Ferguson Center for the Arts
The Ferguson Center for the Arts, on the campus of Christopher Newport University, opened its doors in 2005 and houses the Diamonstein Concert Hall that we perform in (pictured above). Seating 1,725 people, the Orchestra, Parterre, and Grand Tier areas feature comfortable seating with several aisles. For the best experience, inquire about the box seating located on each level. Drinks with lidded cups purchased in the lobby are allowed inside the hall, and free parking with a convenient shuttle is offered in the garage behind the hall.
Christopher Newport University
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: (757) 594-7448
Capacity: 1,600
Parking: Free parking is available in the garage adjacent to the Ferguson Center with complimentary shuttle service to take you to the lobby. In addition, the Ferguson Center also provides valet parking for a fee.
Accessibility
The Ferguson Center was built under the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) and meets the standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is our intent to exceed standard requirements and provide exceptional service for our patrons with disabilities.
Special Features for patrons with disabilities
Complimentary wheelchairs are available at all performances. Speak to a member of House Management upon arrival.
Seating
To purchase accessible seating, contact VSO Patron Services at (757) 892-6366. Notice of special needs must be addressed at time of purchase so that we may best accommodate you. All accessible seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking
Handicap Parking is available in the parking garage. A shuttle service, via electric carts, is available at all performances to and from the parking garage.
Paid valet parking is available at most performances for all patrons. If valet parking is not available, disabled patrons may park in the drop-off circle. These services must be arranged at least 14 days prior to the performance. Contact Patron Services at (757) 594-8465.
Assisted Listening
An FM assisted listening system, including headsets and induction loop devices, is available at performances on a first-come, first-served basis.
Speak to a member of House Management upon your arrival.
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Upcoming Concerts at Ferguson Center for the Arts

Broadway Rocks | 3/31-4/1
Fri., Mar. 31, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Ferguson Center, Newport NewsSat., Apr. 1, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Sandler Center, Virginia Beach This high energy show brings together exciting vocalists from the Broadway stage performing selections from Rock and contemporary Broadway hits....

Romantic Meltdown | 4/21-4/22
Fri., Apr. 21, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Ferguson Center, Newport NewsSat., Apr. 22, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk His Symphony No. 1 was reportedly Tchaikovsky’s own favorite piece. Like Tchaikovsky, composer Anna Clyne, an inventive collaborator once described by...

The Music of Star Wars | 5/4
Thurs., May 4,2023 | 7:30 PM | Ferguson Center, Newport News May the fourth be with you. Anthony Parnther, conductor

From the Silk Road to the Planets | 5/12-5/14
Fri., May 12, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Chrysler Hall, NorfolkSat., May 13, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Ferguson Center, Newport NewsSun., May 14, 2023 | 2:30 PM | Sandler Center, Virginia Beach The VSO welcomes three members of the legendary Silk Road Ensemble: cellist Karen Ouzonian,...

Chris Thile: World Premiere | 5/19-5/21
Fri., May 19, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Ferguson Center, Newport NewsSat., May 20, 2023 | 7:30 PM | Chrysler Hall, NorfolkSun., May 21, 2023 | 2:30 PM | Sandler Center, Virginia Beach CHRIS THILE, mandolinEric Jacobsen, conductor MacArthur Fellow and Grammy® Award-winning...

Beethoven Festival | 9/15-9/16
What better way to open a season than with Beethoven? Conducted by Eric Jacobsen with brilliant soloists, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto is a master class in composition. Concluding with the rhythmic and powerful Symphony No. 7, this concert will showcase exactly why...

Bela Fleck & Gershwin | 9/21-9/22
The incredibly virtuosic banjo superstar Bela Fleck joins the orchestra for an audience favorite…with a twist! Performing his new arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue on banjo, Bela’s endless curiosity for combining genres will surely surprise and delight. Add in a few...

Totally 80s | 10/5-10/6
We’re, like, totally crankin’ up the Tears for Fears and celebrating one of the most decadent decades of music – the 80s! Relive rock, R & B, and new wave hits from icons like George Michael, Phil Collins, Blondie, Huey Lewis & The News, Robert Palmer, Cyndi...

Rachmaninoff at 150 with Olga Kern | 10/20-10/22
Full of freedom, quirks, and colorful contrasts, Petrushka takes inspiration from Russian folk tunes and dances. Then join the VSO and Van Cliburn gold medalist Olga Kern, the Virginia Arts Festival Connie & Marc Jacobson Director of Chamber Music, for...

Brahms & Dvořák with Thomas Wilkins | 11/9-11/10
Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins returns alongside the beloved Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus to perform Brahms’ hauntingly beautiful Song of Destiny. Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 is his most dramatic and austere, written with high aspirations. Of its...

Holiday POPS! | 12/7-12/10
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 and special guests. Holiday POPS will...

Tchaikovsky 6: The Story Behind the Music | 1/19-1/20
In this intimate evening, join Eric Jacobsen as he tells us the story behind the music of Tchaikovsky’s final completed symphony, full of passion and emotion. Excerpts from the work will illustrate a narrative that brings the music to life, setting the stage for a...

Sinatra and Beyond | 2/16-2/17
Called “two parts Frank Sinatra and one part Billy Joel,” the triple-threat singer/pianist/songwriter Tony DeSare takes on the legend of Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to headlining with major symphony orchestras, Tony DeSare delivers a fresh...

Debussy & Rachmaninoff | 2/23
One of Debussy’s most famous works, the Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun is an Impressionist masterpiece that will transport you to a mythical land. We close the program with Rachmaninoff’s final major work, the Symphonic Dances, which combine rhythmic vivacity with...

Carmina Burana | 3/8-3/10
A re-imagining of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s work transforms melodies from the heart of the African diaspora. Then Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Virginia Children’s Chorus take the stage for one of the most epic works ever written! Join us for Carl Orff’s...

To Whitney with Love | 4/5-4/6
Join American Idol finalist LaKisha Jones in a celebration of the great ladies of soul, from Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Tina Turner, the legendary Aretha Franklin and the one and only Whitney Houston. Adam Turner, conductor LaKisha Jones, vocalist

Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto | 4/25-4/27
Kodaly’s Hungarian folk songs, Butterworth’s pastoral melodies, Borodin’s energetic dances and one of the most beloved violin concertos of all time! Tchaikovsky’s concerto will take you on a journey – from the bold and virtuosic, through the lyrical and melancholy, to...

The Music of Star Wars | 5/4
Coming to Virginia from a galaxy far, far away – experience the music of the Star Wars series like never before with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra!

Romeo & Juliet with JoAnn | 5/17-5/19
JoAnn Falletta returns with two of her favorites about tragic love and loss, from the lyrical beauty of Barber to the powerful passion of Prokofiev. Plus, Hampton Roads’ own Adolphus Hailstork, hailed as “the Dean of African-American composers,” brings us a brand new...