Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Symphony Notes

Name: Mozart’s Gran Partita
Start: 2026-10-16T19:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-10-16T21:30:00-04:00
Location: Attucks Theatre

November Newsletter 2025 | Edition 03

October Review

Dedication to MInette Cooper

Upcoming Performances

The New Faces of the VSO

What About the Music: VSO Up-Close

SoundBridge Returns to Elation Brewing

Playlist Curated by the VSO Staff

Tune In: WHRO documentary on The Fellows

Support the VSO

CommUNITY Recap

Symphonic Snapshots

As the leaves turn and the air cools, the VSO is turning up the warmth with a month full of music, community, and celebration! From world-renowned guest artists to the incredible talents within our own orchestra, November is all about connection through sound. We opened the season surrounded by creativity and local pride and capped it off with our inspiring CommUNITY concert at Booker T. Washington High School, celebrating peace, inclusion, and unity through music, dance, and spoken word.

Then came an unforgettable highlight — a breathtaking performance with the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma and Kayhan Kalhor, whose artistry reminded us that music knows no borders. Grab a cozy drink, press play on your favorite symphonic playlist and enjoy reliving the incredible moments that make this season so special.

With Appreciation,

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra

In Memory of Minette Cooper

Check out our upcoming shows

New 25/26 Subscriptions Available NOW!

Sebastian Stöger, Guanliang Zong, Caleb Edwards and Eliza Willett join the VSO.

Four new musicians have joined the Virginia Symphony Orchestra starting in their 25/26 Season including Principal Cellist Sebastian Stoger, Assistant Principal Viola Guanliang Zong, Section Bass Caleb Edwards and Section Violin Eliza Willett had their first performance at The VSO’s Opening Weekend, Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony + Cellist Jan Vogler.

Learn more about each distinguished musician below.

Sebastian Stöger

ELISE NUSBAUM HOFHEIMER PRINCIPAL CELLO CHAIR

A native New Yorker, Sebastian Stöger, the new Elise Nusbaum Hofheimer Principal Cello Chair, made his solo debut at Seiji Ozawa Hall with the Empire State Youth Symphony, premiering Fabrizio Cassol Concerto for Solo Cello, Electronics, and Orchestra. He has performed the Dvorak Concerto with conductor Stephen Czarkowsky and the Central Pennsylvania Symphony, performed for President Biden at The White House as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon in March 2024, and in David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic. In the summer of 2024, he served as principal cellist of the League of Composers Orchestra in New York City and became a member of the Verbier Festival Orchestra in Switzerland. Other festival credits include the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan, where he performed with members of the Vienna Philharmonic and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival in Blue Hill, Maine. Sebastian currently plays on a Gaetano Sgarabotto cello, generously loaned to him by Curtis Bryant Fine Cellos.

Guanliang Zong

ASSISSTANT PRINICPAL VIOLA

Guanliang Zong, a native of China, was the previous Assistant Principal Viola with the Lexington Philharmonic. Guanliang has also been a fellow at Aspen Music Festival and School and the Tanglewood Music Center, sitting alongside members from Boston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Czech Philharmonic. An avid chamber musician, Guanliang is the founder and violist of the Eurus String Quartet. The ensemble garnered critical acclaim as the winner of the 2018 Beethoven Haus Competition and was appointed resident quartet at Indiana University in 2019. They were also invited as Featured Artists at the 2019 Chelsea Music Festival in New York City and earned recognition as semifinalists in the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Further cementing their international presence, the quartet was invited for a residency at the Beethoven Haus in Bonn, Germany.

Caleb Edwards

SECTION BASS

Caleb Edwards is an orchestral double bassist from Birmingham, Alabama, whose performances span distinguished ensembles and diverse musical genres. He began studying double bass at age nine through the Music Opportunity Program and later attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts, laying a strong foundation for his career. Caleb has performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as part of its prestigious fellowship program, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and the Columbus–Indiana Philharmonic. Caleb has participated in renowned festivals such as Domaine Forget, the Wabass Institute, Texas Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, and the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute, working closely with leading performers and pedagogues.

Eliza Willet

SECTION VIOLIN

Virginia Beach native Eliza Willett began studying violin at age two and has since become an accomplished performer and emerging professional. A longtime member of the Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia, she served as concertmaster seven times and earned top prizes in the York River Symphony, Hampton Roads Philharmonic, and Bay Youth concerto competitions. Eliza has studied privately with Yun Zhang, Associate Concertmaster of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and currently studies with Elmar Oliveira at the Lynn Conservatory of Music. She has performed in masterclasses with Janet Sung, Sergiu Schwartz, Tasmin Little, Sandy Cameron, and Robert McDuffie, and attended prestigious festivals including Cremona International, Bowdoin, and Madeline Island Chamber Music.

As the 2025–2026 season unfolds, audiences are already experiencing the energy and artistry these remarkable musicians bring to the stage. Sebastian, Guanliang, Caleb, and Eliza have each added a unique voice to the VSO’s sound, infusing every performance with vitality, precision, and a shared passion for excellence.

Together, they represent not only the continuation of a proud tradition but also an exciting new chapter in the orchestra’s evolution, one that reminds us why live music matters: connecting, inspiring, and uplifting our community through every note.

What about the music?

An inside look with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra

VSO CLOSE UP: Beethoven Violin Sonatas

Sunday, November 16, 2025 | 3PM | Peebles Theater – Ferguson Center – Get Tickets

Grace Park, violin
Gilles Vonsattel, piano

Ludwig van Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Major, Op. 12, No. 2
Ludwig van Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 12, No. 3
Ludwig van Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 9 in A Major, Op. 47, “Kreutzer”

Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening celebrating the genius of Ludwig van Beethoven, brought to life by two extraordinary artists: violinist Grace Park and pianist Gilles Vonsattel.

