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Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Ways to Give

Ways to Give

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is a cultural cornerstone of Hampton Roads. We have served our community for nearly a century, and we are proud to call the Tidewater region home. We believe that music matters–and that everyone in our community deserves access to the very best in classical music and music education.

We rely on the support of friends like you to bring world-class music to your city, reach more than 45,000 children and lifelong learners each year through engaging and impactful educational programs. Ticket sales account for only one-third of the cost of our concert series and educational outreach programs, and our corporate sponsors and individual donors help us provide a full roster of free community performances at venues in everyone’s backyard.

You can join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra donor family and be a part of thousands of friends from across Hampton Roads who know that music makes a difference in our lives. Voice your support with a gift and help the VSO continue to inspire, educate, and connect audiences of all ages!

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra appreciates all tax-deductible gifts in support of our artistic and cultural mission to inspire, education, and connect audiences of all ages in Hampton Roads.

For information about gifts of stock or other securities or for estate planning, please contact Vice President of Development Susan Biorn at sbiorn@virginiasymphony.org or by phone at 757-213-1417.

 

Thank you for GIVING OUTSTANDING MUSIC AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO HAMPTON rOADS!
Corporate Support
Foundation and Government Support

Your gifts make a difference.

Make a Gift Online

If you’d prefer, you can give us a call at 757.213.1419 or mail your contribution to us at this address:

Virginia Symphony Orchestra
150 Boush Street, Suite 201
Norfolk, VA  23510

Questions or Donor Services Inquiries?
Please contact Hailey Schumacher, Annual Fund Manager, for assistance:

hschumacher@virginiasymphony.org
757-213-1419

Membership Benefits

1921 Society

Planned giving strategies can help you build a meaningful legacy that will honor your lifelong love of music. The VSO Development staff would be honored to work with you and your financial advisor to find the right option for you.

If you have generously named the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in your will or estate plans, we would like to have the opportunity to welcome you to our Legacy Society.

Please contact Susan Biorn, Vice President of Development, at 757-213-1417 for more information.

Gift of Securities

Please contact Bonnie J. Whitehurst at Wells Fargo Advisors to make a gift of securities to the VSO.

Bonnie J. Whitehurst, CFP
Associate Vice President
Wells Fargo Advisors
999 Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA  23510
(757) 628-8930

bonnie.whitehurst@wellsfargoadvisors.com

DTC: 0141
Account: 80530500

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)

The CFC campaign runs from September 1 through December 15 each year.

If you are federal or military personnel, designate the Virginia Symphony as the beneficiary of your contribution by entering our five-digit code #46038 and the amount you wish to pledge on your CFC pledge form.

To determine which local campaign you belong to visit the Combined Federal Campaign website.

Virginia Symphony Foundation 

The Virginia Symphony Foundation provides financial support to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra through investment of donors gifts to the VSF endowment fund.

To learn more about the Virginia Symphony Foundation, please click here.

To make a gift to VSF, please contact Susan Biorn, Vice President of Development, at sbiorn@virginiasymphony.org or at 757-213-1417.

Vision Forward

Celebrating 100 years of community service and creativity, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra celebrates the largest campaign in its history – Vision Forward. Click here to learn more.

Matching Gifts

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra gladly accepts gifts from matching gift programs from most companies in Hampton Roads. Increase your support of the VSO by checking with your human resource department about your company’s program.

For assistance, please contact Susan Biorn, Vice President of Development, at 747-213-1417.

Click here to review a list of some local employees who offer matching gift opportunities.

Monthly Giving

2025-2026 SEASON

Virginia Symphony Champions support the VSO year-round with a monthly donations automatically charged to a credit card. Your card will be charged on the 15th of each month, after the initial installment, and each January you will receive a summary of your previous calendar year donations.

Please contact Annual Fund Manager, Hailey Schumacher, at hschumacher@virginiasymphony.org or call 757-213-1419 for any questions!

¹Email required.

Want to Make a Donation, but Need More Flexibility?

Become a monthly benefactor today!

SetTING Up Your Monthly Donation ONLINE:

Visit Our Online Giving Page
Go to: https://give.virginiasymphony.org/donate

Choose “Recurring” Under Donation Frequency
Make sure the “Monthly” option is selected to set up your recurring donation.

Select Your Monthly Gift Amount
Choose the amount that feels right for you. Every monthly gift supports our musicians, programs, and students across the region.

Enter Your Details
Provide your contact and payment information. Your gift will be processed each month through Stripe, a secure and trusted payment processor.

Click “Donate”
Once submitted, your donation will be charged automatically every month—and you’ll receive a confirmation email for your records.

If you would prefer to set up monthly installments by phone, please contact Annual Fund Manager Hailey Schumacher for assistance at hschumacher@virginiasymphony.org or 757-213-1419.

