Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Williamsburg Classics Concert Series
Mozart and Beethoven • 10/29 – 10/30
Thursday, October 29, 2020 | Regent University, Virginia Beach | 7:30PM
Friday, October 30, 2020 | CrossWalk Church, Williamsburg | 7:30PM
The VSO’s principal clarinet Michael Byerly takes center stage to play Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto – one of the most popular pieces of classical repertoire – to delight our audiences in this 100th anniversary season. Returning to the VSO stage is the multi-talented Daniel Matsukawa, former member of the VSO and current principal bassoon of the Philadelphia Orchestra, whose 2016 appearance with the VSO as soloist and conductor received rave reviews. Matsukawa returns once again to conduct in a program which continues the VSO’s celebration of Beethoven’s 250th anniversary with one of his greatest symphonies.
Daniel Matsukawa, conductor
Michael Byerly, clarinet
Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances No. 3
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7
Holiday Brass • 12/16
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | 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!
Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise • 2/18/21-2/20/21, 2/28/21
Thursday, February 18, 2021 | Regent University, Virginia Beach | 7:30PM
Saturday, February 20, 2021 | CrossWalk Church, Williamsburg | 7:30PM
Sunday, February 28, 2021 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach | 2:30PM
Rarely performed in its entirety, Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang was composed in 1840 to mark Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of printing by movable type. This inspiring work contains the popular standard hymn “Now Thank We All Our God.”
Steven Jarvi, conductor
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus (Robert Shoup, chorusmaster)
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 2 “Lobgesang”
100th Anniversary Tribute • 3/11/2021 – 3/12/2021
Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Regent University, Virginia Beach | 7:30PM
Friday, March 12, 2021 | Kimball Theatre, Williamsburg | 7:30PM
Former VSO Assistant Conductor Matt Kraemer (2007-2010), known for his versatility and musical sensitivity, returns to Virginia to lead a program that includes three pieces from our inaugural concert in 1921! The superb young cellist Nick Canellakis makes his first appearance with our orchestra performing the virtuosic cello piece Dimitri Shostakovich wrote for his friend Mstislav Rostropovich.
Matthew Kraemer, conductor
Nicholas Canellakis, cello
German: Three Dances for Henry VIII
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1
Haydn: Symphony No. 100 “Military”
Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No. 1