A Season of Gratitude
CommUNITY Spotlight: The Academy of Music
Upcoming Performances
Meet the Fellows
What About the Music?
SoundBridge Returns!
Maestro Wilkins’ Playlist
Ticket Exchanges
Support the VSO
Symphonic Snapshots
A Season of Gratitude
Dear Friends of the VSO,
As the Virginia Symphony Orchestra begins a new season, I feel deep gratitude for the generosity, energy, and spirit of community that surround this orchestra. In just the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded again and again why the Symphony matters so profoundly to Southeastern Virginia.
The season opened with Meet the Fellows at the Robin Hixon Theater, presented in partnership with Old Dominion University. Watching the Fellows share their artistry with such joy and seeing the community embrace them was inspiring. Soon after, Dr. Stephen and Mrs. Nancy Scoper welcomed friends and supporters at the Princess Anne Country Club, creating an evening of warmth and celebration that set the tone for the year ahead.
Already the music has brought unforgettable moments. A surprise encore from Grace Park and Jan Vogler left the audience spellbound, a reminder of the magic only live performance can bring, and opening weekend concerts under Music Director Eric Jacobsen’s baton were nothing short of thrilling, brilliant, passionate, and full of promise for the 105th season.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is more than an ensemble of musicians. It is a community of people who come together to find beauty, joy, and connection through music. That community exists because of you. Every performance, every program, and every moment of inspiration is possible because of your belief in the power of music.
Thank you for standing with the Symphony. I am honored to share this season with you, and I cannot wait for the extraordinary music and memories still to come.
With appreciation,
Vice President of Development
CommUNITY Spotlight: Virginia Symphony Orchestra & Academy of Music Suzuki Strings
OCTOBER 19, 2025
This year, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s CommUNITY event is proud to partner with the Academy of Music’s Suzuki Strings program. Together, we’re celebrating the power of music to inspire, connect, and transform lives across Hampton Roads.
A Legacy of Music & Access
For 12 years, Joanna Binford has taught with the Academy of Music (AOM), a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the joys and benefits of music to all, regardless of ability to pay. Founded by singer and educator Sarah Ford, who brought the Suzuki method to the Academy of Music, AOM has become an essential resource for young musicians. Last year, the Academy of Music awarded $170,000 in scholarships to students with limited or no access to resources. Its endowment, held at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, helps sustain this important mission.
The Suzuki Strings Program
The Suzuki approach follows a shared repertoire, where students learn to play not only individually but also together. AOM Suzuki Strings students meet weekly for private lessons in addition to group classes, helping them grow as musicians and collaborators. Parents are thrilled by the opportunities their children are receiving, and the students themselves are discovering the joy of ensemble playing.
As Joanna Binford shares, “This experience is so valuable because students learn to make music with people they may not know, in a large group, and in an orchestra setting. It prepares them for the excitement that CommUNITY always brings!”
Preparing for CommUNITY
As this year’s CommUNITY event approaches, the AOM Suzuki Strings students are practicing with determination. They’re even working on playing through distractions so they’ll be ready to shine when the big day arrives.
For Joanna, the performance is about so much more than music. “I love the gathering of musicians and the great speakers the VSO brings. It’s such a meaningful opportunity for our students to play with new people, create a beautiful sound, and experience the magic of an orchestra.”
Event Schedule:
Performance:
- Sunday, October 19, 4:30pm at Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk – FREE and Open to the public!
Chorus Only Rehearsal:
- Tuesday, October 14, 7:30pm-10:00pm, Blessed Sacrament Church, Norfolk (6400 Newport Ave, Norfolk, VA 23505) NOTE – Bring your music
Rehearsals for All Participants (Chorus & Orchestra):
- Friday, October 17, 7:00pm-9:30pm Taste-n-See at Murray Center (455 E Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510) NOTE – Bring your music and, if needed, music stand
- Sunday, October 19, 2:30pm-4pm at Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk (arrive at 2pm to check in, get your T-shirt and find a seat.) NOTE – Bring your music and, if needed, music stand
25/26 Partners:
Upcoming Performances
Check out our upcoming shows
COFFEE CONCERT: Sibelius Second Symphony
Friday October 3rd, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy & Sibelius’s Second Symphony
Friday October 3rd, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy & Sibelius’s Second Symphony
Saturday October 4th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Chrysler Hall
Community: Play-In & Sing-Along
Saturday October 19th, 2025 | 4:30 PM
Booker T. Washington HS
Come play and sing with us to unite our commUNITY through music.
Yo-Yo Ma & Kayhan Kalhor: One Night Only
Saturday October 25th, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Friday October 26th, 2025 | 7:00 PM
Sandler Center for the Arts
VSO FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Program for up to 4 early-career, underrepresented orchestral musicians is intended to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide. This initiative is a continuation of the VSO’s commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences with and for our entire community.
Introducing our 2025-2026 Fellows
Alyssa Estrella
CLARINET
Alyssa Estrella joins the Virginia Symphony Orchestra after completing her master’s degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, following a bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music. She brings extensive audition and performance experience, having served with the New World Symphony since 2022 and reaching finalist status in numerous auditions. Her orchestral and chamber work includes performances with the Tri-Cities Opera, the Brevard Music Center, and the Society for Chamber Music in Rochester.
Recognized as an outstanding performer, Alyssa was named Most Outstanding Instrumentalist in the 2025 Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions and previously placed in international and Eastman competitions. Alongside her performance career, she is an enthusiastic educator, teaching non-majors at Rice University and working with young musicians at the Eastman Community Music School. With her strong credentials and dedication to both performance and education, Alyssa is emerging as a rising clarinetist in the classical music world.