Benefcator Benefits

Gifts made to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra throughout the year determine your donor level. Donor listings–including those in our Program Books—reflect your overall support through gifts made directly to the Annual Fund or gifts made for a specific purpose, including our education and community engagement programs. Also included in your personal listing are any matching gifts received from your employer.

Benefits are based on cumulative giving from the past 2024-2025 season or giving during the current 2025-2026 season, whichever amount is higher. If you would like to know your current donor level, please call Hailey Schumacher, Annual Fund Manager, at 757-213-1419.

These benefits are offered as of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Additional benefits may be added throughout the season.

Donate Now
Orchestra Circle: Up to $249

Up to $249

  • Ten (10) e-Newsletters with exclusive donor content: Receive access to one digital newsletter a month through Mailchimp, which features information on the VSO’s happenings. To access this digital newsletter, please make sure the VSO has an up-to-date email address, and that subscriptions are on for Mailchimp. 

  • Access to VSO’s Exclusive Spotify Channel: In conjunction with the digital newsletter, Orchestra Circle level members receive a special link in the monthly newsletter to the Spotify playlist curated by music director Eric Jacobsen.

  • Recognition as a VSO supporter in the online Donor Register: At the Orchestra Circle, you will receive recognition for your gift in our online Donor Register. The online Donor Register may be updated at any time.

  • Exclusive pre-sale access to purchase single tickets: Donors have access to purchase tickets before they are released to the general public.

Concertmaster Circle: $250-$499

$250–$499

Previous level’s benefits, plus:

  • Two passes to ONE Open Rehearsal: At the Concertmaster Circle level and above, members receive access to open rehearsals, where patrons can watch musicians and guest artists prepare for an upcoming performance. RSVPs for open rehearsals are required and can be completed via mail, by phone, or by email.

  • Recognition in VSO Program Books: the VSO Program Book is printed three times a year and distributed at each performance. Listing updates must be sent in by the first of July, October, and January of each year.

  • Exclusive VSO Tote Bag: As a token of our appreciation, members at the Concertmaster Circle level receive a complimentary VSO tote bag.

Conductors' Circle: $500-$999

$500–$999

Previous level’s benefits, plus:

  • Two passes to any TWO Open Rehearsals

  • President’s Chat Series: Join us for four quarterly virtual sessions with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra President. These intimate conversations offer behind-the-scenes insights, season updates, and the opportunity to engage directly with VSO leadership.

Soloist Circle: $1,000-$2,999

$1,000–$2,999

Previous level’s benefits, plus:

  • Invitations to receptions at select VSO Concerts: These receptions offer a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with VSO musicians, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, and connect with fellow supporters in an intimate setting.

  • Supporter recognition in pre-concert slides: The pre-concert slides provide further recognition for donors at the Soloist Circle level and above.

Founders' Society: $3,000-$4,999

$3,000–$4,999

Previous level’s benefits, plus:

  • UNLIMITED passes to Open Rehearsals

  • Invitation to the Chamber Music Party: the Chamber Music party is a casual event hosted at a VSO community member’s home featuring a chamber performance.

President's Society: $5,000-$9,999

$5,000–$9,999

Previous level’s benefits, plus:

  • Two (2) tickets to sit onstage at an Open Rehearsal as available: for special open rehearsals, donors at the President’s Society level get an even more up-close look at the work of musicians, guest artists, and conductors by sitting on stage.

  • Two (2) tickets to the President’s Society Dinner: Formerly known as the Treble Society Dinner, this elegant evening honors our leadership donors with a private celebration hosted at a distinguished venue. The event includes a special chamber music performance by VSO musicians, followed by a beautifully catered three-course dinner.

  • Exclusive pre-sale access to purchase subscriptions: Donors at the Symphony Society level and above receive access to purchase subscriptions before the general public.

JoAnn Falletta Society: $10,000-$14,999

$10,000–$14,999

Previous level’s benefits, plus:

  • Invitation to the VSO Falletta Society Dinner: The Falletta Society Dinner is an exclusive event with JoAnn Falletta, former VSO Music Director and current Connie and Marc Jacobsen Music Director Laureate.

  • Sponsor a performance of your choice, subject to availability

  • Gifts of $10,000 or more are meaningful statements of support for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. To learn more about a customized package of curated experiences, please call Susan Biorn, Vice President of Development, at 757-213-1417 or email at sbiorn@virginiasymphony.org.
Maestro's Society: $15,000-$24,999

$15,000–$24,999

Previous level’s benefits, plus:

  • Opportunity to meet guest artists and collaborators before or after performances, as available.

