29th Annual Blue Ridge Piano Concert Series Resumes Sept. 30

Featured Photo: Dr. Kevin Ayesh poses in the Blue Ridge Conference Hall of Blue Ridge Community College.

Marketing & Communications Dept.

The 29th season of the Blue Ridge Community College Concert Series will open on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, with a performance by master pianist Dr. Kevin Ayesh. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the College’s Bo Thomas Auditorium on the Henderson County Campus. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students, available at the door.

Dr. Ayesh, retired Blue Ridge Community College music instructor and founder of the series, has concertized extensively across the United States and abroad. In addition to selections by Beethoven and Brahms, he will perform George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in celebration of the work’s 100th anniversary.

“I am honored that Blue Ridge continues to sponsor this tradition of world-class piano performances for our community,” said Dr. Ayesh. “After last year’s unexpected pause due to Hurricane Helene, I am especially excited to share this new season with our loyal patrons, as well as all who will be attending our concerts for the very first time.”

The 2025–2026 season will also feature pianist Dr. Grigorios Zamparas on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Dr. Zamparas, professor of music and head of the piano program at The University of Tampa, has received international acclaim as a recitalist, orchestra soloist, and chamber musician. His versatile career has taken him to stages in Greece, Bulgaria, Austria, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, and across the United States.

“We’re excited to welcome the community back to enjoy this decades-long tradition,” said Benjamin Rickert, Blue Ridge’s marketing and communications director. “Blue Ridge Community College has a proud history of offering rich experiences  that engage and strengthen our community – from the Piano Concert Series and the local Music by the Lakes series, to hosting the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra and myriad cultural programs in our libraries.”

Each year, Blue Ridge Community College sponsors this series of outstanding classical piano concerts. All performances are held in the Bo Thomas Auditorium, an elegant performance hall seating just over 400. Concert seating is non-reserved, and proceeds benefit the College’s Personal Enrichment Program.

The Bo Thomas Auditorium is located in the Sink Building on the Henderson County Campus of Blue Ridge Community College at 130 Eagles Reach Drive, Flat Rock.For more information, visit the Piano Concert Series webpage at www.blueridge.edu/concert-series, or contact Paula Wynn at 828-694-1742 or pe_wynn@blueridge.edu.