Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

9:30 a.m.

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Wise County Performing Arts Center at J.W. Adams Combined School

10824 Orby Cantrell Hwy, Pound, VA 24279

 

Free and open to the public

W. Campbell Edmonds Concert Series

Please note: This is a school performance to which the public is invited.

Welcome aboard the Braveship! 

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Join Symphony of the Mountains for an epic multimedia journey of sound and story, with immersive music and stunning art by Vladimir Manyukhinand, Braveship is a musical extravaganza in thirteen movements of symphonic adventure, showcasing the storytelling power of the classical orchestra. Written and composed by Dr. Matt Cook, Braveship is a narrated show for family and pops audiences, telling the story of a young orphan boy, Azra, who embarks on a journey to mysterious continents in a fantastical world. Stunning visuals accompany the music and story, illustrated by some of the world’s finest artists in the fantasy genre. This multimedia spectacle, recently recorded at a major Disney studio and released as an award-winning album, will take your breath away—so come soar into the clouds as part of the Braveship’s crew. 

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THE STORY

Young Azra has grown up on a mysterious, floating continent surrounded by fog. What lies beyond the edge of his world? Legend tells of other continents that split away in previous centuries. An adventurer at heart, Azra resolves to test legend despite the counsel of his elders, who caution against the dangers of unbridled exploration. 

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Azra’s world opens when he discovers the magical Braveship abandoned in the forest. Guided by a mysterious creature with wings of fire, Azra sails away on the Braveship and discovers a vast landscape of other continents in the world. Not only that, but something seems to be splitting these continents apart—and as the only one who can traverse the fog, it’s up to him to stop the destruction. 

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Little does Azra know at first, he has a stowaway. An outlaw known as Finn has stolen a spot aboard the Braveship. But when the firebird is hunted by the Braveship’s enemies, Azra needs a navigator—and as he ventures into new and ever more distant worlds, he also needs a friend. And he may need other friends, too.

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Symphony of the Mountains’ commitment to service encompasses the entire region, without regard for state or county boundaries. The orchestra consists of more than 70 professional musicians conducted by Cornelia Laemmli Orth. For more information about the symphony and to view upcoming performances, please visit symphonyofthemountains.org.

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Please note: This is a school performance to which the public is invited.

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Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with accessibility needs or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email the Pro-Art office at pro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information. 

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Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, the Columbus Phipps Foundation, and the Lee County Community Foundation.