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.
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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. 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
Fellows Welcomed for the Third Year of the VSO Professional Development for Black Musicians Program
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 8, 2024] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has welcomed its third class of Fellows for the VSO Fellowship Program: Professional Development for Black Musicians, partnered with Old Dominion University. The fellowship is an extension of the VSO’s continued efforts to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide. This year trumpet, clarinet, violin, viola, cello, and bass applications were accepted. The new Fellows; Adrian Jackson, Jafet Díaz Martin, and returning Fellows Camille Jones and Omari Imhotep Abdul-Alim, joined the VSO this fall. They will be performing all over the region, producing chamber shows, mentoring local school kids, and hosting their Capstone projects for the community. The Fellows will also partake in small ensemble educational concerts for elementary school students, outdoor community concerts, and an assortment of media appearances to help them succeed in their careers as performers and educators.
“The Fellows program at the VSO is one of the things of which I am most proud that we do; it is so rewarding and inspirational to see the impact it has on the Fellows, the rest of the musicians in the orchestra, staff, and audiences,” stated Eric Jacobsen, music director of the VSO. “This year, we get to welcome Jafet and Adrian and enjoy another year with Camille and the return of Omari! I know each of them brings a high level of enthusiasm, talent, and motivation, and we are so looking forward to embracing them as members of the VSO family!”
A previous VSO Fellow, Zacherie Small, who won a position in the Double Bass section at New York’s The Orchestra Now speaks fondly of his time in the program. “The VSO’s Fellowship Program was pivotal in shaping my musical career, offering a unique blend of learning and professional experience. Being immersed in such an environment, I was always challenged to grow as a musician. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Reflecting on my experience, I have a profound appreciation for my personal growth and the growth of my artistic expression through this fellowship.”
The program’s third season is funded by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the Goode Family Foundation, and an Old Dominion University grant through the state of Virginia.
“The fellows have seamlessly integrated into our vibrant community, enriching our lives and enhancing our shared experiences,” said Dr. Emily Ondracek-Peterson, Executive Director of ODU’s Diehn School of Music.” Their presence has been a source of inspiration for our students, witnessing their journey from campus rehearsals to captivating performances with the VSO, and their impactful teaching and performances across the Hampton Roads community.”
Adrian Jackson: A violist from Austin Texas, Jackson began studying viola at the McCallum Fine Arts Academy in Austin Texas at the age of 14. Jackson graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy and got his bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester NY. Adrian has served as Section violist of the Southern Tier Symphony, Principal violist of the New York State Ballet Orchestra, Substitute in the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, San Francisco Ballet, and the recipient of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra Fellowship.
Jafet Díaz Martin: Born in Panama, this versatile trumpet player, teacher, and arranger is a former member of the Panama Municipal Symphonic Band. Jafet has also performed as a guest musician with many symphonies including the National Symphony Orchestra of Panama, and more Jafet attended the University of Panama for his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance, and the Lynn University Conservatory of Music for his Master of Music in the studio of Marc Reese.
Camille Jones: A native of Maryland, Camille Jones is a passionate collaborator and advocate for diversity in the arts. Camille currently serves as a Sphinx Orchestral Futurist in Residence for the National Philharmonic. She received a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan. Most recently she received a graduate certificate from Old Dominion University as part of her tenure as a VSO Fellow during the 2022-23 season and has been invited back to participate for another year.
Omari Imhotep Abdul-Alim: An accomplished violinist and educator with a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Omari is a dedicated instructor with extensive experience teaching violin to a diverse range of students. Omari has also contributed significantly as a violin instructor and orchestral strings coach at the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood, as a member of VSO’s first inaugural class of Black Musicians Fellowship. Omari is committed to enriching our musical education and performance landscape through his expertise and passion for music.
In addition to their performing and teaching, while in Virginia the Fellows will have several professional development opportunities, including private instrument instruction, mock auditions, and mentorship with VSO musicians. Applications for the 2025-26 program will open this November. More information can be found at www.virginiasymphony.org/fellowship.
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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.
