Virginia Symphony Orchestra
2019-2020 Full Concert Schedule
Symphony by the Sea • 9/19
Thursday, September 19, 2019 | 31st Street Park, Virginia Beach | 7:30PM
WEATHER ALERT: Due to the projected adverse weather conditions, we will postpone the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series concert scheduled for Thursday, September 5th. The concert will be rescheduled for Thursday, September 19th
Neptune Festival’s Symphony by the Sea Concert Series, presented by The Breeden Company, is back for its 9th year, and is better than ever!
Located in 31st Street Park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, all concerts are a FREE musical offering to residents and visitors. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as these concerts are well-attended and fill the park.
VIP Season Memberships are available for purchase for $170/person.
Become a VIP Member, and receive the following benefits.
- Reserved Seating for all 6 shows
- Valet Parking for all 6 shows
- Exclusive access to a VIP tent for pre-concert hors d’ouevres and beverages
- Two ticket vouchers per member for an additional VSO concert of your choice, receiving best available seating at time of redemption
- Two ticket vouchers per member for an additional Symphonicity concert of your choice, receiving best available seating at time of redemption
- Complimentary delectables with each show
- Rain dates as needed on Aug 1, Sept 12, Sept 19
- Children 16 and under are free with a paying member
Presented by
Queens of Soul • 9/20 – 9/21
Friday, September 20, 2019 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Saturday, September 21, 2019 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, that’s what the “Queens of Soul” have earned selling millions of albums and countless chart-topping hits. Rock out with the full power of a symphony orchestra and vocalists on the tunes of the strongest women in musical history — including Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and Adele. Bring your girlfriends and sing out loud and proud!
Adam Turner, conductor
Shayna Steele, vocalist
Brie Cassil, vocalist
Kelly Levesque, vocalist
Once Upon a Symphony • 9/22
Sunday, September 22, 2019 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 3PM
Brilliant music together with vivid storytelling will introduce young children to the magical world of great music! This first PBJ of the new season will weave together favorite classical pieces from the magnificent Virginia Symphony Orchestra with engaging stories to transport young and old alike to another time and place!
Pre-concert activities begin at 2PM in the lobby!
Helen Martell, conductor
Halloween Spooktacular • 10/19
Saturday, October, 19, 2019 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 3PM
Celebrate with friends at Hampton Roads’ original and best-ever ghoulish afternoon of monstrous fun for kids and grown-ups! Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and join the VSO performing some of the spookiest music ever written. But don’t be afraid – this concert is more TREAT than TRICK!
Pre-concert activities begin at 2PM in the lobby!
Jeff Phelps, conductor
Brahms + Pulitzer Prize Winning Composer • 10/24-10/27
Thursday, October 24, 2019 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 7:30PM
Saturday, October 26, 2019 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
Sunday, October 27, 2019 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 2:30PM
Michael Tilson Thomas calls conductor Edwin Outwater “one of the most innovative conductors on the scene today.” Known throughout the world for reinventing the concert experience with major orchestras, Outwater collaborates for these performances with violinist, singer, and composer Caroline Shaw – who at age 30, was the youngest-ever winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2013, and who enjoys a large following both on recordings and YouTube. Equally adept at interpreting the great masterworks, Outwater concludes the evening leading Brahms’ perennial favorite Symphony No. 4.
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by guest conductor, Edwin Outwater. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (7pm or 1:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
Edwin Outwater, conductor
Caroline Shaw, composer
Beethoven: King Stephen Overture
Caroline Shaw: Other Song
Caroline Shaw: Red, Red Rose
Caroline Shaw: “Lo” (Violin solo)
Brahms: Symphony No. 4
Sensory Friendly Concert • 11/2
Saturday, November 2, 2019 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 3PM
Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for a special sensory-friendly concert for music lovers of all ages. This inclusive, orchestral performance is open to everyone, but has been specially designed to feature familiar classical pieces that accommodate the sensory needs of audience members on the autism spectrum. Families and friends are invited to take part in the pre-concert hands-on activities and resource fair. Quiet spaces will be available before and during the concert and seating will be flexible within the hall.
Music of Neil Diamond • 11/7 – 11/9
Thursday, November 7, 2019 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 7:30PM
Saturday, November 9, 2019 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
One of the best-selling singer/songwriters of all time, Neil Diamond, gave us unforgettable Top Ten hits like “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “America” and “Desiree.” The VSO has invited Jay White, who has performed more than 2,000 Neil Diamond Las Vegas casino shows, to perform with us in a tribute show for true lovers of the Neil Diamond mystique. Jay captures Diamond’s essence and charismatic stage presence, along with an uncanny vocal and physical likeness. Backed up by the full Virginia Symphony, this is an unparalleled tribute to the man himself! The quality and depth of this show will thrill current Diamond fans and is sure to make new ones.
