The Virginia Symphony Society of Greater Williamsburg
The Virginia Symphony Society of Greater Williamsburg (VSSGW) is a proud supporter of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO), one of Virginia’s top cultural institutions. Directed by internationally acclaimed director, JoAnn Falletta, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra has distinguished itself across the country and was recently elevated to national status upon being admitted to the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians.
The VSSGW is dedicated to enhancing the rich cultural life of Greater Williamsburg and Hampton Roads through support of this wonderful orchestra. VSO members are active in attending concerts, assisting with regional outreach activities, fundraising, pre-concert dinners, receptions and special events.
2018 Gala Honoree
Congrats to our 2018 Gala Honoree – Benjamin Rous. Thank you for eight wonderful years as VSO Resident Conductor.
VSO Musicians Entertain at Annual Gala
VSO musicians perform at the 2018 St. Patrick’s Day gala.
VSO Musician Works with Pre-Schoolers at Local Library
VSO musician Christy Havens works with pre-schoolers at the Williamsburg Regional Library.
WJCC Students Enjoy VSO Performance
WJCC elementary students enjoy a VSO performance at Jamestown High School.
Clarinetist Sal Andolina Performs at Annual Benefit Gala
World-famous jazz clarinetist Sal Andolina performs at the Society’s 2017 Annual Benefit Gala.
Concertmaster Vahn Armstrong Visits JHS Strings Students
VSO Concertmaster Vahn Armstrong leads a workshop with WJCC high school students.
check picture
Karen Philip receives a gift check for the VSO from the Virginia Symphony Society.
Upcoming Events
Seasonal Socials
Get to know other area music lovers and enjoy live performances by VSO musicians at our seasonal socials! Our gatherings are held either in the home of one of our members, or at a local business, gallery, or museum. RSVP and a small fee are required.
We are busy planning exciting new events for the upcoming season! Stay tuned for updates. You can also follow us on our FaceBook page for announcements.
VSO to Perform at Funhouse Fest
Catch the VSO performing with Grammy award-winning singer and pianist Bruce Hornsby in an intimate summer setting on the lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg on June 23. Hornsby, a Williamsburg native, will partner with the VSO to present the Virginia debut of his adventurous new orchestral program. Inspired by 20th century modernist composers, Hornsby will entertain with a unique program which utilizes the modern classical language in a pop song context.
Funhouse Fest 2-day ticket packages and single day packages can be purchased online at www.FunhouseFest.com, by phone at 757-282-2822 or in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office at 440 Bank St. in Norfolk.
Pre-Concert Dinners
Gather with members for festive pre-concert dinners before local concerts! Every dinner features a private performance from a member of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Dinner price varies depending on venue, but often includes bus transportation to and from the dinner location and the concert… and when we’re lucky, wine too!
2018 Member Reception & Annual Meeting
Monday, May 21 – 5:30-7:30 – Legacy Hall in New Town
Members are heartily encouraged to join us for our annual reception and annual meeting. Make plans to enjoy this last social of the season and enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, friends, and entertainment by student musicians coached by members of the VSO.
2019 Gala
Stay tuned for details about the The Virginia Symphony Society’s next gala, typically held in the early spring. Thanks to ongoing support from corporate sponsors and friends of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the elegant annual event raised over $40,000 in 2018. The 2018 gala featured live music by professional VSO musicians and local students who have benefitted from small group workshops that were funded by the society and led by VSO musicians . Funds generated through the gala help support VSO outreach activities in the Williamsburg area.
View over 200 event photos from the 2018 gala on Flickr!
Memories of Our Gala: An Enchanted Emerald Evening
The Virginia Symphony Society’s 2018 annual gala benefit for the VSO honored Benjamin Rous, VSO Resident Conductor for eight years and raised over $40,000 for the VSO and it’s educational programs in Williamsburg. The gala was held on St. Patrick’s Day at Two Rivers Country Club and featured performances by Mr. Rous and the New Commonwealth Quartet, the VSO Woodwind Quartet, and VSO violinist Amanda Gates (above) who performed Irish tunes on fiddle. A Warhill High School strings student ensemble provided pre-dinner entertainment. Funds raised at the gala help support VSO outreach activities in the Williamsburg area.
An original member and long-time society volunteer, Gladys Aaron was honored for the many ways her generosity supports the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
View over 200 event photos on Flickr!
Photo Credit: HelensPlacePhotography.com
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Williamsburg Library Free Concert Series
Join us as the Williamsburg Regional Library hosts Virginia Symphony Orchestra musicians throughout the year for free concerts in the library theatre located at 515 Scotland Street! No tickets required.
Next Concert:
“Celebrations” – Brass Ensemble
May 23, 2018 (Wed.) | 7:30 – 8:30 pm
CommUNITY Play-In & Sing-Along • 8/26
Sunday, August 26, 2018 | Scope Arena, Norfolk | 4:30 - 6 PM Check-in begins at 2:30. Optional Community Rehearsal 3:30-4:00 Join the VSO in a celebration of brotherhood, unity, and peace in remembrance of 9-11. Created in 2017 in the wake of the violence...
Symphony Under the Stars • 8/30, 9/1 & 9/2
Thursday, August 30 | Lake Matoaka Amphitheater, Williamsburg | 7:00PM - 9:00PM Saturday, September 1 | Yorktown Riverwalk Landing | 7:30PM - 9:30PM Sunday, September 2 | Chesapeake City Park, Chesapeake | 7:30PM - 9:30PM Grab your picnic baskets and lawn...
VSO BRASS AT WATERSIDE • 8/31
Friday, August 31 | Waterside District, Downtown Norfolk | 7PM Celebrate the start of Labor Day weekend with a free concert from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra brass ensemble. Bring a chair or blanket and we'll see you Friday, August 31st! Key, arr. David...
Symphony by the Sea • 9/6
September 6, 2018 | Neptune's Park (31st Street / Atlantic Avenue) | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm The Symphony by the Sea Series, presented by The Breeden Company, is back for another year, and is better than ever! Beachfront pops will once again fill the air for...
