Saint Bede Catholic Church
3686 Ironbound Road,
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Phone: (757) 229-3631
Parking: Parking available on site
Chrysler Hall
Upcoming Concerts at St. Bede Catholic Church
7.16.21 | THOMAS WILKINS NAMED PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR OF THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
THOMAS WILKINS NAMED PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR OF THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [July 16, 2021] – Internationally renowned conductor and Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins has been named the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever Principal Guest Conductor. Having recently stepped down after 17 years as music director of the Omaha Symphony, Mr. Wilkins is currently principal conductor of the fabled Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, as well as Artistic Advisor for Education and Community Engagement at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His guest conducting credits include leading the orchestras of Cleveland, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, the New York Philharmonic among others, in addition to his posts at the Hollywood Bowl and BSO.
A frequent guest conductor and favorite of VSO audiences, Mr. Wilkins credits a performance by the Virginia Symphony for inspiring him at the age of eight to pursue a career as a professional conductor, when he attended a youth concert as a student at Young Park Elementary in Norfolk (now Park Place Elementary).
“I often say that I didn’t choose music; music chose me,” said Mr. Wilkins. “And to be invited to return as a leader to the place where I made that decision to embrace music as a career and way of life so many years ago is incredibly moving for me. I have enormous love and respect for the musicians of the Virginia Symphony and I’m thrilled and honored to join them in this new role.”
Mr. Wilkins joins the organization at an exciting time as the orchestra begins its second century. 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 appointment of Wilkins as not only the orchestra’s first Principal Guest Conductor but its first Black artistic leader comes just weeks after 38-year-old Eric Jacobsen was selected as the VSO’s new music director, another bold step toward expanding the VSO’s vision to engage wider audiences with creative and relevant programming.
In announcing the appointment, VSO Board Chair Mike McClellan said, “This is a true dream team! Eric and Thomas share the VSO’s commitment to telling our community’s stories and advancing the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all our residents.”
The symphony will host a welcome event for Mr. Wilkins on Monday, July 19th at 4:30pm at the Chrysler Hall Dress Circle Lobby, with a special performance by the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads, led by Julius McCullough. Free and open to the public; please RSVP by registering here.
Devoted to promoting a life-long enthusiasm for music, Mr. Wilkins brings energy and commitment to audiences of all ages. He is hailed as a master at communicating and connecting with audiences. Following his highly successful first season with the Boston Symphony, the Boston Globe named him among the “Best People and Ideas of 2011.” In 2014, Mr. Wilkins received the prestigious “Outstanding Artist” award at the Nebraska Governor’s Arts Awards for his significant contribution to music in the state, while in 2018 Mr. Wilkins received the Leonard Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award for the Elevation of Music in Society conferred by Boston’s Longy School of Music. And in 2019 the Virginia Symphony bestowed Mr. Wilkins with its annual Dreamer Award.
During his conducting career, Mr. Wilkins has led orchestras throughout the United States, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cincinnati Symphony, and the National Symphony. Additionally, he has guest conducted the Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras, the Symphonies of Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, San Diego and Utah, and the Buffalo and Rochester Philharmonics, as well as at the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago.
Mr. Wilkins is a graduate of the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He and his wife Sheri-Lee are the proud parents of twin daughters, Erica and Nicole. Mr. Wilkins’ first appearance with the orchestra in his new role will be February 18-20, 2022. Tickets will be on sale in mid-August at www.virginiasymphony.org.
###
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. Since the ground-breaking appointment of JoAnn Falletta in 1991, innovation and excellence have been 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 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.
The largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually to educate, enlighten and entertain 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.
For Immediate Release
July 16, 2021
Contact: Kristen Bennington
Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: 757.213.1411|
email: kbennington@virginiasymphony.org
Twitter: @VASymphony | Facebook: facebook.com/virginiasymphony
Twitter: @VASymphony
Facebook: facebook.com/virginiasymphony
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces 2025 Free Concert Series
HAMPTON ROADS — The Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced it will perform 12 free concerts this summer across Hampton Roads.
Concerts will take place in scenic outdoor venues including Town Point Park, Neptune’s Park, Yorktown Riverwalk, Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre and more. The performances take place from June through September and are free and open to the public.
Local appearances will include the Gloucester Arts Festival on June 7, Symphony Under the Stars on Aug. 30 at the Yorktown Riverwalk and Sept. 5 at Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre at William & Mary in Williamsburg.
