A crown jewel of the 2023-2024 UNCA Loves Piano concert series, this once-in-a-lifetime event entitled “Rhapsody 100 (The Experiment Continues)" features a full orchestra, a jazz combo and distinguished soloists/conductors. The first set reprises, note-for-note, several concert pieces played at the February 12, 1924, concert at Aeolian Hall in NYC called “An Experiment In Modern Music” — the concert that debuted George Gershwin’s immortal “Rhapsody In Blue.” These selections will be directed by Asheville's ”godfather of jazz" Russ Wilson, with the Rhapsody piano part played by Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim. The second set includes new and original works and arrangements from pianist/composer Dr. William Bares, trumpeter/composer Justin Ray and pianist/composer Richard Shulman, with Dr. Emily Eng conducting.

The original 1924 concert brought together jazz and classical music in ways that have been characterized as uniquely “American.” Similarly, this 100th anniversary gala concert will bring together talented UNCA faculty and esteemed musicians from the greater community in an “Ashevillean” spirit of musical experimentation. A true a celebration of community, continuity, and creativity, there may be no better time, place or setting to enjoy Gershwin’s timeless classic.

At UNC Asheville’s Music Department, the classical co-exists with the contemporary. We explore the many connections and interactions between music and all facets of human life through instruction and performance. Students learn in cutting-edge classrooms at the only university where music pioneer Bob Moog – inventor of the Moog Synthesizer – ever taught. The University Singers, one of several student ensembles, have performed at the White House, while many graduates have found dream jobs working with top artists like R.E.M. and Alison Krauss. In addition to being dedicated teachers, our faculty are active musicians who enrich Asheville’s thriving music scene and the cultural life of our campus.

Our highly selective music technology program combines music, engineering, math, computer science, music business, and electronics to teach students how to professionally mix and record music, while our jazz and contemporary music performance program is ideal for those pursuing careers as singers, instrumentalists, composers, and arrangers. Our Bachelor of Arts degree merges music analytical training with history, anthropology, natural sciences, and philosophy to prepare students for a range of careers or graduate studies. Students wishing admittance to the B.F.A. in Jazz and Contemporary Music or B.S. in Music Technology degree programs must pass an instrumental or vocal audition. An audition is not required for admission to the B.A. in Music degree.