May 29 at 7:30Pm, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk

May 30 at 7:30pm, Ferguson Center, Newport News

Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Harley Elias, writer
Tanner Porter, arranger and orchestrator
Mikhaela Mahony, director
Special thanks to Wasserman Projects for commissioning the book.

CAST:

President Harry S. Truman: Michael Rudko

Copland: Fanfare for the Common Man
Copland: “The Promise of Living” from The Tender Land
Various: Potsdam
Bernstein: “Make our Garden Grow” from Candide

As part of our season long observance of America 250, this concert takes a look at the role music played in one of the most tumultuous times in the history of the world. At 1945’s Potsdam Conference, works by Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Kreisler, and others were one of the only things that united the assembled Allies–represented by President Harry Truman, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin. In this new production, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra & Chorus will incorporate storytelling to show just how powerful music can be, and how Hampton Roads played a part in this pivotal moment.

Patron advisory – This production of Finding Peace at Potsdam contains commentary and imagery regarding the historical use of the atomic bomb during World War II.  

Co-presented with the Virginia Arts Festival

These performances are made possible through a generous gift from the Susan Goode Performance Fund.

Celebrating his fifth season, Eric Jacobsen serves as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s twelfth Music Director. He is also artistic director and co-founder of The Knights, the uniquely adventurous NYC-based chamber orchestra, and Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic. In addition to conducting, Eric is a dedicated chamber musician (cello) and is a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.