Praised by the San Francisco Chronicle as “fresh, different, and exhilarating,” Grace Park is a Naumburg Competition winner who captivates audiences worldwide with her radiant tone and magnetic stage presence. From Carnegie Hall to Prague’s Rudolfinum, her performances have been hailed for their artistry, passion, and virtuosity and now she brings that same brilliance to Southeastern Virginia.

Swiss-born American pianist Gilles Vonsattel, described by The New York Times as “quietly powerful,” is celebrated for his extraordinary versatility and depth. A recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, he has appeared with leading orchestras from Boston to Munich and performed at major festivals including Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Society, Lucerne, and Music@Menlo. Together, Park and Vonsattel will deliver an evening of artistry and intensity that promises to be as inspiring as it is exhilarating.

The program features Beethoven’s Violin Sonatas No. 2, No. 3, and the legendary “Kreutzer.” Written during his transition from the Classical to Romantic eras, these works are filled with wit, lyricism, and daring innovation. The “Kreutzer” Sonata, in particular, is a tour de force of emotional depth and technical brilliance—a thrilling musical conversation between violin and piano.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Beethoven’s revolutionary spirit through two of today’s most captivating performers. Click here to read the full article, including behind-the-music stories, rare performance insights, and listening links that bring these masterpieces to life.

SoundBridge Returns to Elation Brewing: A Very Merry Musical Market

Back by popular demand, SoundBridge is returning to Elation Brewing this November! Our first collaboration in 2024 was such a hit that we knew we had to bring it back and this year promises to be even more festive.

On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Brass Ensemble will fill Elation Brewing with the joyful sounds of the season during A Very Merry Musical Market. Guests will enjoy live holiday music, local artisan vendors, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that made last year’s event such a standout.

BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE

This unique event offers more than music – it’s an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping while enjoying a handcrafted brew or non-alcoholic option. Your ticket includes light snacks and one drink ticket, with additional beverages and food available for purchase directly from Elation’s kitchen. Children are welcome, and yes, this is a dog-friendly event!

Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 at the door; $12 for children 12 and under

Location: Elation Brewing, 5104 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23508
(Street parking available, with overflow across from the 7-Eleven.)

Guests are welcome to arrive at their leisure, stay through the evening, and browse while enjoying festive performances. With music, merriment, and meaningful connections, SoundBridge 1 at Elation Brewing promises to be one of the most cheerful evenings of the season.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONORS:

A new month brings new music! The Virginia Symphony Orchestra staff has curated a selection of favorites for our November Staff Picks playlist. We invite you to explore the pieces that are inspiring us throughout the season.

STREAM THE PLAYLIST

Tune In: WHRO Documentary Featuring the Virginia Symphony Fellows

We’re thrilled to share that WHRO will be airing a special documentary highlighting the inspiring work of the Virginia Symphony Fellows program on WHRO Channel 15. WHRO Public Media followed four remarkable young musicians on their year-long journey as VSO Fellows. This groundbreaking program was created to provide underrepresented orchestral musicians with the opportunities and experiences they need to succeed. With Black and Brown musicians making up a very small percentage of orchestral performers nationwide, the VSO is taking important steps to advance the goal of increased diversity in symphony orchestras.

📅 Monday, November 3 at 9:00 PM
📅 Tuesday, November 4 at 3:00 PM

This beautifully crafted feature by Lisa Godley and the WHRO team captures the passion, talent, and impact of our Fellowship program, an initiative made possible through the collaboration and dedication of our VSO musicians, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk Public Schools.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped bring this story to life and to our community for supporting the next generation of symphonic talent.

More information: WHRO Website

At the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, every note we play carries the echo of your generosity. Because of you, a child hears the magic of live music for the very first time, a senior finds joy and comfort in familiar melodies, and families across Southeastern Virginia gather together to experience the power of an orchestra in full voice.

When you give, you’re not just supporting concerts. You’re investing in education, community, and connection. You are making it possible for more than 29,000 students to experience music in their schools, for neighborhoods to come alive with free community concerts, and for world-class performances to thrive right here at home. Your gift, in any amount, helps carry this legacy forward so that together we can share its beauty for generations to come.

GIVE TODAY!

Event Recap: CommUNITY Concert at Booker T. Washington High School

October 19, 2025 | Hailey Schumacher

On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra brought the joy and power of live music to Booker T. Washington High School for a moving CommUNITY Concert that celebrated connection, inclusion, and the shared spirit of Southeastern Virginia.

Led by Music Director Eric Jacobsen, the orchestra filled the auditorium with an energetic and heartfelt program that showcased the versatility and artistry of the VSO musicians. From classical masterworks to contemporary favorites, the concert invited audience members of all ages and backgrounds to experience the transformative beauty of symphonic music.

This special performance was designed not only as a concert, but as a celebration of partnership. Community leaders, students, and families came together to honor the arts as a unifying force that transcends boundaries. The event underscored the Symphony’s ongoing commitment to accessibility ensuring that world-class performances reach audiences across our region, in schools, neighborhoods, and beyond the concert hall.

The evening’s atmosphere was one of joy and connection, with students from Booker T. Washington High School and neighboring schools joining in conversation with musicians and staff. It was a true reflection of what the Virginia Symphony Orchestra stands for: using music to inspire, to educate, and to strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive.

The VSO extends its heartfelt thanks to Booker T. Washington High School, its faculty and students, and to all who attended and supported this memorable evening. Together, we proved that when music and community unite, harmony extends far beyond the stage.

Symphonic Snapshots

Take a look at these highlights from recent events full of music, magic, and memorable moments. Even if you couldn’t be there in person, we hope these photos capture the energy and spirit of the VSO community for you to enjoy!