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
Eric Jacobsen & Elliott Brothers

The VSO welcomes guest conductor Eric Jacobsen, who has carved out a reputation as one of classical music’s most exciting and innovative young conductors. With him will be brothers and Newport News natives Brendon and Sterling Elliott, making a rare joint appearance to perform the magical La muse et le poete from French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The program will conclude with Franz Schubert’s animated Symphony No. 3 in D Major, written when he was only eighteen years old.
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Brendon Elliott, violin
Sterling Elliott, cello
Anna Clyne: Restless Oceans
Saint Saens: La muse et le poète (The Muse and the Poet)
Jessie Montgomery: Starburst
Schubert: Symphony No. 3 in D Major
Serpentine Fire: The Music of Earth, Wind & Fire – 3/19-3/20

Friday, March 19, 2021 | 7:30PM | Ferguson Center
Saturday, March 20, 2021 | 7:30PM | Chrysler Hall
Brandenburg Concertos • 3/26/21 – 3/28/21

Student Showcase
In lieu of a Student Showcase in the lobby of the hall, our friends at The Governor’s School for the Arts recorded a performance for you.
The Instrumental Music Department of the Governor’s School for the Arts offers professional training in performance, while encouraging each student’s personal development and artistic expression. The primary focus of the program is classical and jazz repertoire. Students perform in ensembles, large and small. Chamber music and jazz combos are central to the program. Classical musicians perform in orchestras, both chamber and full, and perform for opera, dance, and other collaborative performances. Jazz students also perform in the GSA Big Band. Students receive private lessons on their primary instrument from the area’s finest instructors. Comprehensive classes in music theory, music literature, technique, and performance form the backbone of the academic curriculum. Composition, audio engineering, accompaniment, movement, and improvisation are some examples of supplemental courses also available. For the career-minded instrumentalist, the program is designed to prepare for auditions to prestigious colleges and conservatories. For more information, visit gsarts.net
Friday, March 26, 2021 | Ferguson Center for the Arts | 7:30PM
Sunday, March 28, 2021 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts | 2:30PM
Written in 1721, these musical jewels showcase a range of individual instruments spotlighting the superlative musicians of the VSO, led by world-famous guest conductor and violinist Cho-Liang (Jimmy) Lin. Known for his acclaimed violin and conducting appearances throughout the world, the VSO is honored to welcome Lin back to the region.
Subscriber concert only. In-person tickets not available to the general public.
Cho-Liang Lin, conductor/violin
Members of the VSO
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 1-4
*This performance will be streamed LIVE on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at 2:30pm for subscribers. An on-demand version of the concert will be available for streaming for 30 days after the performance.
Cheek to Cheek: A Broadway Romance • 4/2/21 – 4/3/21

Friday, April 2, 2021 | Ferguson Center for the Arts | 7:30PM
Saturday, April 3, 2021 | Chrysler Hall | 7:30PM
Broadway’s Michael McCorry Rose and Tiffany Haas present Cheek to Cheek: A Broadway Romance, a fun and flirty musical exploration of love in the American Songbook. Soaring ballads and swinging up-tempos come to life through rarely before heard stories about what was happening in the romantic lives of composers like George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Lorenz Hart. Michael and Tiffany present new arrangements of classics and exciting new songs by some of New York’s talented musical theater writers.
Tiffany Haas, vocalist
Michael McCorry Rose, vocalist
100th Anniversary Tribute • 4/9/21 & 4/11/21

Friday, April 9, 2021 | Ferguson Center for the Arts | 7:30PM
Sunday, April 11, 2021 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts | 2:30PM
Former VSO Assistant Conductor Matt Kraemer, known for his versatility and musical sensitivity, returns 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 by Schumann that was composed in just a short two week period.
Matthew Kraemer, conductor
Nicholas Canellakis, cello
Haydn: Symphony No. 100 in G Major “Military”
Schumann: Cello Concerto in A minor
Grieg: Peer Gynt Suite No. 1
Tchaikovsky Spectacular • 4/23/21 – 4/24/21

Friday, April 23, 2021 | Ferguson Center for the Arts | 7:30PM
Saturday, April 24, 2021 | Chrysler Hall | 7:30PM
Former VSO Assistant Conductor “Z” Kuwahara returns from his post at Russia’s famed Marinsky Theatre to lead the orchestra.
Shizuo Kuwahara, conductor
Andrew von Oeyen, piano
Shostakovich: Concerto No. 1
Tchaikovsky: Serenade
Stravinsky: Concerto in E-flat
Mozart and Adams • 4/30/21 – 5/2/21

Friday, April 30, 2021 | Ferguson Center for the Arts | 7:30PM
Sunday, May 2, 2021 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts | 2:30PM
Benjamin Rous, conductor
John Adams: Shaker Loops
Mozart: Symphony No. 36
Trouble in Tahiti • 5/7-5/8

May 7, 2021 | 6pm | VAF Bank Street Stage
May 7, 2021 | 8:30pm | VAF Bank Street Stage
May 8, 2021 | 4pm | VAF Bank Street Stage
May 8, 2021 | 7pm | VAF Bank Street Stage
in collaboration with the Virginia Arts Festival and the VA Opera
American Classics with Schwarz and Moore • 5/14-5/15

Friday, May 14, 2021 | 7:30PM |Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
Saturday, May 15, 2021 | 7:30PM | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Gerard Schwarz, conductor
Aundi Marie Moore, soprano
Works by Copland, Barber, and Still (American composers)
The Streisand Songbook • 6/2/21-6/3/21

Wed., June 2, 2021 | Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News | 7:30PM
Thurs., June 3, 2021 | Chrysler Hall, Norfolk | 7:30PM
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 of 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!