Carlos Lozano
VIOLA
Carlos Lozano, born in Veracruz, Mexico, began his musical journey on violin before discovering his passion for the viola. He studied in Mexico and the U.S., earning a B.M. in Violin Performance from Andrews University, followed by a Master’s in Viola Performance at Western Michigan University. Most recently, he completed a Master’s degree and Performance Certificate in Orchestral Studies at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, studying under distinguished faculty including Larry Neuman, Teng Li, and Li-Kuo Chang.
An active orchestral musician, Carlos has performed with the Kalamazoo, Charlotte, Jacksonville, and Fort Worth symphonies, as well as the Artosphere Festival Orchestra. He is a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Southwest Michigan Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, and Northwest Indiana Symphony. As a chamber musician, he has performed widely through the Civic Chamber Series, including concerts for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Latino Alliance and African American Network, with recordings available on CSOtv.
Outside of music, Carlos enjoys playing soccer and volleyball, biking, and spending summer days at the beach.
Jalayne Mitchell
CELLO
Jalayne Mitchell is an American cellist whose work blends performance, teaching, and advocacy. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in Cello Performance at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music under Norman Fischer, after graduating with honors from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she received the Principal’s Award of Excellence in 2022.
She has performed with the BBC Scottish Symphony, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Glasgow Barons Chamber Orchestra, and served as principal cellist of the COP26 Climate Conference Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist and chamber musician, Jalayne has appeared across the U.S. and U.K., collaborating with members of the Brodsky Quartet and performing at festivals such as Green Mountain, where she received the NIMAN Fellowship, and Apple Hill.
She has worked with renowned cellists including Steven Isserlis and Hans Jørgen Jensen. An experienced educator, Jalayne emphasizes trauma-informed and inclusive teaching, dedicated to using music to foster connection, belonging, and social change.
Meet the Fellows Reception Recap
On September 10, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Old Dominion University welcomed patrons, students, and community partners to a warm “Meet the Fellows” reception at the Robin Hixon Theater in the Clay & Jay Barr Education Center. The evening was a chance to introduce the VSO Fellows, a group of rising professional musicians who will be performing throughout the season while also mentoring young artists and supporting the Symphony’s education programs.
Guests had the opportunity to connect with the Fellows through conversation. The Fellows shared stories about their artistic journeys, what inspires them, and what they are most excited about for the year ahead. Faculty from Old Dominion University spoke about the university’s dedication to hands-on learning and community engagement, while Symphony leadership reflected on the importance of the Fellowship program in strengthening both the orchestra and its education initiatives.
The evening concluded with light refreshments and lively conversation. Guests left with a deeper sense of connection to the Fellows and to the shared mission between Old Dominion University and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to cultivate the next generation of musicians and bring music to the Hampton Roads community.
What about the music?
An inside look with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy & Sibelius’s Second Symphony
Friday, October 3, 2025 | 7:30PM | Diamonstein Concert Hall – Ferguson Center – Get Tickets
Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 7:30PM | Chrysler Hall – Get Tickets
Thomas Wilkins, conductor
Albert Cano Smit, piano
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Michael Abels: Amplify*
Franz Schubert: Hunters’ Chorus from Rosamunde
Ludwig van Beethoven: Choral Fantasy
Jean Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra invites you to experience a powerful evening of triumph, inspiration, and unforgettable music with performances of Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and Sibelius’s Second Symphony. The concerts take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Diamonstein Concert Hall in the Ferguson Center and Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Chrysler Hall. Both performances begin at 7:30 PM.
On the podium will be Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins, known for his dynamic presence and commitment to connecting audiences with music. With nearly two decades of leadership at the Omaha Symphony and notable roles at the Hollywood Bowl and the Boston Symphony, Wilkins brings both energy and warmth to the stage. Joining him is acclaimed pianist Albert Cano Smit, praised for his expressive storytelling and refined artistry. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus, under the leadership of longtime Chorusmaster Robert Shoup, will also take the stage. With more than three decades of excellence and international performances to their credit, the Chorus adds rich depth to this remarkable program.
The evening begins with Michael Abels’s Amplify, a compelling work that explores the modern power of propaganda through music, echoing the drama of iconic works like Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Schubert’s Hunters’ Chorus from Rosamunde follows, a charming and vivid piece that captures the thrill of the chase with his signature melodic beauty. Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy then takes center stage. First performed in 1808, this work foreshadows his monumental Ninth Symphony, beginning as a piano improvisation and building to a sweeping choral finale that celebrates the union of voices and orchestra.
The program concludes with Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, written in 1901–1902 and often regarded as a musical symbol of Finland’s national spirit. While Sibelius denied attaching a specific narrative to the work, its journey from struggle to triumph has long resonated with audiences as an anthem of perseverance and hope. Its soaring finale is especially beloved for its sense of victory and resolution.
This concert is more than a performance—it is a reflection on human resilience, creativity, and connection. From Beethoven’s daring embrace of voice within the symphony to Sibelius’s stirring evocation of identity and freedom, and Abels’s contemporary exploration of influence and truth, the program invites listeners to experience music as both art and dialogue across generations.
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.
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.
THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONORS:
MAESTRO WILKINS’ PICKS
Here is what Maestro Wilkins is listening to this month:
Easy Ticket Exchanges
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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 Hampton Roads 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.
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!
Pictured Above:
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony
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Opening Weekend Student Showcases
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Meet the Fellows
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SOAR Residency with Principal Cellist Sebastian Stöger
Pictured Above:
PBJ: When Instruments Roamed the Earth