Enjoy a family-friendly evening of symphonic music under the stars at Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 Free Summer Concert Series
HAMPTON ROADS, Va — The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform 12 free concerts this summer across Hampton Roads. The concerts will take place in scenic outdoor venues — including Town Point Park, Neptune’s Park, Yorktown Riverwalk, Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre, and more.
This year’s concerts are presented in partnership with Virginia Beach Neptune Festival; Norfolk Festevents; the City of Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary; Celebrate Yorktown Committee; the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia; and the City of Portsmouth. The performances take place from June through September and are free and open to the public.
‘Black Sabbath – The Ballet’ with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra at Chrysler Hall May 30-31, Birmingham Royal Ballet Artistic Director Carlos Acosta tells us all about it
Virginia Arts Festival is very proud to present the U.S. Premiere of ‘Black Sabbath – The Ballet’ at Chrysler Hall May 30th – 31st with three amazing shows. In this first of its kind, innovative show, you will hear eight classic Black Sabbath hits arranged for orchestra and rock band, which will be performed live with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, with a live guitarist onstage and the ballet dancers, for a once in a lifetime, unforgettable experience.
For more info and tickets, go to https://www.sevenvenues.com/events/detail/birmingham-royal-ballet-1
Yiorgo: With us today is the artistic director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Cuban born, Carlos Acosta. Tell us Carlos, why should people come to this iconic performance? What will they see, hear and experience with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra?
Carlos Acosta: I think it would be very interesting for all the audience to come and see this collusion between heavy metal and ballet, coming together in one space. I think they’re going to embrace this kind of innovation like the audience here in the UK and everywhere that we have performed. It’s an attempt for us to develop new audiences and turn them into fans who love ballet. And we did exactly that. I can tell you that 60% of the people that saw this ballet for the very first time, didn’t know anything to do with ballet, and came from the heavy metal world. And that is exactly the purpose and why we put this party in place, to develop new audiences for ourselves, for the company. And it did just that. So, I think it’s a celebratory joyful and very summery piece. There is depth as well, big insights into the origins of the Black Sabbath band that gave to the world the heavy metal music. It’s happy. It has this kind of festival vibe. It takes you to different aspects of the band and also the aspects of the Birmingham Royal Ballet as a whole….
Sun, Sand, and Summer Fun in Historic Yorktown
Whether you are a local or a visitor, grab your sunscreen, flip-flops and beach towels because a summer of fun is waiting for you in Yorktown! From music, history, water sports, food and shopping, Yorktown has something for everyone.
For a night of beautiful music under the stars, join us at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Riverwalk Landing for a performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra FREE Concerts: August 30 in Yorktown & September 5 in Williamsburg
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra FREE Concerts 2025
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will continue the family-friendly summer tradition of offering free outdoor concerts. The VSO will perform under Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor in Yorktown at Riverwalk Landing on Saturday, August 30 and in Williamsburg at Lake Matoaka Amphitheater on Friday, September 5.
Join us for this FREE family-friendly concert at the Yorktown Riverwalk at 7:30 pm…
Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 Free Summer Concert Series
Enjoy a Family-Friendly Evening of Symphonic Music under the Stars from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [May 14, 2025] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform 12 free concerts this summer across Hampton Roads. The concerts will take place in scenic outdoor venues – including Town Point Park, Neptune’s Park, Yorktown Riverwalk, Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre, and more.
This year’s concerts are presented in partnership with Virginia Beach Neptune Festival; Norfolk Festevents; the City of Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary; Celebrate Yorktown Committee; the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia; and the City of Portsmouth. The performances take place from June through September and are free and open to the public.
Highlighting Soprano Symone Harcum, Opera and Oz features beloved pieces like, “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi, “Home” from The Wiz, “The Rainbow Connection”, and Selections from Wicked. Conducted by Brandon Eldredge, this concert will be performed in the early summer on June 6th at Chesapeake City Park, June 7th at the Gloucester Arts Festival, June 8th at the Historic Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach, and June 13th at Portsmouth City Park.
In July, The VSO will explore what makes a “hero” and a “villain” in Heros, Villains, and Virtuosos. With John Williams’s “Superman March”, Grieg’s music from Peer Gynt, selections from West Side Story and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, and more, this concert will be performed July 10th at Neptune’s Park in Virginia Beach, and July 20th at Town Point Park in Norfolk, conducted by Alexander Chen.
