History of
The Blue Ridge Orchestra

The Blue Ridge Orchestra was founded in the fall of 1999 with the formation of a string chamber orchestra, conducted by Ron Clearfield.  The following January auditions were held for winds, brass and percussion thus completing the orchestra.  The orchestra performed its inaugural concert in April 2000 to an enthusiastic audience and received positive reviews.

Since then the orchestra has continued to grow in popularity and musical accomplishment.  Some highlights from previous seasons include performances at Asheville City/County plaza Fourth of July celebrations and the musical education of thousands of school children through Peter and the Wolf.

The orchestra is comprised of accomplished amateur, semi-professional and professional musicians who volunteer their time in an effort to make orchestral music more accessible to the community.

The Blue Ridge Orchestra has established itself as a valuable asset in the arts community of Western North Carolina.  With your support, we can continue to provide great classical music for our community.  The Orchestra operates as a non-profit, tax-deductible organization.

      for more information
call 828-683-4425 or 828-252-0643