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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

Virginia Symphony Orchestra Takes Center Stage This Wednesday on ‘A Local Touch’

Join WHRO-FM 90.3 this Wednesday evening at 9:00 for an enthralling concert featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Eric Jacobsen.

Raymond Jones will open the night with “To Call the Rain,” a work commissioned by the orchestra from Juhi Bansal. According to the Indian composer, this piece gets its title from a Hindustani tradition “of music that, when played with intention and inspiration, holds the capacity to invoke rain”. Bansal imagines “this ritual in orchestral sound… a melodic voice grows from gentle patter to downpour, as movement and flow, drops and ripples, and lush textures fill the space.”

Virginia Symphony Orchestra holds free summer concerts

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform free concerts at scenic outdoor venues across Hampton Roads — including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, and Yorktown — as part of their Free Summer Concerts series.

This year’s concerts are presented in partnership with Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Festevents, the City of Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary, Celebrate Yorktown Committee, and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia. The performances take place from July through September and are free and open to the public.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra Holds Free Summer Concerts

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA [June 24, 2022] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform free concerts at scenic outdoor venues across Hampton Roads – including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, and Yorktown – as part of their Free Summer Concerts series.

This year’s concerts are presented in partnership with Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Festevents, the City of Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary, Celebrate Yorktown Committee, and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia. The performances take place from July through September and are free and open to the public.

Each concert program is curated around a theme like tunes from beloved animated films, a symphonic tribute to the Paris 2024 Summer Games, wedding music favorites, or music inspired by classic literature and cinema. For these performances, the orchestra will be joined by conductors Morihiko Nakahara, Todd Craven, Helen Martell, and Brandon Eldredge, and will welcome the vocals of local favorite BJ Griffin on August 15.,

For more information, visit virginiasymphony.org.

Summer Concert Schedule:

Once Upon a Symphony Symphonic Summer Games
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
July 11, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

Where Wishes Come True: A Night of Enchanted Melodies
Norfolk – Town Point Park
July 21, 2024 – 8:30 PM
Presented by Festevents

Where Wishes Come True: A Night of Enchanted Melodies
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
July 25, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

Wedding Bells and Pachelbel
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
August 15, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

Once Upon a Symphony
Williamsburg – Lake Matoaka Amphitheater
August 30, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Presented by the City of Williamsburg and William & Mary

Once Upon a Symphony
Yorktown – Riverwalk Landing
August 31, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Presented by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee

Once Upon a Symphony
Chesapeake – Chesapeake City Park
September 1, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Presented by the City of Chesapeake

Once Upon a Symphony
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
September 3, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

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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.

 

Neptune Festival to host its 13th annual Symphony By the Sea in Virginia Beach

The Neptune Festival is hosting its 13th annual Symphony By the Sea at 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A free concert series is coming to Virginia Beach Oceanfront!

The Neptune Festival is hosting its 13th annual Symphony By the Sea at 31st Street and Atlantic Avenue starting in July.

“This concert series is a cherished tradition within our community,” said Kit Chope, CEO of the Neptune Festival. “Now in our 50th year, we are delighted to once again showcase the remarkable talents of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Symphonicity. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy world-class performances and enjoy cool oceanfront breezes from the comfort of their beach chairs or blankets. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy these magical evenings.”

This Wednesday on ‘A Local Touch’: the Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Join us this Wednesday evening at 9:00 on WHRO-FM 90.3 for A Local Touch, our weekly celebration of Virginia’s rich musical heritage. Hosted by the esteemed Raymond Jones, this edition features a lineup of extraordinary classical performances that you won’t want to miss.

The evening begins with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Eric Jacobsen, performing Debussy’s enchanting “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun.” This captivating piece sets the stage for a night of exceptional music. Next, revel in the brilliance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20, featuring the remarkable talents of keyboard virtuoso and naval aviator Alex Beyer. The VSO will also present Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” a powerful and dynamic work that showcases the orchestra’s versatility and passion.

Symphony Under the Stars draws 2,000

Gloucester Arts Festival and The Cook Foundation held the annual “Symphony Under the Stars” free family concert Saturday night, attracting a crowd of 2,000, according to festival representatives, to enjoy a Broadway Celebration with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

The Liberty Dolls, a local group, was the concert’s opening act at 6 o’clock, singing several songs from the ’50s and ’60s, including “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “Mr. Sandman.”

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra took the stage at 8, performing Broadway hits from West Side Story, Carmen, Chicago, The Sound of Music, The Little Mermaid and more. The symphony was conducted by Benjamin Rous with vocals provided by Patrice Covington.

Symphony Under the Stars Saturday in Gloucester

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Under the Stars, one of the signature events of the Gloucester Arts Festival, will take place on Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. on the lawn at Main Street and Walter Reed Way in Gloucester.

The local group Liberty Dolls will open the concert, performing at 6 o’clock. A food truck will be on-site from 6-9, but those attending are also encouraged to pick up a to-go meal at one of Gloucester’s Main Street restaurants and enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

Lawn chairs are suggested rather than blankets because there could be wet areas, and food tables are allowed but should be taken down when the concert begins.