Adam Turner, conductor
Jay White, vocalist
Vivaldi • 11/21 & 11/23
Thursday, November 21, 2019 | Regent University, Virginia Beach | 7:30PM
Saturday, November 23, 2019 | Crosswalk Church, Williamsburg | 7:30PM
Returning to the VSO stage, popular former Resident Conductor Benjamin Rous opens the 2019-2020 Regional Classics Series with a concerto that deserves to be singled out among the hundreds that Vivaldi wrote. VSO’s own take center stage in Vivaldi’s electrifying Concerto for Two Cellos. Additional works by Vivaldi and other masters of the Baroque era, round out this energetic, fast-paced program.
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by guest conductor Benjamin Rous. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (6:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
Benjamin Rous, conductor
Michael Daniels, cello
Rebecca Gilmore, cello
Vivaldi: L’Olimpiade: Sinfonia, RV 725
Vivaldi: Concerto for Orchestra in G major, RV 151 (Alla rustica)
Dall’Abaco: Concerto for Piu Instrumenti in B minor, Op. 6 No. 4
Vivaldi: Sinfonia in C major, RV 112
Vivaldi: Concerto for Two Cellos
Pergolesi: L’Olimpiade: Sinfonia, P. 145
Dall’Abaco: Concerto for Piu Instrumenti in F major, Op. 6 No. 3
Vivaldi: Sinfonia in B minor, RV 169 (Al Santo Sepolcro)
Torelli: Sinfonia 4 in C major, G. 33
Holiday Pops! • 12/13 – 12/15
Friday, December 13, 2019 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Saturday, December 14, 2019 | Harrison Opera House Norfolk | 8PM
Sunday, December 15, 2019 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 7PM
Join us for the must-see holiday tradition of the season – Holiday Pops! There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony, the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and special guests. Holiday Pops will have all the magical elements you’ve come to expect —high energy, familiar carols, and lots of holiday warmth! And we’ll even throw in a surprise or two! We can’t wait to celebrate
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Robert Shoup, chorusmaster
Sponsored By
Jingle Bell Jam • 12/15
Sunday, December 15, 2019 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 3PM
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s stopping by to be a part of the VSO’s ever-popular Jingle Bell Jam! Celebrate the magic of the season with an afternoon that showcases the music of the holidays performed by the best talent in Hampton Roads. You won’t want to miss this holly jolly concert! Get your tickets early – this family favorite is sure to sell out!
Pre-concert activities begin at 2PM in the lobby!
Holiday Brass • 12/18
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 | St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg | 7:30PM
The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony brass section ring in the holidays with a blast! Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays—featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections in an all-new program. You’ll enjoy music from a variety of styles that have made this concert a new holiday tradition!
Handel’s Messiah • 12/19-12/21
Thursday, December 19, 2019 | Regent University, Virginia Beach | 7:30PM
Friday, December 20, 2019 | First Baptist Church, Newport News | 8PM
Saturday, December 21, 2019 | Harrison Opera House, Norfolk | 8PM
As legend has it, divine inspiration may have played a hand in Handel’s 1741 composition of what has become his most famous work. Not only did he write the massive score in just over three weeks’ time – there is a long-held story that the popular “Hallelujah” chorus was itself inspired by a vision of heaven and its angels revealed to Handel as he wrote it. Our outstanding VSO Chorus will be joined by four fabulous soloists for this holiday masterpiece.
Stephen Mulligan, conductor
Sponsored by
Happy Birthday, Beethoven! • 1/12
Sunday, January 12, 2020 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 3PM
Mr. Beethoven has a 250th birthday party only once, and you’re on the invitation list! Be there to help us blow out the candles in honor of this magnificent creative genius. Join the VSO for a concert celebrating the composer’s remarkable impact on the music we all listen to today.
Pre-concert activities begin at 2PM in the lobby!
Benjamin Rous, conductor
Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique • 1/24-1/26
Friday, January 24, 2020 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Saturday, January 25, 2020 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
Sunday, January 26, 2020 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 2:30PM
Glasgow-born conductor Douglas Boyd enjoyed a stellar career as a world-renowned oboist, before stepping away after 21 years to begin an international career as conductor. Currently, Boyd is Music Director of the L’Orchestre de Chambre de Paris as well as Artistic Director of the summer opera festival, Garsington Opera, in Buckinghamshire, England. Boyd has conducted all the BBC Orchestras, as well as orchestras throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States. For his debut performances in Hampton Roads, Boyd conducts Hector Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique, a romantic symphonic portrayal of the gifted artist’s challenges with unrequited love.
