Health and Safety Information: Ferguson Center for the Arts
Virginia Symphony Orchestra is committed to the health and safety of all patrons, staff, and artists. See a complete list of precautions below as you plan to come to an event.
Safety protocols and procedures:
- Anyone entering the building must comply with current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal and state government, and Christopher Newport University.
- Temperature checks are required and must be conducted before entering the building.
- Any person exhibiting a fever above 100.4 or who is symptomatic will not be permitted inside the building.
- Masks must be worn at all times upon entering the building and must fully cover both the nose and mouth. Face shields may not be worn without a mask.
- All persons must physically distance a minimum of 6 feet while inside the building/on campus.
Ticketing
- Performance seating will be assigned, and arranged to accommodate each party allowing for six feet of physical distance from other parties.
- Parties will be assigned entry times, which begin one hour prior to the performance, in order to ensure safe, distanced entry.
- Parties will be assigned lobby entry location, which will also be used as that party’s exit location.
- Seating location, entry times, and entry location will be assigned to ticket buyers the week of the performance in the form of an email confirmation. Ticket holders should bring this confirmation, either printed, or on a device.
- No physical tickets will be distributed.
Parking and Services
- Valet parking is unavailable.
- Golf cart shuttle service is unavailable.
- Coat check service is unavailable.
- Concessions are unavailable.
Because COVID-19 is a highly contagious, there is a risk of exposure in any place where people gather. Virginia Symphony Orchestra is taking appropriate steps to create a safe environment for all patrons, artists, and staff. Attendees of Virginia Symphony Orchestra events assume all risks associated with the possibility of exposure to or contracting of any illness.
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Upcoming Concerts at Ferguson Center for the Arts
2.27.21 | THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO A SCHEDULE OF LIVE PERFORMANCES TO CELEBRATE THE ORCHESTRA’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY BEGINNING FEBRUARY 26!
THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO A SCHEDULE OF LIVE PERFORMANCES TO CELEBRATE THE ORCHESTRA’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY BEGINNING FEBRUARY 26! THE SIX LIVE PERFORMANCES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH WILL BE THE ORCHESTRA’S FIRST IN NEARLY A YEAR SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF THE...
1.13.21 | Virginia Symphony Presents Annual Celebration of Dr. King—Popular Annual Event Will Be Virtual
Virginia Symphony Presents Annual Celebration of Dr. King Popular Annual Event Will Be Virtual HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 13, 2021] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will pay homage to the visionary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. via the Virginia...
4.17.20 | Finding hope in a time of pandemic
Finding hope in a time of pandemic: How Hampton Roads artists are handling quarantine With nearly a month of social distancing under our belts, it’s almost certain that most of us are in need of a little pick-me-up. In times of uncertainty and discomfort, we often...
1.23.2020 | VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES HISTORIC “VISION FORWARD” FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 23, 2020] Celebrating 100 years of community service and creativity, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra has announced the public phase of the largest fundraising campaign in its history. To date, the VSO has raised over $9.3 million, more than...
1.14.2020 | Virginia Symphony Presents Music and Spirits
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 14, 2020] Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for an intimate evening of music, spirits and mingling Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 5:00PM at Copper Fox Distillery in Williamsburg. Internationally renowned Scottish conductor Douglas Boyd...
1.3.2020 | Virginia Symphony Presents Annual Celebration of Dr. King Popular Tribute Event Set for January 19; Moves to Booker T. Washington H.S.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 3, 2020] -- The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will pay homage to the visionary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 19, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Entitled “Songs for a Dreamer,” it is the largest arts celebration of Dr. King’s...
12.5.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Presents The Music of Star Wars
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [December 5, 2019] Back by popular demand, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform music from the iconic film franchise Star Wars. The concert, led by former VSO resident conductor Benjamin Rous, will be held for one night only at 7:30 p.m. on...
11.19.19 | Celebrate the Holidays with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 19, 2019] Get in the swing of the holiday season with the Virginia Symphony’s holiday performances! With everything from the timeless Handel’s Messiah, to our brand-new Holiday Brass and Brews, there’s surely something for everyone! The...