Fall into Fun Things to Do: Norfolk’s Must-Attend Events This Season
As the crisp fall air settles in, Norfolk, VA, comes alive with a variety of exciting events that showcase the city’s vibrant culture. From lively markets and community festivals to music, arts, and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Whether you’re looking to explore local offerings or enjoy the city’s scenic beauty, Norfolk’s fall things to do provide the perfect opportunity to experience all the charm and excitement the season has to offer.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces Seven New Members for the 2024-2025 Board of Directors
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 1, 2024] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has announced seven new members to the Board of Directors as of June 20, 2024.
Michael Harvey is the CEO and Co-Founder of Clean Wake Media. He previously has served as CTO of Corra/Group Vice President, Commerce Technology—Publicis Sapient. He has also worked for Operation Smile, Concursive Corporation, and as a skipper for Sailing Vessel Atalanta. Harvey is passionate about the Arts, the environment, and social justice. He looks forward to helping VSO’s mission that “leaves a clean wake” in the world.
Bre Henderson is the Talent Manager at Robert Half. She is passionate about connecting top talent with project management expertise to help organizations achieve their strategic goals and deliver successful outcomes. She volunteers with Bread for the City and is Vice President of NABA Richmond.
Rev. Keith Jones is Senior Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church. A proud graduate of Norfolk State University, where he is a member of the Executive Board of the NSU Foundation and a Senior Fellow for the NSU Honors College. He also serves as the 57th President of the Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers’ Conference of Virginia.
TJ Maroon is a Vice President and Real Estate Loan Officer at TowneBank. He is a commercial lender who specializes in residential builder and developer relationships. He has been in the banking industry for a decade and joined TowneBank in in 2012. TJ is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Finance. He is a member of Commonwealth Connex.
AnnaMarie Pagel is an Associate Attorney at Tavss Fletcher. Mrs. Pagel is a member of the Virginia Beach Bar Association and the Virginia State Bar and a committee member of the Virginia Beach Bar Association Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts Improvement Committee. Outside of work, she volunteers as the Executive Vice President of the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, a volunteer organization that focuses on children’s literacy and women’s health.
Dr. Stephen Scoper is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and the Vice President of Virginia Eye Consultants. He is a leading LASIK surgeon in the Virginia Beach area and is considered an expert in Advanced Technology Intraocular Lens for cataract surgery. Dr. Scoper is also an associate professor of ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is passionate about treating patients, as well as teaching others and conducting research.
Nicholas Vretakis is an Associate at Williams Mullen. Nick assists clients across a broad range of industries, including behavioral health, senior living, transport and logistics services, retail and manufacturing. Outside of his practice, Nick is active with the local community and is a member of CBDX, the young professionals division of the Central Business District Association (CBDA) of Virginia Beach.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new board members to help us grow and continue our mission of creating world-class symphonic performances, transformative music education, and purposeful community engagement throughout Southeastern Virginia. With Chair Tim Faulkner leading the charge again this year, it is sure to be an excellent season” says President Warren.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors is led by Chair Tim Faulkner, Treasurer Carolyn Pittman, and Secretary Susan Goode. Renée Howard serves as Chair Elect and Pat McDermott as Chair Emeritus.
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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.
A Legacy of Leadership: Virginia Symphony Conductors on ‘A Local Touch’
This Wednesday at 9:00 p.m., A Local Touch: Music with a Virginia Connection will feature a special edition dedicated to the remarkable conductors who have shaped the Virginia Symphony Orchestra over the decades. Hosted by Raymond Jones, the program will take listeners on a journey through the musical legacies of Virginia Symphony conductors, past and present, showcasing their artistry both in Virginia and with other renowned orchestras.
SoundBridge: Bringing the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to the Next Generation
— Enjoy orchestral music in a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere with a range of engaging activities!
HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — Today the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) announced it is introducing a new program geared towards fostering new orchestra audiences in Hampton Roads. SoundBridge invites those between 21-45 to experience classical music in a fun and unique setting. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will partner with Elation Brewing as the SoundBridge Series Sponsor. The series features two events this fall, Pictures Reimagined and A Very Merry Musical Market.
Fantastique Symphony Concert
Sandwiching a family-friendly, kid-thrilling, grownup-enthralling, brilliantly colorful new concerto for symphony and animation between a 21st Century fanfare and a 19th Century masterwork, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra opens its 2024–2025 Season with a Friday evening concert in Newport News and a Sunday matinee in Virginia Beach, conducted by VSO Music Director Eric Jacobsen.
