Combine a Grammy-winning singer/songwriter with a Grammy-winning radio producer. Add plenty of outstanding regional talent, and put it all on stage at one of the nation’s most beautiful historic homes. You have the perfect recipe for a new holiday musical tradition from WDAV 89.9 and National Public Radio – A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate with Kathy Mattea. This festive celebration of holiday music – both sacred and traditional – airs on WDAV 89.9 and wdav.org this Saturday, November 28 at 3 p.m. and across the nation on NPR stations throughout this holiday season.
A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate with Kathy Mattea features soloists and large ensembles performing sacred music of the season, African-American spirituals, Celtic jigs and folk favorites. Center stage is the rich voice and warm spirit of two-time Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year Kathy Mattea, singing fresh arrangements from her Grammy award-winning holiday album, Good News, and its acclaimed followup, Joy for Christmas Day. Ms. Mattea is accompanied by the Carolinas’ premiere choral ensemble, VOX, directed by David Tang, as well as the Boston- based Celtic trio The Beggar Boys, led by Henry Lebedinsky.
“WDAV has worked all year long to present the best cultural arts programming in our region,” notes General Manager (and Grammy-winning producer) Benjamin K. Roe. “And for the holidays, we wanted something special and uniquely ‘of the Carolinas.’ Bringing the incredible artistry of Kathy Mattea into a magnificent space like the Biltmore – and mixing in the powerful sound and poignant voices of VOX and the great stylings of the Beggar Boys – it all made for an unforgettable night of music. And thanks to our partnership with NPR, WDAV can share this Carolina-born concert with the nation.”
The concert is presented from the magnificent Banquet Hall of Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home, built by George Vanderbilt more than 100 years ago. First opened to friends on Christmas Eve 1895, this French Renaissance chateau is one of America’s most cherished landmarks and most visited tourist destinations. Listeners from coast-to-coast will enjoy this fresh holiday offering of beautiful music in a historic setting.
A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate with Kathy Mattea is hosted by WDAV’s Jennifer Foster and will be re-broadcast on WDAV 89.9 on Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. and again on Christmas Day at noon. A photo gallery of the concert, plus complete information about the performers and musical selections, are all available at www.carolinachristmas.org.
WDAV thanks the generous sponsors who made A Carolina Christmas possible: National Public Radio, Biltmore Estate, Inn on Biltmore Estate, Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park, Davidson College and WDAV members.