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by guest conductor Douglas Boyd. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (7pm or 1:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
Douglas Boyd, conductor
Elena Urioste, violin
Stravinsky: Fireworks
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending
Ravel: Tzigane
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
Mozart • 2/6 & 2/8
Thursday, February 6, 2020 | Regent University, Virginia Beach | 7:30PM
Saturday, February 8, 2020 | Crosswalk Church, Williamsburg | 7:30PM
From the opening notes of the charming overture to Mozart’s final opera, this concert will be a thrill for lovers of that ever-popular composer. The VSO welcomes for the first time 22-year-old violin prodigy Randall Goosby, who made his first solo appearance with a professional orchestra when he was only nine. Since that debut, he’s been the winner of numerous prizes including firsts with Young Concert Artists and the Sphinx Competition and has studied with renowned masters of the violin including Itzhak Perlman. The concert will close with Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony, not only that composer’s largest and most complex symphony but regarded by many as one of the greatest symphonies of all time. Don’t miss this blockbuster evening!
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by Music Director JoAnn Falletta or a guest conductor. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (6:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Randall Goosby, violin
Mozart: Clemenza di Tito Overture
Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 4
Mozart: Symphony No, 41, Jupiter
Dancing & Romancing • 2/13 – 2/14
Thursday, February 13, 2020 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 7:30PM
Friday, February 14, 2020 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
You’ll be transported back to a place and time when dancing and romancing were king, with magical songs such as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Singing in the Rain,” “All That Jazz,” “In the Mood,” “That Old Black Magic,” and many more romantic, dance-filled favorites. Broadway and Hollywood combine for a romantic and entertaining evening of song and dance with two veterans of the Broadway stage. Inspired by the likes of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Gene Kelly, this evening will put a song in your heart and have you dancing in the aisles!
Adam Turner, conductor
Joan Hess, vocalist and dancer
Kirby Ward, vocalist and dancer
Mahler & Mozart • 2/21-2/23
Friday, February 21, 2020 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Saturday, February 22, 2020 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
Sunday, February 23, 2020 | Sandler Center for the Perfoming Arts, Virginia Beach | 2:30PM
“Danzmayr has what it takes,” wrote The Chicago Tribune of David Danzmayr’s performances leading the Illinois Symphony. Last year, Danzmayr was appointed chief conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic – part of an extensive European career of concerts in venues like Musikverein and Konzerthaus in Vienna, and the Grosses Festspielhaus in Salzburg. One of his shorter symphonies, Mahler’s fourth is that last of his so-called Wunderhorn symphonies, all based on songs from The Youth’s Magic Horn – and is one of his most popular and widely performed.
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by guest conductor David Danzmayr. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (7pm or 1:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
David Danzmayr, conductor
Clara Rottsolk, soprano
Mozart: Divertimento KV 136
Mozart: Voi avete un cor Fedele
Mahler: Symphony No. 4
Stravinsky Firebird • 3/6-3/8
Friday, March 06, 2020 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Saturday, March 07, 2020 | L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center, Norfolk | 8PM
Sunday, March 08, 2020 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 2:30PM
Chicago-born conductor Fawzi Haimor has established an extensive international career with some of world’s great orchestras, including the Pittsburgh Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, the Indianapolis Symphony, and just last summer, the Grant Park Symphony in his native Chicago. He is currently music director of the Württembergische Philharmonie. For his VSO debut, Haimor celebrates the Centennial of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, along with a first Hampton Roads performance from Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavarra – his popular Cantus Articus, or Concerto for Birds and Orchestra featuring birdsong recorded at the Finnish Artic Circle.
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by guest conductor Fawzi Haimor. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (7pm or 1:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
Fawzi Haimor, conductor
Leonard Elschenbroich, cello
Joshua Cerdenia: Feuertrunken (Fire-Drunk)
Elgar: Concerto for cello
Rautavaara: Cantus Arcticus, op. 61 “Concerto for Birds and Orchestra”
Stravinsky: Firebird Suite (1919)
Strauss • 3/13 & 3/14
Friday, March 13, 2020 | Regent University, Virginia Beach | 7:30PM
Saturday, March 14, 2020 | Jamestown High School, Williamsburg | 7:30PM
Join JoAnn Falletta as she makes her final appearances on the podium at Regent University and Williamsburg as VSO Music Director. From JoAnn herself: “My years with our beloved Regent University audience has been the happiest time of my life. As my last concert in this series, I have picked a favorite composer – Richard Strauss – and one of the brilliant stars of the VSO- hornist Jacob Wilder – to say farewell to my wonderful friends.” It will be a special night of appreciation and celebration to remember!
