Virginia Symphony Orchestra
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Opening Weekend: Mahler’s Titan Symphony with Eric Jacobsen
LEGACY AND NEW LIFE
September 10, 2026 | 7:30PM
CNU’s Ferguson Center, Newport News
September 13, 2026 | 2:30PM
Sandler Center, Virginia Beach
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Jeffrey Kahane, piano
Gabriel Kahane: Heirloom Concerto for Piano and Chamber Orchestra
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 1, “Titan”
Gustav Mahler famously said, “A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.” His First Symphony opens as nature awakens, celebrates the joy of youth, chronicles the triumphs and trials of life, and builds to one of music’s most awe-inspiring climaxes. Gabriel Kahane’s Piano Concerto, composed for his father, pianist and featured soloist Jeffrey Kahane, similarly traces the human journey across generations.
Classical Christmas
A MIDWINTER MUSICALE
December 3, 2026 | 7:30PM
Harrison Opera House, Norfolk
December 6 2026 | 2 & 4 PM
William & Mary’s Music Arts Center, Williamsburg
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Colin Jacobsen, violin
Maurice Ravel: Tzigane
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Lark Ascending
Antonio Vivaldi: “Winter” from The Four Seasons
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Excerpts from The Nutcracker
Christina Courtin: Sing-Along
It’s a family affair this holiday season! Eric Jacobsen and the VSO welcome back Colin Jacobsen for a program of wintry and uplifting works for violin and orchestra performed alongside a selection of favorites from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.
This concert is made possible by a generous gift from Connie and Marc Jacobson.
Brahms’ Horn Trio
VSO UP CLOSE
September 12, 2026 | 7:30PM
CNU’s Ferguson Center Peebles Theatre,
Newport News
Grace Park, violin
Jacob Wilder, horn
Jeffrey Kahane, piano
Robert Schumann: Violin Sonata in A minor
Johannes Brahms: Horn Trio in E-flat Major
Indulge in Brahms’ only chamber work featuring the horn, the cherished instrument of his youth for which he composed so many iconic orchestral solos. VSO Principal Horn Jacob Wilder will be joined by Concertmaster Grace Park and guest pianist Jeffrey Kahane for this stunning program.
Presented in partnership with CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & Philip Glass’s Lincoln Symphony
ECHOES & ICONS
September 25, 2026 | 7:30PM
CNU’s Ferguson Center, Newport News
September 27, 2026 | 2:30 PM
Sandler Center, Virginia Beach
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Simone Porter, violin
Davóne Tines, bass-baritone
Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Philip Glass: Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln”
Dynamic violinist Simone Porter returns to the VSO to perform a beloved Baroque masterpiece that vividly depicts the changing seasons. In the second half, groundbreaking bass-baritone and Portsmouth native Davóne Tines returns home for the Virginia premiere of Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln,” a powerful work that brings one of America’s most prominent figures to life. Be part of history as this milestone performance is recorded live in celebration of Glass’s upcoming 90th birthday!
Presented in partnership with CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts
Strauss & Mozart for the New Year
A TOAST TO VIENNA
January 15, 2027 | 11AM
CNU’s Ferguson Center, Newport News*
January 15, 2027 | 7:30PM
CNU’s Ferguson Center, Newport News
January 16, 2027 | 2:30PM
Sandler Center, Virginia Beach
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Minha Kim, flute
Johann Strauss II: Perpetuum Mobile; Musikalischer Sherz (Musical Joke)
Johann Strauss II: Overture to Die Fledermaus
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Concerto No. 1 in G major for Flute & Orchestra
Paul Hindemith: Mathis der Maler (Matthias the Painter)
Johann Strauss II: An der schönen blauen Donau (On the Beautiful Blue Danube)
Ring in the New Year on a high note with the VSO! We’re bringing the Vienna Philharmonic’s cherished tradition to Hampton Roads, filling the concert hall with the infectious optimism of Johann Strauss II’s melodies. VSO Principal Flute Minha Kim adds her virtuosity and expressive artistry to the mix with Mozart’s beloved Flute Concerto in G major.
*Denotes Coffee Concert, an hour long program of concert with selections of the program later performed in the evening.
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Gospel Night with Tamela & David Mann
November 14, 2026 | 7:30PM
CNU’s Ferguson Center, Newport News
Donald Lee III, conductor
Tamela & David Man, vocalists
Earl Bynum & The Mount Unity Choir
Experience the power of gospel music at its finest as beloved artists Tamela and David Mann are joined by acclaimed vocalists Earl Bynum and the Mount Unity Choir for a one-of-a-kind evening at CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts. Together with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, hear how these extraordinary performers fill the hall with music that truly uplifts the spirit and moves the soul.
Presented in partnership with Truist and CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts
Brahms’ Double Concerto with Sterling Elliott & Grace Park
DEEP CURRENTS
April 3, 2027 | 7:30PM
CNU’s Ferguson Center, Newport News
April 4, 2027 | 2:30PM
Sandler Center, Virginia Beach
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Grace Park, violin
Sterling Elliott, cello
Claude Debussy: Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Johannes Brahms: Concerto for Violin and Cello
Still/Goosby: Suite for Cello & Orchestra
Ottorino Respighi: Fountains of Rome
Welcome back award-winning Newport News native Sterling Elliot to partner with VSO Concertmaster Grace Park in Brahms’ Double Concerto. This ode to friendship uses the sonorities and vibrancy of violin and cello to expand the dialogue between soloists and orchestra. Respighi’s Fountains of Rome follows with vivid portraits of the city’s iconic fountains throughout the day, beautifully showcasing the artistry of the VSO musicians.
Presented in partnership with CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts
Grieg’s Piano Concerto
FOLK & FIRE
March 5, 2027 | 7:30PM
NSU’s Wilder Center, Norfolk
March 6, 2027 | 7:30PM
CNU’s Ferguson Center, Newport News
Thomas Wilkins, conductor
Adam Golka, piano
Hannah Eisendle: Heliosis
Edvard Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor
Antonin Dvořák: Symphony No. 6 in D Major
Two majestic, folk-inspired works anchor this moving program led by VSO Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins. Pianist Adam Golka brings his poetic expression to one of the world’s most beloved piano concertos, shaped by Norwegian traditional music. In his Sixth Symphony, Antonín Dvořák weaves the sounds of Bohemian folk music into a heartfelt tribute to his homeland.