Valerie Coleman’s six-minute Fanfare for Uncommon Times, a heroic and attention grabbing piece scored for brass and percussion which premiered in New York in October of 2021, kicks off the concert and the season. Coleman’s the founder and former long time flutist with the chamber music A-list Imani Winds. She’s a Grammy nominee, and a faculty member at Juilliard and the Mannes and the Manhattan Schools of Music, who sports a fine print pageful-plus of accomplishments and awards. She was selected in 2020 as Performance Today’s second ever Classical Woman of the Year. (JoAnn Falletta was the first, in 2019).
Fantastique Symphony Concert
Sandwiching a family-friendly, kid-thrilling, grownup-enthralling, brilliantly colorful new concerto for symphony and animation between a 21st Century fanfare and a 19th Century masterwork, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra opens its 2024–2025 Season with a Friday evening concert in Newport News and a Sunday matinee in Virginia Beach, conducted by VSO Music Director Eric Jacobsen.
Valerie Coleman’s six-minute Fanfare for Uncommon Times, a heroic and attention grabbing piece scored for brass and percussion which premiered in New York in October of 2021, kicks off the concert and the season. Coleman’s the founder and former long time flutist with the chamber music A-list Imani Winds. She’s a Grammy nominee, and a faculty member at Juilliard and the Mannes and the Manhattan Schools of Music, who sports a fine print pageful-plus of accomplishments and awards. She was selected in 2020 as Performance Today’s second ever Classical Woman of the Year. (JoAnn Falletta was the first, in 2019).
Virginia Symphony Orchestra kicks off 104th season in Newport News
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra opens its 104th season at the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University in Newport News at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
The VSO will perform “Pictures at an Exhibition,” a musical journey through an art gallery. The orchestra will also perform “Philharmonia Fantastique” and “Fanfare for Uncommon Times.”
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Kicks Off 104th Season in Newport News
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [September 3, 2024] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and Music Director Eric Jacobsen open their 24/25 season, the 104th for the organization, with a program showing off all the colors of the orchestra. The magic begins at the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University in Newport News on Friday, September 13 at 7:30pm.
In what is guaranteed to be a stunning start to the season, the VSO will perform Pictures at an Exhibition, Mussorgsky’s evocative musical journey through an art gallery, lushly orchestrated by Ravel to showcase the virtuosity of the orchestra. Rounding out the program are two more works that celebrate the talented VSO musicians–Mason Bates’ Philharmonia Fantastique, a dazzling multimedia concerto for orchestra that is performed along with projected animated film, and Valerie Coleman’s rousing concert opener, Fanfare for Uncommon Times.
To kick off this wonderful season, Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones will be joining the orchestra to welcome the audience and celebrate the start of the 24/25 season! “I am delighted to join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in launching their 104th season. This performance not only showcases the extraordinary talent of our local musicians but also highlights the power of music to inspire and unite our community. Here’s to a season filled with incredible artistry and unforgettable moments” says Mayor Jones.
Tickets for the event start at $25 and can be purchased by visiting virginiasymphony.org or by calling 757.892.6366. $15 Student/Child tickets are also available.
This program will be repeated Sunday, September 15 at 2:30pm at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.
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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.
Arts Notes: The 2024-25 music season on the Peninsula warms up with VSO, arts exhibit
As a warmup to the official start of the 2024-25 music season, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra is holding its always popular outdoor concert, “Once Upon a Symphony,” at the picturesque Lake Matoaka amphitheater on Aug. 30.
If you get a musical kick out of selections ranging from “Swan Lake” and “Man of La Mancha” to “Superman” and “Indiana Jones,” this will be guaranteed fun. Among other of the many selections anticipated will be Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday” from “Rodeo,” Tchaikovsky’s “Suite from Swan Lake,” a portion of Handel’s “Royal Fireworks Music,” along with some Berlioz and Beethoven tossed into the musical mix. There will also be thematic selections from “Mission Impossible,” “Jurassic Park” along with a “Stevie Wonder Medley” and a “Tribute to John Williams.”
