HAMPTON ROADS, VA [May 14, 2024] Today the Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced that Vahn Armstrong is stepping down after 31 years leading the ensemble as Concertmaster. He will remain in the VSO as Concertmaster Emeritus in the third chair of the First Violin section.
During his tenure thus far, Vahn has led the VSO to Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and through countless Young People’s Concerts and opera tours. He has been featured as a soloist in an astonishing range of significant concertos over the years, including works by Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Prokofiev, Barber, and many more.
“It has indeed been an honor and a privilege to serve as Concertmaster for the Virginia Symphony these last thirty-one years,” expressed Armstrong. “It is a wonderful orchestra, made up of wonderful people. I am so proud of all we have been able to accomplish together artistically over three decades and recall fondly so many moments of camaraderie and friendship, as well as many performances of beauty, excitement, and emotional and sonic power. Any success I may have had in leading the orchestra over the years is entirely dependent upon the abundant goodwill and astonishing commitment to excellence of my colleagues, on stage and off, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
The Concertmaster holds the highest leadership position among all of the musicians in the orchestra. They are the leader of the first violin section and they make decisions regarding bowings, phrasing, and articulation for the entire string section. They lead the orchestra in tuning before concerts and rehearsals, and they serve as the conduit between the conductor and the orchestra. While a conductor may be shaping the contours of a work, the Concertmaster helps to lead the ensemble in real-time in the logistics of bringing the conductor’s vision to life. They hold a unique leadership position that contributes to the overall unity and cohesiveness of the ensemble.
A few members of the VSO’s artistic and administrative teams past and present expressed their thanks to Vahn and shared some of their thoughts about his tenure as Concertmaster.
“I have learned so much from working with Vahn, especially about artistic advocacy and diplomacy,” stated Christy Havens, the VSO’s Executive Vice President & General Manager. “He always held me accountable and to a high standard, and I have depended on his thoughtful leadership. I hope he will continue to lend me a few well-chosen words of advice (spoken with the ultimate gravitas).”
“Vahn is a great leader, a wonderful musician, and an eloquent and gracious gentleman,” said Karen Philion, former CEO & President of the VSO. “I’ve always enjoyed our conversations on all things VSO – artistic and institutional. The position of Concertmaster is of major significance to any orchestra, and I am grateful that Vahn was in that role during my time as CEO.”
VSO Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta stated, “I feel very fortunate to have collaborated with Vahn Armstrong as my concertmaster for almost my entire tenure with the Virginia Symphony. His arrival in 1993 brought the orchestra to a new level of artistry, and he was an extraordinary musical partner to me throughout those years. Vahn’s background as an outstanding quartet player was always evident in his subtlety, his exquisite musicianship, his sense of color, his stylistic sensitivity, and his musical imagination. His leadership was exemplary, and I will cherish the memories of his wonderful concerto performances during his tenure as well.”
VSO Music Director Eric Jacobsen expressed, “The first time I got to work with Vahn was when I guest conducted in 2018; we played Scheherazade, and I think the only thing more impressive than Vahn’s solo on this piece was his clear understanding of leadership with the orchestra! I feel so lucky to have gotten to work with Vahn in an even deeper way over the past several years. I’ve learned so much from him and think it is so thrilling now to get to do one more Scheherazade together in a couple of weeks. Bravo, Vahn!”
Vahn will continue to serve as Concertmaster until a successor has been appointed – the search for whom will begin with an audition September 17-18, 2024, and will continue with trial weeks throughout the season. Full information on the Concertmaster audition will be posted to the VSO’s website on June 1.
Don’t miss Vahn at the VSO’s last performances of the 23/24 season.
Romeo & Juliet with JoAnn Falletta
Friday, May 17, 2024 7:30PM – Ferguson Center, NN
Saturday, May 18, 2024 7:30PM – Wilder Performing Arts Center, Norfolk
Chris Thile (Co-production with Virginia Arts Festival)
Thursday, June 13, 2024 7:30PM – Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Friday, June 14, 2024 7:30PM – Sandler Center, VB
Saturday, June 15, 2024 7:30PM – Ferguson Center, NN
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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 earlier this year 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.