11.7.19 | Conductor Benjamin Rous Returns to the VSO in Vivaldi Program
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 7, 2019] Popular conductor Benjamin Rous returns to Hampton Roads this month to lead the VSO in two exciting performances of music by Antonio Vivaldi and other masters of the Baroque era. On November 21, the Orchestra will perform at...
11.1.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Monica Meyer One of Only Twelve Orchestra Professionals Nationwide Selected for League of American Orchestras’ Emerging Leaders Program
Competitive Eight-Month Program Develops Participants’ Leadership Capacities while Identifying the Orchestra Field’s Future Leaders HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 1, 2019] – Monica Meyer, the VSO’s Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Public Relations, is one of only...
10.30.19 | Holiday Brass and Brews
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 30, 2019] Start your holidays in Virginia Beach with the newest must-experience event in Town Center! Join the musicians of the VSO for a merry evening filled with holiday music and the best in local craft brews! An evening filled with...
10.29.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra offers sensory-friendly concert
This season, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra brings together music lovers of all ages with a brand new show in Newport News. The new sensory-friendly concert Nov. 2 is an inclusive orchestral performance designed for audiences living with autism. The show will feature...
10.28.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Presents Brahms, Beethoven, and Caroline Shaw
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra performed music by Brahms, Beethoven, and Caroline Shaw (who also appeared as a soloist) on October 24, 26, and 27. Rebecca Evans shares her review.
10.22.19 | Virginia Symphony Spans the Centuries
By Montague Gammon III Christmas day visits to Ella Fitzgerald’s house were a family routine for young Edwin Outwater, who will conduct the Virginia Symphony’s Brahms + Pulitzer concerts this month. Having a mother who worked for “The First Lady of Song” – herself a...
10.21.19 | The Virginia Symphony Presents Unparalleled Tribute to Neil Diamond
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 21, 2019] One of the best-selling singer/songwriters of all time, Neil Diamond gave us unforgettable Top Ten hits like “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “America” and “Sweet Caroline.” The Virginia Symphony will pay tribute to the legend...
10.16.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Offers First Sensory-Friendly Concert
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 16, 2019] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will offer the first in a series of three Sensory-Friendly Concerts on November 2, at 3PM at the Ferguson Center for the Arts. Pre-concert activities will begin at 2PM. This specially designed...
10.9.19 | OCTOBER PERFORMANCES PROMISE DISCOVERY & EXCITEMENT
Trailblazing Conductor Edwin Outwater Leads Music by Brahms Together with New Music from Pulitzer Prize-Winning Composer Caroline Shaw for VSO Debut October 24 – 27 HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 9, 2019] Celebrated American conductor Edwin Outwater returns to the VSO in...
9.30.19 | Virginia Symphony’s Halloween Spooktacular is Ghoulish Fun for the Whole Family
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [September 30, 2019] The lobby of the Sandler Center for the Arts in Virginia Beach will soon be buzzing with hundreds of little ghouls, goblins, and ghosts as they collect candy and participate in activities and crafts prior to the Virginia Symphony...
9.16.10 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s 2019-2020 Season Opener, Rachmaninoff and Ravel
On Friday night, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra launched its 99th season with a program called "Rachmaninoff and Ravel." The occasion also marked conductor and music director JoAnn Falletta's final opening night with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra after 28 years of...
9.16.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Presents “Once Upon A Symphony” Family Concert
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [September 16, 2019] The magic of live musical performance combines with enchanting storytelling in the Virginia Symphony’s upcoming family concert, Once Upon a Symphony! This exciting event is perfect for children aged 3-10 and will take place at...
9.13.19 | JOANN FALLETTA TO BE NAMED MUSIC DIRECTOR LAUREATE OF THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [September 13, 2019] – In celebration of JoAnn Falletta’s long and significant tenure as Music Director, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced today that she will be named the Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate when she steps down...
9.9.19 • Virginia Symphony Orchestra Sensory Friendly Concert – Tickets On Sale Now!
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [September 9, 2019] Tickets for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever Sensory Friendly Concert are on sale now! Join the VSO on November 2, 2019 at 3PM at the Ferguson Center for the Arts for this inclusive and exciting event! The event will...
