The Virginia Symphony Orchestra bring Karen LeFrak’s charmingly imaginative book, Sleepover at the Museum, to life April 6, 2025.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [March 24, 2025] Written by Karen LeFrak and illustrated by David Bucs, Sleepover at the Museum tells the story of Mason and his friends as they engage in a birthday scavenger hunt through a natural history museum. The story is lifted off the page and enhanced with a multimedia musical production, composed by LeFrak.
“Sleepover at the Museum began life as a children’s book about a scavenger hunt at the natural history museum”, says LeFrak, “The concert version animates Mason’s overnight party through the different exhibits, where he celebrates his birthday with his best friends. Using a score for full orchestra, I sought to capture the children’s excitement and emotions as they go down the clue sheet, digging into the mysteries of science and history. Together, they explore each hall of the museum, while scouting for the best place to spend the night.”
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will be performing the concert alongside Hampton Roads local Meredith L. Brookman, as the narrator. “I’m thrilled to be working with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra as the narrator for Sleepover at the Museum!” says Brookman. “I’m excited to bring the magic of music and reading together for an unforgettable adventure filled with imagination and wonder”.
Brookman is an accomplished performing arts educator and vocalist who has dedicated his career to music and choral education. He began his music teaching career with Norfolk Public Schools and currently serves as the Instructional Specialist for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach City Public Schools. His influence has extended beyond the classroom as he has conducted ensembles and presented professional development sessions for music educators across the Commonwealth.
“I’m delighted to share the piece with children and families through the excellent musicians of the Virginia Symphony and narrator Meredith Brookman, and to introduce youngsters to the wonderful sounds of the orchestra,” exclaims LeFrak. “Thank you for joining us on this exciting night at the museum. See if you can choose your favorite exhibit!”
The performance is designed to be welcoming to all, including those living with autism spectrum disorders, sensory and communication disorders, or learning disabilities, or anyone who wants a more casual concert experience. Families of Autism Coming Together (FACT) will be hosting a Quiet Zone space in the Miller Theater off the main lobby.
PB&J: Sleepover at the Museum is presented April 6, 2025,at 3PM at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Starting at 2PM, there are pre-show activities from Ballet Virginia, FACT, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, Virginia Children’s Chorus, and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science. Tickets are $14/Child and $20/Adult. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://virginiasymphony.org/concert/pbj-sleepover-at-the-museum/
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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.