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by Music Director JoAnn Falletta. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (6:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Jacob Wilder, horn
Strauss: Serenade for Winds
Strauss: Concerto for Horn No. 1
Strauss: Suite from Ariadne auf Naxos
The Streisand Songbook • 3/20 – 3/21
Friday, March 20, 2020 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Saturday, March 21, 2020 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
Join the Virginia Symphony as we celebrate the music of one of America’s most powerful and enduring musical artists. Singing timeless classics from five decades of Barbra Streisand’s multi-faceted career, Platinum Award Winning singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway will show off her gorgeous voice with iconic hits like “The Way We Were,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, and “Cry Me a River.” Callaway, who was named Broadwayworld.com Performer of the Year, is a master of Streisand’s style and of the American songbook. Don’t miss her stellar first performance with the VSO!
Strauss Rosenkavalier Suite • 3/27-3/29
Friday, March 27, 2020 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Saturday, March 28, 2020 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
Sunday, March 29, 2020 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 2:30PM
From the much-loved waltzes made famous in Strauss’ opera Der Rosenkavalier, to Robert Schumann’s one and only piano concerto, JoAnn Falletta has chosen a wide-ranging program of classics to show off the orchestra and soloist next spring, including French pianist Prisca Benoit – known for a refined pianistic touch with a wide range of colors. Benoit continues the orchestra’s collaboration with Sentara Healthcare’s “Music and Medicine” Program. The Schumann concerto will be recorded for later release.
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by Music Director JoAnn Falletta. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (7pm or 1:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Prisca Benoit, piano
Bantock: The Witch of Atlas
Schumann: Piano Concerto
Strauss: Dance of the Seven Veils from Salome
Strauss: Rosenkavalier Suite
Shostakovich Five • 5/8-5/10
Friday, May 8, 2020 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
Saturday, May 09, 2020 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Sunday, May 10, 2020 | Sandler Center for the Arts, Virginia Beach | 2:30PM
Hailed by The New York Times as “an interpretive dynamo,” conductor Eric Jacobsen returns to the VSO in the new season to lead one of the 20th Century’s tour de force masterpieces – Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. Jacobsen has built a reputation for engaging audiences with his innovative and collaborative programming, and in addition to the Shostakovich, Jacobsen will conduct the beautiful Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2, with violinist Alexi Kenney, a recipient of a 2016 Avery Fisher Career Grant. Kenney has been named “a talent to watch” by The New York Times, which also noted his “architect’s eye for structure and space and a tone that ranges from the achingly fragile to full-bodied robustness.”
Meet the artists and discover the orchestra experience from a new perspective during Behind the Notes, a pre-concert talked hosted by guest conductor Eric Jacobsen. These casual presentations give you a special look at the music of the day as well as the music-makers themselves. They offer an informative way to learn about the music before your orchestra experience. Our hour before each Classics concert (7pm or 1:30pm). Behind the Notes is FREE to ticket holders at all venues.
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Alexi Kenney, violin
Anna Clyne: Masquerade
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5
Beethoven “Emperor” and Symphony No. 9 “Choral” • 5/15-5/17
Fri., May 15 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 8PM
Sat., May 16 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 8PM
Sun., May 17 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, VA Beach | 2:30PM
JoAnn Falletta finishes her final season as Music Director with a history-making performance celebrating Beethoven’s 250th Year, in performances presented by the Virginia Arts Festival. For these concerts, Falletta will be joined by renowned pianist Olga Kern, who will perform Beethoven’s well-known “Emperor” Concerto. Kern is the recently appointed Connie and Marc Jacobson Director of Chamber Music for the Virginia Arts Festival. Following intermission, Falletta will be joined by four soloists and full VSO Chorus for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, the “Choral” Symphony.
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Olga Kern, piano
Beethoven: Emperor Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
*Please note this concert is not available for exchanges or Flex Package purchases.*
Governor’s School for the Arts Orchestra Side by Side • 6/3
Wednesday, June 3, 2020 | Sandler Center for the Arts | 7:00PM
Students from the Governor’s School for the Arts Orchestra will gain hands-on, professional experience by playing alongside the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in this special performance! The VSO is thrilled to partner with the GSA Orchestra to provide this exciting opportunity for the next generation of musicians.
Jeff Phelps, conductor
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5