9.3.19 • From Classics to POPs, Virginia Symphony’s 2019/20 Season Opens with Two Blockbuster Weekends of Musical Events Across Hampton Roads
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [September 3, 2019] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra launches its 2019/20 fall season with two weekends of exciting concerts across multiple communities in Hampton Roads September 13 through 21, including the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach, and...
8.20.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra sending summer out with a bang
by Eric Feber How does Chesapeake bid summer a fond farewell during the Labor Day weekend? In a truly symphonic manner. As summer fades, Chesapeake and Hampton Roads music lovers of all ages will gather in front of the Buddy Bagley Stage at City Park, 900 City Park...
8.20.19- The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Presents Free Labor Day Weekend Concert Series
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 20, 2019] – Scenic outdoor venues in Chesapeake, Williamsburg and Yorktown will be the site for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Under the Stars series, August 29 - September 1, the VSO’s annual Labor Day weekend celebration. All...
8.15.19 – “CommUNITY” Event Aims to Unite Hampton Roads Through Music
City of Norfolk & Virginia Symphony Orchestra partner to host third annual event HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 15, 2019] – Members of the community are invited to play and sing alongside the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on September 8. The third annual CommUNITY...
8.12.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Adds New Musician With Local Roots
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 12, 2019] For Anna Bishop, joining the Virginia Symphony Orchestra feels like coming home. Bishop is the daughter of VSO section violinist Lesa McCoy Bishop, now in her thirty-first year with the VSO, and the late Tim Bishop, who was an...
8.9.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Four New Musicians
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 9, 2019] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra proudly announces the addition of violinists Jacqueline Kitzmiller, Hui Cao and Allison Kim, and percussionist Will McVay. The four will join the orchestra for the 2019-20 season which gets underway...
8.6.19 | VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WELCOMES 2019-2020 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND NEW BOARD MEMBER
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 6, 2019] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is excited to welcome its 2019-2020 class of executive officers, as well as a new member, to its Board of Directors. With them they bring considerable experience in organizational leadership and...
7.31.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Receives Recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [July 31, 2019] — The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has been selected to receive an Art Works grant of $15,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant will be used to help fund the third annual CommUNITY Play-In and Sing-Along to be held at...
7.29.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Single Tickets on Sale Today!
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [July 29, 2019] – Single tickets for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s 2019-2020 season are on sale as of today, Monday, July 29, 2019. In its 99th season, the orchestra will present Classical and POPS concerts in ten venues across Hampton Roads....
7.23.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra gets $80,000 grant to hold sensory-friendly concerts
by Amy Poulter The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has received an $80,000 grant that will help it become more sensory-friendly to patrons. The grant from the League of American Orchestras will allow the symphony to present three concerts to "celebrate neurodiversity...
2.21.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Old Dominion University Announce Innovative New Collaboration
The organizations are combining forces to enhance music education in Hampton Roads HAMPTON ROADS, VA (Feb. 21, 2019) -- The Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and Old Dominion University have signed a collaborative agreement to encourage presentation, growth, education...
1.25.19 | VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2019-2020 CLASSICS SEASON HOSTED BY GOVERNOR RALPH S. NORTHAM AND FIRST LADY PAMELA NORTHAM
HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA (January 25, 2019) – Virginia Symphony Orchestra announces today its 2019-2020 Classics Series which boasts eight incredible weekends of favorite classics, world-renowned soloists, guest conductors and JoAnn Falletta in her 29th and final...
1.18.19 | VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2019-2020 POPS SEASON
HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA (January 18, 2019) – Soul singers, the best of Neil Diamond, romantic Hollywood dance numbers, and a tribute to Barbara Streisand highlight the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s POPS series for 2019-20. These concerts take place at the Ferguson...
1.17.19 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra is Offering Complimentary Tickets for Furloughed Federal Government Employees for this weekend’s “Broadway A to Z” concert
HAMPTON ROADS, VA (Jan. 17, 2019) -- The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is offers complimentary tickets for this weekend’s Pops! Concerts Broadway A to Z … ABBA to Les Miz!™ for employees of the federal government being affected by the shutdown (with ID). The concerts...
