140 for accommodations.
The Asheville Senior Chorus is an active Special Interest Group that meets every week as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC-Asheville. Led by Chuck Taft, they produce harmonious tunes while also building strong bonds and valuing shared moments. Their concerts feature a diverse range of musical styles and periods.
QUICK LINKS
GET IN TOUCH
- PO Box 8185 Asheville, NC 28814
- info@ashevilleseniorchorus.com
- +1 828 903 4272
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