The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform a Free Holiday Concert in Portsmouth.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 24, 2025] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, partnered with the City of Portsmouth, will present a free performance of its Classical Christmas concert on December 5 at Churchland High School. The concert features festive and winter works by iconic classical composers and will open with Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets and Strings, highlighting VSO Principal Trumpet David Vonderheide and Second Trumpet Jeremy Garnett.
“It is an honor to play one of the most famous trumpet concertos,” says Vonderheide. “The piece, known for its stratospheric high range, has both me and Jeremy utilizing our piccolo trumpets. I am very excited to be performing an arrangement that uses ornamentation from Wynton Masalis’s legendary recording from his album, Baroque Music for Trumpets.” Garnett says, “The concerto is a familiar part of any trumpeter’s life, and each time I play it, I’m reminded why it endures. Its balance of elegance and brightness continues to challenge and inspire.”
The concert, conducted by Adam Turner, will also feature Haydn’s Toy Symphony and selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Currently in his eighth season as Artistic Director & Chief Conductor of Virginia Opera, Maestro Adam Turner garners critical acclaim for the breadth of his repertoire, artistic vision, and polished technique. Last season, Turner conducted the VSO’s The Music of Motown and A Tina Turner Celebration with Adrienne Warren concerts.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has performed in Portsmouth before with free outdoor concerts this past summer, last season’s A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which will be presented again this current season on January 20th in Portsmouth, and Holiday Brass.
“Civic partnerships like the one we are fortunate to have with Portsmouth bring the VSO’s world-class performances into new and welcoming spaces, sharing the joy and magic of the symphony with our entire community”, says Virginia Symphony CEO and President Shannon Kelly. “We are grateful to the City of Portsmouth for their leadership in expanding access to outstanding music and arts, from supporting music education in schools to free performances for everyone to enjoy. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the holiday spirit, and we hope to see you there!”
Classical Christmas will be held on December 5th, 2025, at 7PM at Churchland High School, 4301 Cedar Ln, Portsmouth, VA 23703. This concert is free and open to all. Learn more at https://virginiasymphony.org/event/classical-christmas-portsmouth/
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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. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, programming, and leadership. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Program for up to 4 early-career, underrepresented orchestral musicians work to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide. This initiative is a continuation of the VSO’s commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences with and for our entire community.
Celebrating his fifth year, Music Director Eric Jacobsen, The Macon and Joan Brock Chair, continues to expand the VSO’s vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta and 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.
