Get into the spirit of hearts and flowers (or whatever manifestations of love spring to mind) early with two lovely events slated for this weekend.
• Poet and Rumi translator Daniel Ladinsky will be at Malaprop’s on both Saturday, Feb. 9 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, Feb. 10 (3 p.m.). “Many are familiar with Daniel Ladinsky’s renowned renderings of mystical texts by the poet Hafiz,” Malaprop’s writes. “Now, in collaboration with Nancy Owen Barton, Ladinsky captures the beauty, intimacy, and musicality of work by Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, another of Islam’s most beloved poets and spiritual thinkers.” Ladinsky and Barton’s new book is The Purity of Desire: 100 Poems of Rumi. Local musician Chris Rosser (Free Planet Radio) lends musical accompaniment to both events. Tickets are $20 each and come with a copy of the book. Seating is limited.
• Asheville Symphony presents its Master Works concert, (”an evening of Valentine-inspired delights”) on Saturday, Feb. 9 (8 p.m.) at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The programs features Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with Tchaikovsky Competition Winner Daniil Trifonov on piano. The evening also includes César Franck’s score to Psyché. According to press for the event, “based on the famous pair of lovers, Psyche and Eros, this music teems with sensuality.” Tickets are $20/$35/$44/$58. Full ticketing info here.
