Pick Up Your Instrument, Bring Your Voice, and Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for commUNITY 2025!
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 13, 2025] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with the City of Norfolk, will host its seventh annual CommUNITY Play-In and Sing-Along concert on February 2nd at Norfolk State University’s Joesph G. Echols Memorial Hall. This free event invites everyone to come play and sing with the VSO and celebrate with all of the Hampton Roads community in music, dance, and spoken word.
“CommUNITY continues to be one of my absolute favorite parts of our season – it’s a true encapsulation of what we strive to do at the VSO, uniting the Hampton Roads community through the power and joy of music”, says VSO Music Director Eric Jacobsen, “It is hard to even put into words how exciting it is to conduct a room full of people all in various stages of their lives, through various paths and with various levels of musical experience other than to say it is just simply SO special and powerful…and FUN! It is a true celebration and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see you there!”
Music featured in this year’s concert will include Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” and performances by the LaVoris Pace, Amandla Quartet, and Norfolk State University’s Drumline and Marching Band. Embracing our community’s cultural richness and diversity, various faith leaders will speak at the event, helping to unite people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds.
All community members are invited to play, sing or simply enjoy the festivities. Music is available for any instrument and voice at any level; however, registration is required for all participants and audience members. Parking shuttles will be available this year from parking lots to the performance venue.
For more information about the CommUNITY Play-In and Sing-Along, or to register to play and download music, visit virginiasymphony.org/concert/community-2025/
commUNITY Rehearsal Schedule:
- Chorus Only Rehearsal: Tuesday, January 21, 7:30pm-10:00pm, Norfolk Christian High School (255 Thole St., Norfolk, VA 23505)
- All-Participant Rehearsal (Chorus & Orchestra): Friday, January 24, 7:00pm-9:30pm Taste-n-See at Murray Center (455 E Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510)
- Day-of Check-In: Sunday, February 2, 2:00pm at Joseph Echols Arena at NSU
- Day-of Rehearsal (Chorus & Orchestra): Sunday, February 2, 2:30pm-4:00pm at Joseph Echols Arena at NSU
- Performance: Sunday, February 2, 4:30pm at Joseph Echols Arena, Norfolk State University
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As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational, and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative. The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and its commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and BBC Worldwide News.
As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adopting welcoming concert environments for those who are neurodiverse. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, its programming, and its leadership.
The selection of the young and dynamic conductor Eric Jacobsen as music director in 2021 was another bold step forward for the VSO, further expanding its vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents.
