HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 30, 2023] Renowned composer, educator, and friend to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) Dr. Adolphus Hailstork has been announced as the 2023 Arts Supporter of the Year by Local No. 125 of the American Federation of Musicians.
Dr. Hailstork’s compositions have been performed all over the world, and the VSO has been the beneficiary of his prodigious output on many occasions, including taking his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra to Carnegie Hall. He will be honored at an event on November 18th at 2 p.m. at Old Dominion University’s Diehn Center for the Performing Arts.
Presenting the award to Dr. Hailstork will be the previous winner of the award, which is not given every year. Paula Bonds was honored in 2021, but plans for a public event fell victim to the COVID pandemic. Ms. Bonds has worked as a Music Librarian for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra since 2000. The following year she began her work for Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia and in 2003 she joined Symphonicity in Virginia Beach. Preferring to work quietly but tirelessly behind the scenes, she has endeared herself to everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside her, especially in the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in her role as Assistant Principal Librarian. In that capacity, she has shepherded many Principal Librarians through the organization. Her colleagues speak glowingly of her, and many have moved on to bigger orchestras. JoAnn Falletta, the VSO’s Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate, sums it up this way, “Not only is Paula Bonds a brilliant and dedicated musician, but she is also one of the most beautiful human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing.”
John Lindberg, former Principal Timpani of the VSO and former President of Local No. 125 conceived of the award in the late 1990s, recognizing the first recipient in 1999. Long-time VSO supporter and board member Minette Cooper was honored that year for her history of philanthropic support for arts organizations and for her devotion and support for education such as Young Audiences of Virginia. Other winners have included artists, executives in the arts, journalists, philanthropists, and others. The prestigious award is for continuous years of contributing to the arts.
Tickets are available to the public for $15 and may be purchased on Eventbrite.com or by calling 757-622-8095.
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As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational, and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative. The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and its commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and BBC Worldwide News.
As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adopting welcoming concert environments for those who are neurodiverse. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, its programming, and its leadership.
The selection of the young and dynamic conductor Eric Jacobsen as music director in 2021 was another bold step forward for the VSO, further expanding its vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2023
Contact: De’Jonna Mayo, Communications Manager
Phone: 757.213.1424
Email: dmayo@virginiasymphony.org
Twitter: @VASymphony
Facebook: facebook.com/virginiasymphony