"Kindred Spirits"
Asheville Senior Chorus
Presents
"Kindred Spirits"
Winter Concert Features Heartfelt Tribute to Pets and Companions at UNCA’s OLLI/Reuter Center
ASHEVILLE, NC – The Asheville Senior Chorus, in collaboration with the UNCA University Choral and Asheville Singers, invites the community to experience “Kindred Spirits: A Choral Celebration of Companionship” on Saturday afternoon, February 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the OLLI/Reuter Center on UNC Asheville’s campus.
This signature winter concert celebrates the bonds we share with the gentle hearts who walk – and wag – beside us through every season of life. The program features music that honors beloved pets, cherished friendships, and the companionship that enriches our lives.
A Program That Celebrates Love and Memory
The centerpiece of the afternoon is Santiago Veros’s deeply moving tribute “I Will Dream with You,” a composition honoring the profound connection between humans and their canine companions. This touching work captures the unconditional love, loyalty, and joy that dogs bring to our lives.
The repertoire also includes works by renowned composers John Rutter, Cole Porter, Susan LaBarr, and Elaine Hagenberg, as well as two world premiere pieces by Giulio De Carlo and Julian Bryson, among others. The afternoon is designed to slip quietly into luminous songs of love, memory, and hope – music that romps with cats and dogs and laughs with old friends.
“This concert is especially meaningful because it honors the relationships that sustain us,” said Chuck Taft, Music Director and Conductor of the Asheville Senior Chorus. “Whether it’s the faithful companion who greets us at the door or the friend who’s been by our side for decades, these connections enrich our lives. We’re excited to celebrate them in word and song.”
Three Choirs Unite
“Kindred Spirits” brings together three distinguished vocal ensembles:
Asheville Senior Chorus – Over 55 singers from WNC meeting at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville
UNCA University Choral – A diverse ensemble of UNCA students
Asheville Singers – The University’s elite choral ensemble
This collaboration creates a powerful, diverse sound, blending the experience of senior singers, the energy of university students, and the artistry of community vocalists.
Leadership and Musical Excellence
Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Chuck Taft, with accompanist Eric Fricke, the combined choirs have prepared a program that balances emotional depth with joyful celebration. Taft’s expertise in choral direction and his commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming musical spaces have made the Asheville Senior Chorus a beloved fixture in Western North Carolina’s arts community.
Event Details
What: Kindred Spirits – A Choral Celebration of Companionship
When: Saturday afternoon, February 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: OLLI / Reuter Center on UNC Asheville Campus in Asheville 28804
Admission: Free and open to the public. Donations welcome at the door and online at ashevilleseniorchorus.com
Parking: Available on the UNCA campus with accessible parking near the Reuter Center
About the Asheville Senior Chorus
The Asheville Senior Chorus is a vibrant community of over 55 singers who meet weekly in partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville. The chorus welcomes adults of all experience levels – no auditions required, just a love of singing.
Rehearsals take place every Monday evening from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. in the Mannheimer Room at the OLLI/Reuter Center on the UNCA campus. The group performs 3-4 major concerts per year, featuring diverse repertoire spanning from Bach and Broadway to the Beatles, and classical masterworks to contemporary favorites.
The chorus’s mission is to bring people together through the transformative power of music, creating lasting friendships and meaningful community connections while promoting the health and wellness benefits of singing.
About the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville
OLLI at UNC Asheville is dedicated to enriching the lives of adults 50 and older through learning, creativity, and community engagement. The program offers over 200 courses, lectures, and special interest groups each year, including the Asheville Senior Chorus. OLLI membership provides access to a vibrant community of lifelong learners committed to intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
Join the Chorus
New members are welcome to join the Asheville Senior Chorus for the 2026 spring season. No auditions or previous choral experience required – just bring your love of singing and desire for community connection.
For more information about joining the chorus, attending concerts, or supporting the Asheville Senior Chorus, contact:
Email: info@ashevilleseniorchorus.com
Website: ashevilleseniorchorus.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ashevilleseniorchorus
Address: PO Box 8185, Asheville, NC 28814
Media Opportunities
Media are invited to attend the “Kindred Spirits” concert on February 28, 2026. Interviews with Music Director Chuck Taft, chorus members, and collaborative choir directors are available upon request. High-resolution photos from rehearsals and past performances are available for publication.
For media inquiries, please contact asc.singers@outlook.com or call Communications Director Kaye Hand at (309) 531-2161.