The Asheville Symphony Orchestra performs and promotes symphonic music for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the people of Western North Carolina. The Symphony presents seven full-orchestra Masterworks Series concerts; four ALT ASO concerts, where the Symphony travels to unexpected venues to perform innovative programs, and a variety of pops concerts each season. Each concert features a performance by a guest artist. The Symphony’s programming presents both classical favorites and more recent works. The Asheville Symphony presents a New Year's Eve celebration with a different theme each year, and every other year it presents the Asheville Amadeus festival or hosts the Asheville Symphony Artist Residency.