  • Invitation to exclusive events and private engagements with Music Director Eric Jacobsen, scheduled throughout the season

  • Gifts of $15,000 or more are meaningful statements of support for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. To learn more about a customized package of curated experiences, please call Susan Biorn, Vice President of Development, at 757-213-1417 or email at sbiorn@virginiasymphony.org.
Stradivarius Society: $25,000 and above

$25,000 and above

Previous level’s benefits, plus:

  • Invitation to exclusive events and private engagements with Music Director Eric Jacobsen, scheduled throughout the season

  • Gifts of $25,000 or more are meaningful statements of support for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. To learn more about a customized package of curated experiences, please call Susan Biorn, Vice President of Development, at 757-213-1417 or email at sbiorn@virginiasymphony.org.

*On-stage seating is assigned on a first-come, first served basis.
**Subject to availability.
†Ticket purchase required.

The above benefits are offered as of July 1, 2025. Additional benefits may be added throughout the season.

  • TowneBank
  • Runnymede
  • Virginia Symphony League
  • Norfolk Collegiate
  • Regent University
  • PNC Bank
  • Audacy
  • VSSGW
  • Bank of America
  • CBN
  • Trust and Wealth Management
  • 93.7 BOB FM
  • Truist
  • NEA
  • Breeden
  • Seven Venues
  • Rutter Family Art Foundation
  • Carl's Wash
  • VCA
  • Wilcox Savage
  • Arts Alliance
  • Birdsong Peanuts
  • Elation Brewing
  • KPMG
  • WHRO
  • Ferguson Center for the Arts
  • Norfolk Southern
  • Sentara
  • New Leaf
  • PBMares

Emmanual Losa

Emmanuel Losa

Cello

Born in 1998, Emmanuel Losa grew up in Marietta, Georgia to a Nigerian father and Jamaican mother. Starting his cello studies at the age of 12, he began to have an affinity for the orchestral world and later studying with the esteemed cellists of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, his primary instructor was Joel Dallow; in addition, studying with Dona Vellek (Assistant Principal Cello Emeritus) and Karen Freer (Assistant Principal Cello).

Emmanuel heavily enjoys studying various pieces of solo, chamber, and orchestral music, spending his summers at various festivals such as Bowdoin International Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, and Aspen Music Festival to name a few.

A student of Alan Stepansky at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Emmanuel is pursuing an undergraduate cello performance degree in orchestral performance. He continues his studies with a focus on winning a position with a major orchestra.

Zacherie Small

Zacherie Small

Double Bass

After migrating from his native island of Barbados, Zacherie Small began his Double Bass studies the age of 19 with Jonathan Dadurka at Miami-Dade College where he graduated with a Associate of Arts in Music. Afterwards, he went on to study with Luis Gomez-Imbert at Florida International University where he now holds a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance; Cum Laude, and a Masters of Music in Double Bass Performance. Also, recently graduated with his second Masters from Temple University studying with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra such as Nathaniel West, Joseph Conyers, and Robert Kesselman.

Small has performed with various orchestras. He is a member of the Miami Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Eduardo Marturet. He was also the Principal Double Bass of the Miami Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Jorge Vazquez. Small periodically performs with the Colour of Music Festival Orchestra.

Small has attended the Miami Summer Music Festival at Barry University for 3 years. During the festival, he has performed in many concerts with various conductors like Michael Rossi, Yuriy Bekker, Joel Smirnoff, David Efron, Stephanie Rhodes, and Steve Gruman. Also, participated in the Philadelphia International Music Festival to study with Nathaniel West and under the baton of Kensho Watanabe.

As well as being a performer, Small is the secondary music director South-Dade Middle School and does masterclasses at various schools in Miami, FL. He is also a teacher for the Artist of the Miami Music Project where he guides children in troubled neighborhoods to bring about social change, cultivate lessons, and run ensembles.

Tyler McKisson

Tyler McKisson

viola

Tyler McKisson is a 26-year-oldorchestral and freelance violist originally from Arvada, Colorado. He has recently received an Artist Diploma from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as a Diversity Fellow where he regularly performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. McKisson received a Master’s degree in viola performance at the University of Colorado Boulder and a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance at the University of Northern Colorado with honors. McKisson’s musical career started at age ten when he joined his school’s string orchestra program and at age fourteen, he began his studies under his first private instructor, Brian Cook. McKisson has also studied under Christopher Luther, Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti, Erika Eckert, and Catharine Carroll Lees. He has played with several American orchestras including the Cheyenne Symphony with tenure, Atlanta Symphony, Kentucky Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, and the Aspen Conducting Academy.

Camille Jones

Camille Jones

violin

A passionate collaborator and advocate for diversity in the arts, Camille has worked with various festival orchestras and chamber groups, including the National Orchestral Institute and Festival (NOI + F), Bowdoin International Music Festival, and Next Festival of Emerging Artists.

