The Asheville Symphony’s beloved “Symphony in the Park” returns to downtown Pack Square Park on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m., ushering in the 2025–2026 season with a joyful evening of music for the whole community.

Presented by Givens Communities and part of Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL for the second year, this free outdoor concert draws thousands of music lovers from across Western North Carolina.

This year’s performance marks the Asheville debut of Dr. Brian Allen as the Symphony’s new First Concertmaster. Led by Music Director Darko Butorac, the program will span classical masterworks, beloved opera arias, Broadway favorites, pop hits, and film scores, offering something for everyone. Special guest artists include acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Baldwin, winner of the 2024 American Traditions Vocal Competition, and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, known for his genre-blending, family-friendly performances.

“Symphony in the Park is one of our most joyful events of the year,” said Asheville Symphony Executive Director Daniel Crupi. “It’s a chance to welcome the whole community, whether you’ve attended for decades or are hearing us for the first time. With longtime collaborator Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, soprano Liz Baldwin, new First Concertmaster Brian Allen, and the backdrop of Pack Square Park, it promises to be an unforgettable evening.”

Geoffrey Cantrell, Public Relations and Communications Director for Givens Communities, says that supporting community access to arts and music is at the core of what Givens Communities seeks to achieve: “One of the defining characteristics of Givens Communities is a willingness to lend support to local music; arts and crafts; and culture; and Givens Communities see the Asheville Symphony as essential.

“Essential to bringing people together – to share a moment, to witness the magic of musical artistry, and share a sense of pride in calling these mountains home,” he said. “Quality of life for all ages is built on this foundation. That is at the core of the mission and values of Givens Communities.”

Event Details
Free Symphony in the Park (photo credit: Steve Atkins)
Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville
Free General Admission | Presented by Givens Communities
www.AshevilleSymphony.org
Part of Boomtown FestAVL

About the Asheville Symphony
The Asheville Symphony performs and promotes symphonic music for the benefit, enjoyment, and education of the people of Western North Carolina. Related organizations include the Asheville Symphony Guild, Asheville Symphony Chorus, Asheville Symphonettes, and education initiatives such as the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, Music in the Schools, and pre-concert lectures.

About Givens Communities
Givens Communities is in its 50th year of providing senior living excellence, with four distinct communities — Givens Estates and Givens Gerber Park in Asheville, Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain, and Givens Great Laurels in Waynesville — as well as aging-in-place programs and services to improve the lives of older adults across the region. August 21 has been proclaimed by the mayor as “Givens Communities Day in Asheville.” Nationally recognized as a leader in retirement living, Givens Communities supports local music, arts, and culture, seeing the Asheville Symphony Orchestra as essential to the region’s quality of life.