1.16.19 | Renowned Conductor Thomas Wilkins and TED Talk Celebrity Violinist Sirena Huang Join the VSO for its First Concerts of the New Year
HAMPTON ROADS, VA (Jan. 16, 2019) -- Noted conductor and Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins will lead the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in concerts January 25 – 27 – the first Classics concerts of the New Year – featuring popular young violinist Sirena Huang in the music of...
1.7.19 | The Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA (Jan. 7, 2019) -- The Virginia Symphony Orchestra in partnership with the City of Norfolk will pay homage to the visionary Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 20, 2019. This is the largest arts celebration of Dr. King’s life...
12.12.18 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Annual Holiday Tradition Holiday POPS!
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [December 12, 2018] – Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for the must-see holiday tradition of the season – Holiday Pops! Conducted by Robert Shoup, VSO Chorusmaster/Staff Conductor, the VSO’s holiday performances have become a local favorite at...
12.7.18 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces Special Concert Hogwarts Hullabaloo: The Magical Music of Harry Potter!
HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA [December 7, 2018] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will present a special one-night-only concert certain to cast a spell on audiences of all ages! Join the conductor Gonzalo Farias and the VSO on a journey to the Wizarding World of Harry...
12.4.18 | CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA!
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [December 4, 2018] – Bolster your holiday spirit with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra! The VSO performs a variety of concerts that are sure to leave even the grumpiest Scrooge feeling festive! Hear all your favorite songs and carols in full sound and...
11.30.18 | Virginia Symphony Taps Grammy Winning Composer For New Recording Release, Night Owl
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 30, 2018] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra today announced the release of a new digital recording featuring music by Grammy Award-winning American composer Michael Daugherty. Entitled Night Owl, the world-premiere recording is now...
11.19.18 | Lively Latin Flair concert introduces VSO’s assistant conductor
by John Shulson The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Williamsburg season was a two-hitter special in that it introduced to us the VSO’s new assistant conductor, Gonzalo Farias, and, although it was changed this past spring, somewhat officially the new name of the former...
11.27.18 | VC WEB BLOG | Cellist Julian Schwarz – ’Considerations for Preparing the Rococo Variations’ [INSIGHT]
The Violin Channel recently caught up with former Schoenfeld International Cello Competition and the Boulder International Art of Duo Chamber Music Competition 1st prize winner, American cello virtuoso Julian Schwarz. In a VC exclusive guest blog, the 27-year-old...
11.15.18 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents The Music of Star Wars
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 15, 208] -- Back by popular demand, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform music from the iconic film franchise Star Wars. Hundreds of Star Wars enthusiasts are expected to gather at the Ferguson Center for the Arts on May 4, a...
11.13.18 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Winter Dreams
HAMPTON ROADS, VA – November 13, 2018 – Grammy-winning conductor and VSO Music Director JOANN FALLETTA leads the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Winter Dreams: Classics for the Season, November 30 through December 2, as it kicks-off its popular holiday music season in...
11.6.18 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Music with a “Latin Flair”
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 6, 2018] – Newly appointed Virginia Symphony Orchestra Assistant Conductor Gonzalo Farias, a native of Chile, will present “Latin Flair,” a colorful, dynamic program of music with Spanish and Latin American origins. The lush, whimsical...
11.1.18 | Music of Motown
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 1, 2018] – After filling your belly this Thanksgiving, grab the family and fill your hearts with the soulful sounds of Motown! Dancing In the Street: The Music of Motown is the perfect way to show visiting friends and family a great time...
10.17.18 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Peanut Butter & Jam Family Concert, Halloween Spooktacular
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [Oct. 17, 2018] – The VSO returns to Sandler Center for the Performing Arts to open its 2018-2019 Peanut Butter and Jam Family Concert Series with Halloween Spooktacular, conducted by Assistant Conductor Gonzalo Farias! Designed for ages 3-12, but...
10.19.18 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Presents Comic-Concert
VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS COMIC CONCERT HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 19, 2018] – BOOM! POW! CRASH! The VSO is back with an action-packed concert featuring pop culture’s favorite comic book heroes! On Saturday, October 27, at 7:30PM, at Sandler Center for the...