Additional performances include Symphony by the Sea on August 14th, conducted by Helen Martell, and 28th, conducted by Chia-Hsuan Lin, at Neptune’s Park. Symphony Under the Stars on August 30th at the Yorktown Riverwalk, August 31st at Chesapeake City Park, and September 5th at Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre at William & Mary in Williamsburg, all conducted by Chia-Hsuan Lin.
Learn more at https://virginiasymphony.org/free-summer-concerts/
Summer Concert Schedule:
Opera & Oz: Symphony Under the Stars
Chesapeake – Chesapeake City Park
June 6, 2025 – 8:15PM
Presented by City of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, & Tourism
Opera & Oz: Symphony Under the Stars
Gloucester – Gloucester Outdoor (6254 Main St., Gloucester, VA 23061)
June 7, 2025 – 8PM
Presented by Gloucester Arts Festival
Opera & Oz: Symphony on the Lawn
Virginia Beach – Historic Cavalier Hotel
June 8, 2025 – 7:45PM
Hosted by The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Presented by TowneBank
Opera & Oz: Symphony on the River
Portsmouth – Portsmouth City Park
June 8, 2025 – 7:30PM
Presented by City of Portsmouth
Heroes, Villains, and Virtuosos: Symphony by The Sea
Virginia Beach – Neptune’s Park
July 10, 2025 – 7:30PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
Heroes, Villains, and Virtuosos: Symphony Under the Stars
Norfolk – Town Point Park
July 20, 2025 – 8PM
Presented by Festevents
Symphony by The Sea
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
August 14, 2025 – 7:30PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
Symphony by The Sea
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
August 28, 2025 – 7:30PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
Symphony Under the Stars
Yorktown – Riverwalk Landing
August 30, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Presented by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee
Symphony Under the Stars
Chesapeake – Chesapeake City Park
August 31, 2025 – 7:30PM
Presented by City of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, & Tourism
Symphony Under the Stars
Williamsburg – Lake Matoaka Amphitheater
September 5, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Presented by the City of Williamsburg and William & Mary
Symphony Under the Stars*
Kill Devil Hills NC – First Flight High School
September 6, 2025 – 7:30 PM
*This is a ticketed, indoor event
###
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.
Inside Business Power List 2025: 75 power players
These power players come from various backgrounds and sectors and are visible leaders in their fields. Andrea Warren, president and CEO of Virginia Symphony
Virginia’s Top Outdoor Events Kicking Off Summer 2025
CHESAPEAKE – Symphony Under the Stars
June 6: Lay out a blanket and let the Virginia Symphony Orchestra sweep you away with a stunning outdoor performance at Chesapeake City Park. Bring the pup, stop by the food trucks, and settle in for a night of symphonic bliss. VirginiaSymphony.org
Symphony Notes | May 2025
May 2025 | Edition 09
Happy Mother’s Day!
Behind the Scenes: A Conversation with Our Manager of Production
VSO Fellows Program
The Music Keeps Going
Eric’s May Picks
What About the Music?
You Can Make A Difference
Upcoming Performances
Symphonic Snapshots
🌷 Happy Mother’s Day from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra! 🌷
Today, we celebrate the love, strength, and harmony that mothers bring into our lives much like the music that unites and inspires us. Thank you for all that you do. Wishing you a day filled with joy, beauty, and a little symphony of your own. Happy Mother’s Day!💐🎶
With love and gratitude,
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of Claire Ketsdever, VSO Production Manager
When audiences arrive at a Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert and settle into their seats, they’re greeted with the polished beauty of live orchestral music. But behind every seamless performance is a crew of hardworking individuals who make the magic happen often before the sun has even risen.
Claire Ketsdever, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Production Manager, is one of those behind-the-scenes heroes. “As the saying goes in Production, ‘first in, last out,’” she says. On a typical performance day, Claire and her crew are on-site as early as 5:30 a.m., setting the stage – literally – for the music to come.
Because the VSO doesn’t have a permanent home stage, performances take place at different venues across the region. “I often describe our orchestra as nomadic,” Claire explains. “We travel around with no one place to call home.” That mobility allows the VSO to reach more communities, but it also creates enormous logistical challenges.
