Gardner-Webb University Chorales Selected to Perform at Biltmore During Christmas Season

Students Gain Memorable Musical Experience While Sharing Their Talents on Nov. 13; Community Members Encouraged to Purchase Biltmore Tickets Early to Attend

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For many visitors, Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C., is a treasured holiday tradition filled with sparkling lights, towering trees and seasonal music. This November, a group of Gardner-Webb University students will become part of that experience, lending their voices to the festive atmosphere inside America’s largest home.

Members of Gardner-Webb’s Gardner Singers and Webb Chorale have been selected to perform at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., on Nov. 13 after successfully completing Biltmore’s audition process. The opportunity offers students a chance to perform for guests during one of the estate’s busiest and most celebrated seasons.

The University Chorales include Gardner Singers, directed by Dr. Aaron Rice, professor of music and chair of the music department, and Webb Chorale, directed by Dr. Eric Johnson, assistant professor of music education. These non-audition ensembles are open to students of any major at Gardner-Webb and regularly perform on campus and events in the local area.

Rice noted that the invitation reflects both the quality of the University’s vocal ensembles and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for students beyond the classroom. Rice helped lead a performance tour of France in 2024, and the department is currently raising funds for a 2027 performance trip to New Orleans. While those opportunities take students far from home, the Biltmore opportunity offers a unique chance to engage with one of North Carolina’s most iconic destinations.

“For us as an institution in the foothills, it makes total sense for us to connect with our region,” he observed. “Biltmore is literally in our backyard and intrinsically part of the North Carolina culture, and a really exciting opportunity. Many of our students have never been and even the ones who have been, even fewer have been at Christmas.”

The ensembles will perform in the house’s Winter Garden, where guests will encounter the choirs as they begin touring the historic home. Gardner Singers will perform beginning at 1:45 p.m., followed by Webb Chorale from approximately 2:15 to 2:45 p.m.

Among the students participating are brothers, Corwin and Thomas Stanley, who are members of the Gardner Singers. Corwin, an Ignite Scholar, is a senior music and worship major and his brother is a sophomore. “I am so grateful for everyone who has invested in this opportunity for us and our friends in Gardner Singers to go share our talents at the Biltmore House,” Corwin shared.

Before they sing, students will have an opportunity to tour the estate and enjoy lunch on site. Rice observed that shared experiences, such as this trip and other performances, mission trips and service opportunities, often become some of the most meaningful parts of a student’s college experience, creating memories and connections that endure for years.

Community members, alumni and friends who would like to attend the performances are encouraged to purchase admission tickets directly through Biltmore as soon as possible. Guests should select house entry times that align with the performances, particularly the 1:45 p.m., 2 p.m. or 2:15 p.m. entry windows, as availability may be limited during the Christmas season.

Tickets may be purchased through Biltmore at biltmore.com or by calling 800-411-3812.

The trip is being made possible through the generosity of donors and supporters of Gardner-Webb’s music programs. Additional contributions are still being accepted to help offset costs associated with the experience. Community members who would like to support this and other performance opportunities may make a gift through Gardner-Webb’s online giving portal.