Sopranos Mandy J. Vollrath and Alex Nuesse will star in Muse Asheville’s new concert series “Fêtes galantes.”

The first installment in this new concert series features Gabriel Fauré’s song cycle “Cinq mélodies ‘de Venise'” Op. 58 and “Fêtes galantes” by Claude Debussy. Collaborative pianists are Luke Shaver and Peter Kutt.

Along with the music, there will be a reading of the poetry in English and, following the concert, a talk back discussing the history of the music and poetry as well as a Q&A.

Vollrath, the founder of Muse Asheville, told OperaWire, “I hope to create spaces and experiences where the art song is made new again, both for the performer and audience. These were meant to be intimate and deeply emotionally moving songs. I want listeners to not be passive concertgoers, but actively engaging in the storytelling aspect of the poetry and music.”

Muse Asheville has two more performances on the books for the 2023-24 season, all featuring local classical musicians.

“Fêtes galantes” will take place on May 6 at 7 pm at Story Parlor in Asheville, NC.