Asheville Bravo Concerts has been bringing the world's finest entertainment to Western North Carolina since 1932. As a non-profit organization consistently presenting international acclaimed performers of classical music, opera, and ballet, the longevity of Asheville Bravo concerts continues to heighten the arts experience for all.

The history of this organization began at the height of the Great Depression in 1932. Asheville joined what was already a growing "organized audience" movement across the country. The movement's idea, beautiful in design, was to bring patrons of the community together in celebration of musical arts during a time of economic strife. And it was fun.

Board President Tom Bolton remembers Asheville Bravo Concerts, (formerly known as the Asheville Community Concert Association before the 1990's), as an entertainment hot spot. General admission ticket holders brought their dinners in paper bags and clamored into their seats for a world-class show. It was a slice of community when it began almost eight decades ago, just as it is now.

Eight decades later, Bravo continues to expand its horizons and bring new and exciting work from all over the world right here to Asheville. This organization's goal is to branch out past socioeconomic lines and cultural barriers, to create within the community a cultural exchange with one another and the world of classical performance.

Bravo believes the arts are essential to a healthy community, and to that end has expanded the scope of programming to include artists with more popular appeal and family friendly shows. The most important change in enlarging Bravo's audience members is through the Music Education Partnership Program (MEPP).

MEPP is made up of three components: subsidized or free tickets for traditionally underserved populations including students; music education programs presented in the public schools; and education programs for the general public. Bravo has a small curriculum, for teachers and leaders in surrounding schools and communities to be used before and after attending the concerts.

As Asheville Bravo Concerts audience expands, the organization stays true to its historical genesis by continuing to bring the world's finest performances to the community. For ticket and performance information call 828.225.5887 or visit www.ashevillebravoconcerts.org.