Eric Jacobsen, conductor

Valerie Coleman: Fanfare for Uncommon Times
Mason Bates: Philharmonia Fantastique
Modest Mussorgsky/Maurice Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition

Join us for a stunning start to the season with Pictures at an Exhibition, Mussorgsky’s evocative musical journey through an art gallery, lushly orchestrated by Ravel to showcase the virtuosity of the orchestra. Rounding out the program are two more works that celebrate the talented VSO musicians–Mason Bates’ Philharmonia Fantastique, a dazzling multimedia concerto for orchestra and animated film, and Valerie Coleman’s rousing concert opener, Fanfare for Uncommon Times.

Eric Jacobsen serves as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s twelfth Music Director, a position he’s held since 2021. He is also artistic director and co-founder of The Knights, the uniquely adventurous NYC-based chamber orchestra, and Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic. In addition to conducting, Eric is a dedicated chamber musician (cello) and is a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.

Richmond-native Mason Bates has been called “the most performed composer of his generation.” He currently serves as the first composer-in-residence at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Valerie Coleman is an American composer, flutist, and creator and founder of acclaimed wind quintet Imani Winds. She was named Performance Today’s 2020 Classical Woman of the Year.