Each concert week kicks off with what Claire calls a “Gear Pack”, a highly coordinated operation to load all the necessary instruments, equipment, and staging into trucks from their storage facility in Virginia Beach. Think of it like playing a giant game of Tetris, but with timpani, risers, music stands, and even a Leslie organ for Gospel Pops. For the recent performance of Symphonie Fantastique, the team needed three trucks and the VSO van just to transport everything.
Once on-site, Claire’s team unloads and sets up, sometimes at multiple venues in a single day. “We can be in up to three or four different locations during a performance week,” she says. The percussion section alone can take up to an hour to assemble, and every detail, from chair spacing to stand lights, is carefully considered. But the work doesn’t stop once the rehearsal begins. Claire remains on hand to address last-minute needs such as fixing wobbly stands, replacing missing screws, or ensuring that percussionists have everything they need. Then comes load-out, where everything is packed back up with the same precision and care. Some of Claire’s most memorable moments come when things don’t go according to plan. Early in her tenure, a truck broke down en route to a concert in North Carolina.
I remember being in a McDonald’s parking lot just laughing at our odds when one of our trucks, a usually reliable manual, broke down an hour and a half from the venue. The clutch was completely fried, and I knew if we didn’t get the gear off that truck, the show was in jeopardy. Luckily, another truck had already reached the venue, so the crew quickly unloaded it and drove back to transfer the equipment directly from one truck to the other; something we’ve done before in emergencies. The gear made it on time, and during the concert, more crew drove to Norfolk, rented a Penske truck, and returned just in time for load-out. Our trusty manual truck got a well-earned rest on the roadside until we could tow it the next day. It was a tough moment, but I was incredibly proud of my team’s quick thinking and I still laugh at the photos they sent of that lonely truck.
– Claire Ketsdever
Claire’s team works closely with VSO musicians, conductors, and guest artists to ensure every performance runs smoothly. From stage plots and equipment riders to percussion checklists and lighting requests, her job is a blend of artistry, logistics, and problem-solving.
And benefactor support plays a crucial role in making this work possible. “Being a nomadic orchestra puts a lot of wear and tear on our equipment, instruments, and vehicles,” Claire says. “Thanks to donor contributions, we were recently able to replace our aging sound shields—something that’s already made a huge difference for our musicians.”
When asked what she wants our generous supporters to know about her work, Claire is clear: “It’s all extremely collaborative. My goal is always to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment. Sometimes the magic happens at the last minute and I’m lucky to have a crew that brings the pixie dust.”
VSO Fellows Program
The Virginia Symphony Fellows program addresses the lack of diversity in orchestras by offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and community outreach. The Fellows inspire youth, build professional skills, and pave the way for inclusion, showcasing the importance of diverse representation.
WHRO followed the Fellows around for a full year documenting their development and interactions in the community. Their involvement in school programs and outreach initiatives demonstrates the program’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in classical music.
Meet the 2024–2025 Fellows
Camille Jones: A returning violinist from Maryland, Jones is a passionate advocate for diversity in the arts and serves as a Sphinx Orchestral Futurist in Residence for the National Philharmonic.
Omari Imhotep Abdul-Alim: Also returning, Abdul-Alim is an accomplished violinist and educator with extensive experience teaching violin to a diverse range of students.
Adrian Jackson: A violist from Austin, Texas, Jackson brings experience from various orchestras and holds a bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music.
Jafet Díaz Martin: A versatile trumpet player from Panama, Díaz Martin has performed with several symphonies and holds degrees from the University of Panama and Lynn University Conservatory of Music.
Watch the FUll Episode
To learn more about the VSO Fellows and their impact, watch the full episode here: WHRO Media Player.
As Our 2024–2025 Season Wraps Up, the Music Keeps Going!
The concert hall might be quieting down, but the Virginia Symphony Orchestra is just getting started with a full lineup of outdoor performances this summer and fall! Join us as we bring the music to parks and public spaces across Hampton Roads.
What could be better than a picnic under the stars, surrounded by friends and family, while enjoying performances by musicians ranked among the top 3% of all orchestras in the United States? Plus, it’s free for everyone!