As a 2019 Sphinx Orchestral Futurist Fellow, she has helped commission works and curate a professional development workshop for K-12 students in Prince George’s County, Maryland.This project piloted what is now the K12 New Music Initiative, a commissioning project to expand the repertoire of K12 orchestras with music by BIPOC composers. In the Fall of 2018, she curated Voices Unheard, a concert series at UMD that celebrated works by women composers and composers of color. In addition, she had the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed cello professor Anthony Elliott for a concert series at the Kerrytown Concerthouse titled Passing the Torch in 2021 and 2022. Camille is establishing herself as a freelance artist in the Michigan area as well, having performed for singer Michael Bublé, rapper Big Sean and Darren Criss. She has also served as a teaching artist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensembles as well as the Sphinx Overture program in Detroit.

Camille received her B.M. in Violin Performance at the University of Maryland, College Park and a M.M. in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan, having studied under Danielle Belen.

Daphine Henderson

Daphine Henderson

bass

Daphine Henderson, a double bassist and vocalist in the DC metro area, completed her Master’s Degree in Double Bass Performance at the University of Maryland College Park in Spring 2023, where she also received two Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Performance with concentrations in Double Bass and Soprano Voice in Spring ’20. She was the first black woman to earn a Master’s Degree in Double Bass Performance at University of Maryland and the third black woman to receive a graduate degree in strings. Teaching herself the double bass at age 12, Daphine became extremely involved in music through her high school career, ranging from performing with the Maryland Senior All State Orchestra to being the drum major of her high school marching band. She is actively involved in the University of Maryland School of Music community, performing with numerous classical and wind ensembles.

Throughout her time at UMD, Daphine served as one of the ensemble assistants for the UMD Treble Choir, where she actively engaged with and lead her section. She sat as one of the student chairs and founding members of the School of Music’s IDEA Committee, which focuses on bringing diversity, accessibility, and inclusive engagement to the music community at College Park. Daphine is also a founding member of the PAGE (Project for All Gender Equality) for Bassists, where she spoke on a panel in the 2019 and 2021 International Society of Bassists conventions. Daphine teaches in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland, and is an active strings coach for the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra. Additionally, she teaches all string instruments, piano, and voice at Crescendo Studios in Falls Church, Virginia.

Daphine is taking steps in her musical career to create an impact and be an inspiration for younger musicians of color that would otherwise not have ample resources and opportunities to pursue their passion. Following the completion of her graduate degree, Daphine plans to continue establishing herself as an advocate through her performance and an arts administrator for underserved and minority musicians, while continuing to inspire others through her love for music.

Avery Robinson

Omari Imhotep Adbdul-Alim

Violin

Omari Imhotep Abdul-Alim is an accomplished violinist and educator with a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He is a dedicated instructor with extensive experience teaching violin to a diverse range of students, from young children to adults, in both individual and group settings.

Omari has also contributed significantly as a violin instructor and orchestral strings coach at the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood, as a member of VSO's first inaugural class of African American Fellowship.

In addition to his teaching accomplishments, Omari has an extensive performance background. He has been a substitute with VSO, New World Symphony, Chicago Civic Orchestra, and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. For the last year Omari has been an active performer in the San Diego area, playing with Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra, Poway Symphony Orchestra, the City Ballet of San Diego, La Jolla Symphony Orchestra and as resident violinist at First Lutheran Church of San Diego.

Omari is committed to enriching our musical education and performance landscape through his expertise and passion for music.

Avery Robinson

Avery Robinson

Cello

Avery Robinson grew up in Western Massachusetts where he was influenced by his parents’ love for jazz music. At the age of 10 he started playing piano and began learning bass when he was 12 years old. As a young musician, Avery’s passion for jazz persisted however, as he became exposed to the wonderful sounds of the symphony, his musical passion grew to include a second genre: classical music. After joining his high school orchestra, his career path was set.

Avery has studied at many top music schools such as the Eastman School of Music, The Hartt School of Music, and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and has graduated with honors. His teachers include Rachel Calin, Albert Laszlo, and Robert Black. Avery has been a member of the Kentucky Symphony, and most recently, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked as a substitute for the Amarillo Symphony and the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. In addition to his orchestral career, Avery is also an accomplished recitalist, having performed many solo and chamber recitals at various venues such as the Chautauqua Institution and at the “Classical Revolution” Series in Cincinnati. His love for performing with others shows in his expressive and sometimes fervent style of playing.

Avery has other passions in addition to music. Firstly, he is a huge art and history buff and loves to frequent museums and galleries whenever he can. He is also a lover of sports and an avid golfer.