On Sunday, February 1, 2015 the Asheville Chamber Music Series (ACMS) will sponsor a concert to benefit the new “Welcome Project” of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville.

Featured artists include Ginger Kowal, violin; Kara Poorbaugh, viola; and Franklin Keel, cello. The artists are members of the Opal String Quartet. The group will perform a brand new trio by local composer, Tim Winter of Saluda, a trio sonata by Corelli, and the Beethoven Trio in C minor.

According to Linda Topp, Director of Administration for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, the “Welcome Project” is estimated to cost $750,000. “We greatly appreciate the help of the Asheville Chamber Music Series toward achieving our goal.”

Project Plans

• The entrance from Edwin Place will be completely re-landscaped to create an entry plaza for outdoor gathering. The foyer between the Sanctuary and the fellowship hall will be enlarged.
• The entrance from the parking lot will become fully accessible to the sanctuary and the adjoining fellowship hall. A family/accessible restroom will be built near the entrance.
• The floor of the Sanctuary will be raised, improving the sight lines for audiences. The floor coverings, as well as the platform dimensions, have been determined with input from the Asheville Chamber Music Board.

“For the past twenty-five years, most of our concerts have been held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville,” says Polly Feitzinger, president. “Its excellent acoustics and good sight lines have made it an ideal setting for audiences. With its semi-circular seating, this venue has been favored by both musicians and our subscribers.

“The only drawback however, has been the size of the stage, which limits the range of the ensembles the series can present. This will all change with the proposed sanctuary expansion plans incorporated in the ‘Welcome Project.’”

Ginger Kowal, violinist, is a native of Asheville and a founding member of the Opal String Quartet. WNC classical music fans who have really been around for a while might remember when she became the youngest member of the Asheville Symphony at age 13. Kowal has performed as soloist with the Charlotte Symphony, the Hendersonville Symphony, and others.

Kara Poorbaugh serves as Principal Violist for the Asheville Symphony and is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music. Kara performs regularly with the Greenville Symphony (SC), Symphony of the Mountains (TN), Asheville Lyric Opera, The Lovestruck Suckers, and maintains a busy private studio of violin, viola, and chamber music students.

Franklin Keel, performing on the cello, has appeared as a soloist with the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony of the United Nations, and has also performed at local venues. Franklin is Associate Principal Cellist of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and also performs outside the classical genre with numerous bands and artists.

Benefit concert, Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 3 p.m. Patron tickets $50; general admission $25; students $5. The UU Congregation is located at the corner of Edwin Place and Charlotte Street in Asheville. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.ashevillechambermusic.org.