Asheville Senior Chorus

The Asheville Senior Chorus (ASC) is a community choir based in Asheville, North Carolina, affiliated with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.^[1][2][3][4] Founded in 1998, the ensemble brings together senior singers from across Western North Carolina to perform a diverse repertoire ranging from classical works to contemporary favorites.^[3]

Originally established as the College for Seniors Choir under the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement, the group later became known as the Reuter Center Singers before adopting its current name, Asheville Senior Chorus, in 2025 as part of a rebranding that emphasized a renewed mission and broader community focus.^[4][1] This rebranding reflected an expanded mission to welcome vocalists from the broader region beyond the university campus.^[4] Under the direction of Chuck Taft, who has directed the ensemble for its entire history, the chorus rehearses weekly at the Reuter Center and performs multiple concerts annually, including major fall and spring productions like "Magical Moments" and "Songs That Make the Whole World Sing."^{[5][6][7][8][9][10]}

The chorus describes itself as an organization dedicated to lifelong learning, friendship, and the health benefits of singing.^[3] Its affiliation with OLLI links the ensemble to a broader lifelong-learning community for older adults based at the Reuter Center on the UNC Asheville campus.^[1][2][11] Beyond their formal concert series, the group is a staple at civic events, regularly performing the National Anthem and patriotic medleys at Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances in neighboring communities such as Weaverville.^[12][13]

Their repertoire is notably eclectic, covering music "from Bach to the Beatles and beyond," often accompanied by pianist Eric Fricke.^[3][14] Under its previous name, the Reuter Center Singers, the ensemble also presented Broadway-themed programs, holiday concerts, and tribute performances featuring music by artists such as John Denver and The Carpenters, reflecting its blend of classical, popular, and theatrical repertoire.^[15][16]