For your convenience, the following concerts have been color coded:
Virginia Beach | Peninsula | Norfolk | Chesapeake
Upcoming Outdoor Concerts:
Friday, June 6, 2025 – 8:15 PM | Chesapeake City Park
Saturday, June 7, 2025 – 8:00 PM | Gloucester
Sunday, June 8, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Chesapeake City Park
Friday, June 13, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Portsmouth City Park
Thursday, July 10, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Sunday, July 20, 2025 – 8:00 PM | Town Point Park
Thursday, August 14, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Thursday, August 28, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Saturday, August 30, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Yorktown Riverwalk
Sunday, August 31, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Chesapeake City Park
Friday, September 5, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre
Bring your lawn chairs, your family, and your love of music, these free community concerts are the perfect way to celebrate summer with the VSO!
Eric’s May Picks
Brahms: Schickalslied (Song of Destiny) – I think this is quintessential Brahms in the most heartbreakingly beautiful way – toggling between peace and chaos and giving us some of the most beautiful harmonies ever written.
Please contact Hailey Schumacher at hschumacher@virginiasymphony.org for assistance accessing your VSO Spotify Playlist through Memberful.
What About The Music?
Experience Mahler’s Monumental Ninth Symphony Live
Described as sublime, lush, and mind-blowing, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 stands as one of the most profound artistic achievements in history. For Virginia Symphony Orchestra Music Director Eric Jacobsen, it ranks alongside humanity’s greatest masterpieces—on par with the Taj Mahal and the Duomo in Florence. Composed during the final chapter of Mahler’s life, as he grappled with a terminal heart condition, the Ninth is a deeply personal meditation on life, death, and transcendence. Its sweeping emotional arc takes listeners on a cathartic journey from the tender beauty of existence to the serene stillness of the great beyond.
Spanning four movements, the symphony is a breathtaking exploration of emotional depth and orchestral brilliance. Mahler weaves together moments of fragile introspection, rustic charm, sardonic wit, and ultimate spiritual release. From the sighing motifs of the opening Andante to the raw, defiant energy of the Rondo-Burleske, and finally to the sublime, dissolving farewell of the Adagio, every note resonates with Mahler’s genius and humanity. The Ninth Symphony challenges and rewards performers and audiences alike, offering an unforgettable musical experience that lingers long after the final notes fade into silence. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Mahler’s final completed symphony live with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Co-presented with the Virginia Arts Festival
Catch the performance:
May 9, 2025 at 7:30 pm in Newport News
&
May 10, 2025 at 2:30 pm in Virginia Beach
These performances are made possible through a generous gift from the Susan Goode Performance Fund.
Your support of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra leads to the success of our programs, allowing us to bring world-class performances to our community and support the artists and educators who make them possible. By clicking here, you can also learn more about our donor levels and benefits. Don’t miss the opportunity to show your support!
Upcoming Performances
Mahler’s Ninth Symphony
Gustav Mahler’s Ninth Symphony has been called sublime, lush, and mind-blowing. For Eric Jacobsen, Music Director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, it is “one of the greatest accomplishments of humanity—on par with architectural masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and the Duomo in Florence.” Recently diagnosed with a terminal heart condition, Mahler composed his Ninth Symphony, his final completed symphony, while confronting his own mortality. The emotional work takes the listener on a musical journey from the beauty of life to the tranquility of the great unknown. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this monumental masterpiece LIVE with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra!
Can’t to see more of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra? Check out these upcoming performances presented by the Virginia Arts Festival!
*Tickets for this Virginia Arts Festival event are only available via the Virginia Arts Festival website (linked here) or at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office (757) 282-2822. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Box Office does not sell tickets for this event. VSO subscriber credits, exchanges, and vouchers are not eligible for this event.
Birmingham Royal Ballet: Black Sabbath – The Ballet
Symphonic Snapshots
Take a look at these highlights from last month’s 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!
‘This Just In’ – Classical Music in Bloom
This Saturday at 8 p.m. on WHRO-FM, Raymond Jones welcomes Grace Park, the new concertmaster of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Tune in to “This Just In” to explore her debut album and discover some of the latest highlights in the world of classical music.
“Grace Park Plays Dvořák & Mozart” is the debut album from violinist Grace Park, released by Orchid Classics on March 14 — the very same day she made her debut as concertmaster of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. To help listeners get acquainted with the sound of the Naumburg International Violin Competition winner, Raymond Jones has selected her interpretation of Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 “The Turkish,” recorded with the Prague Philharmonia under conductor Emmanuel Villaume. Her performance has been praised for its “purity, unaffected elegance, and well-directed youthful energy.”
