
Press Releases
VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WELCOMES 2022-2023 NEW BOARD MEMBERS
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 1, 2022] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has announced nine new members to the Board of Directors as of June 27. Nat & Betty Brown reside in Williamsburg and are active members in the Let Freedom Ring Foundation and First Baptist Church...
CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO LEAVE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY THIS FALL
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [April 26, 2022] Karen M. Philion, who has served as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s President and CEO since 2014, has announced she will step down in the fall after more than a decade with the organization. During her tenure, Philion is credited...
2.2.22 | JUST ANNOUNCED: Local Favorites Perform Beethoven and Haydn at the Ferguson Center, April 29, 2022
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [February 2, 2022] – Norfolk native and VSO Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins brings Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 to the Ferguson Center for the Arts with the Virginia Symphony on Friday, April 29, at 7:30 PM. Mr. Wilkins found his passion for...
1.21.22 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces Nikki Thorpe as Director of Diversity and Engagement
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 21, 2022] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce Nikki Thorpe as its first-ever Director of Diversity and Engagement. In this new role, Thorpe will be the primary staff support for all the VSO’s Equity, Diversity, and...
1.18.22 | New Fellowship Program at Virginia Symphony Seeks to Diversify Orchestras Nationwide
In Partnership with ODU, Local Public Schools to Gain Mentors HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 18, 2022] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has announced a new Musician Fellowship Program for four early-career African American orchestral string musicians to advance the goal of...
News & Reviews
7.19.21 | Thomas Wilkins is back in Norfolk with new Virginia Symphony Orchestra position
Thomas Wilkins is back in Norfolk with new Virginia Symphony Orchestra position By MIKE HOLTZCLAWVIRGINIAN-PILOT CORRESPONDENTJUL 19, 2021 AT 8:39 AM Thomas Wilkins believes music is more than just notes on paper or melodic sounds. It is transformative and alive, and...
7.18.21 | State of the Water with Dr. Eric Claville on WNSB: Featuring Thomas Wilkins
State of the Water with Dr. Eric Claville on WNSB: Featuring Thomas Wilkins
6.2.21 | Virginia Symphony Orchestra names Eric Jacobsen new music director
Virginia Symphony Orchestra names Eric Jacobsen new music director By AMY POULTER THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT JUN 02, 2021 AT 12:01 PM NORFOLK — In April 2019, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced its longtime music director, JoAnn Falletta, was leaving after 29 years...
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...
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.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra – Shenandoah
Members of the VSO violin section perform a beautiful arrangement of Shenandoah as a tribute to Hampton Roads and our beautiful state of Virginia!
VSO Music Director Announcement
On June 2, 2021, the Virginia Symphony announced Eric Jacobsen as the newest Music Director!