News Summary
On February 22, 2025, renowned musicians Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn will perform with the South Carolina Philharmonic at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia. Their concert, titled ‘Americana,’ will feature orchestral arrangements, including the East Coast premiere of ‘Dreams in Flight.’ The duo aims to celebrate American music and create impactful stories through their performance, making it an event not to be missed.
Exciting Musical Fusion Coming to Columbia: Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn with South Carolina Philharmonic!
Columbia, SC, get ready to mark your calendars for a night of extraordinary music! On February 22, 2025, the renowned Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn are set to take the stage at the magnificent Koger Center for the Arts. This special evening will be held in collaboration with the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra, promising an unforgettable concert experience that will blend the beauty of orchestral music with the delightful sounds of the banjo!
Introducing “Americana: Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn”
The concert program has been aptly titled “Americana: Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn”, highlighting the duo’s mission to celebrate the heart and soul of American music. The evening’s performance will kick off with Carlos Simon‘s piece “Amen!”, followed by Samuel Barber‘s stunning “Symphony No. 1 in One Movement.” But the highlight of the night will undoubtedly be the East Coast premiere of “Dreams in Flight,” a mesmerizing symphonic banjo concerto crafted by the talented pair.
A Banjo Revolution
Fleck, a legendary figure in the music world, is on a mission to make the banjo a beloved instrument, hoping to shed light on the beauty it can bring to both bluegrass and classical contexts. With an awe-inspiring total of 19 Grammy Awards under his belt, he has successfully crossed genres from bluegrass to jazz and classical, proving time and again that the banjo has a prominent place in the musical landscape.
Fleck’s foray into music began with bluegrass, where he was first inspired by the legendary Earl Scruggs. He formed a band called the Tasty Licks before pursuing a solo career in the early 1980s, blending jazz and folk melodies to create a sound that is uniquely his own.
Stories of Renewal and Struggle
The concert will explore the poignant stories of people who embark on journeys to find new beginnings in foreign lands. This theme of travel and the challenges faced along the way will be woven throughout the program, offering a blend of successful tales alongside the tougher experiences. Fleck and Washburn have taken great care in curating songs that not only tell impactful stories but also harmoniously fit with orchestral arrangements, making for a deeply moving performance.
Meet the Maestro and the Preparations
Conducting the orchestra this season is the talented Morihiko Nakahara, the Music Director for the SC Philharmonic’s 60th season. The preparations for these high-stakes performances are often brief, with Fleck and Washburn having to fit rehearsals into mere two-hour blocks. Despite this constraint, the duo’s deep musical connection and impeccable improvisation skills allow them to create magic, even within limited time.
Deep Romantic Roots
It’s worth mentioning that Fleck and Washburn’s partnership transcends music; they first crossed paths at a square dance, where their bond blossomed into a beautiful love story. As they balance parenthood with their music career, they continue to inspire audiences with their heartfelt performances. Their son Juno, now 5, brings an added layer of joy to their touring lives, as they share their passion for music as a family.
Don’t Miss Out!
The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. sharp on February 22, 2025, and it promises to be a night to remember for all music lovers in Columbia and beyond. For more details and information on tickets, you can check out the Koger Center for the Arts website. So gather your friends, and don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to catch two musical powerhouses performing alongside an orchestra!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Upcoming Concerts in Columbia That You Won’t Want to Miss
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn in Columbia
- Cola Today: Interview with Grammy Winner Béla Fleck
- Red Light Management: Béla Fleck
- Spin: 5 Albums I Can’t Live Without – Béla Fleck
- Post and Courier: Banjo Pickers Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn
- Wikipedia: Béla Fleck
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Béla Fleck
- Google Search: Béla Fleck
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