Concertmaster Vahn Armstrong will transition into a new role in the Virginia Symphony Orchestra

HAMPTON ROADS, VA [May 14, 2024] Today the Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced that Vahn Armstrong is stepping down after 31 years leading the ensemble as Concertmaster. He will remain in the VSO as Concertmaster Emeritus in the third chair of the First Violin section.

During his tenure thus far, Vahn has led the VSO to Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and through countless Young People’s Concerts and opera tours. He has been featured as a soloist in an astonishing range of significant concertos over the years, including works by Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Prokofiev, Barber, and many more.

“It has indeed been an honor and a privilege to serve as Concertmaster for the Virginia Symphony these last thirty-one years,” expressed Armstrong. “It is a wonderful orchestra, made up of wonderful people. I am so proud of all we have been able to accomplish together artistically over three decades and recall fondly so many moments of camaraderie and friendship, as well as many performances of beauty, excitement, and emotional and sonic power. Any success I may have had in leading the orchestra over the years is entirely dependent upon the abundant goodwill and astonishing commitment to excellence of my colleagues, on stage and off, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

The Concertmaster holds the highest leadership position among all of the musicians in the orchestra. They are the leader of the first violin section and they make decisions regarding bowings, phrasing, and articulation for the entire string section. They lead the orchestra in tuning before concerts and rehearsals, and they serve as the conduit between the conductor and the orchestra. While a conductor may be shaping the contours of a work, the Concertmaster helps to lead the ensemble in real-time in the logistics of bringing the conductor’s vision to life. They hold a unique leadership position that contributes to the overall unity and cohesiveness of the ensemble.

A few members of the VSO’s artistic and administrative teams past and present expressed their thanks to Vahn and shared some of their thoughts about his tenure as Concertmaster.

“I have learned so much from working with Vahn, especially about artistic advocacy and diplomacy,” stated Christy Havens, the VSO’s Executive Vice President & General Manager. “He always held me accountable and to a high standard, and I have depended on his thoughtful leadership. I hope he will continue to lend me a few well-chosen words of advice (spoken with the ultimate gravitas).”

“Vahn is a great leader, a wonderful musician, and an eloquent and gracious gentleman,” said Karen Philion, former CEO & President of the VSO. “I’ve always enjoyed our conversations on all things VSO – artistic and institutional. The position of Concertmaster is of major significance to any orchestra, and I am grateful that Vahn was in that role during my time as CEO.”

VSO Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta stated, “I feel very fortunate to have collaborated with Vahn Armstrong as my concertmaster for almost my entire tenure with the Virginia Symphony. His arrival in 1993 brought the orchestra to a new level of artistry, and he was an extraordinary musical partner to me throughout those years. Vahn’s background as an outstanding quartet player was always evident in his subtlety, his exquisite musicianship, his sense of color, his stylistic sensitivity, and his musical imagination. His leadership was exemplary, and I will cherish the memories of his wonderful concerto performances during his tenure as well.”

VSO Music Director Eric Jacobsen expressed, “The first time I got to work with Vahn was when I guest conducted in 2018; we played Scheherazade, and I think the only thing more impressive than Vahn’s solo on this piece was his clear understanding of leadership with the orchestra! I feel so lucky to have gotten to work with Vahn in an even deeper way over the past several years. I’ve learned so much from him and think it is so thrilling now to get to do one more Scheherazade together in a couple of weeks. Bravo, Vahn!”

Vahn will continue to serve as Concertmaster until a successor has been appointed – the search for whom will begin with an audition September 17-18, 2024, and will continue with trial weeks throughout the season. Full information on the Concertmaster audition will be posted to the VSO’s website on June 1.

Don’t miss Vahn at the VSO’s last performances of the 23/24 season.

Romeo & Juliet with JoAnn Falletta
Friday, May 17, 2024 7:30PM – Ferguson Center, NN
Saturday, May 18, 2024 7:30PM – Wilder Performing Arts Center, Norfolk

Chris Thile (Co-production with Virginia Arts Festival)
Thursday, June 13, 2024 7:30PM – Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Friday, June 14, 2024 7:30PM – Sandler Center, VB
Saturday, June 15, 2024 7:30PM – Ferguson Center, NN

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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 earlier this year 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.

  • KPMG
  • Wilbanks Smith and Thomas
  • CBN
  • Breeden
  • WHRO
  • Cape Henry Collegiate
  • Runnymede
  • Truist
  • Trust and Wealth Management
  • 93.7 BOB FM
  • Bank of America
  • Norfolk Collegiate
  • PBMares
  • NEA
  • Regent University
  • Sentara
  • TowneBank
  • Rutter Family Art Foundation
  • Carl's Wash
  • Seven Venues
  • Riverside Health
  • PNC Bank
  • Virginia Symphony League
  • Birdsong Peanuts
  • VSSGW
  • New Leaf
  • Wilcox Savage
  • Audacy
  • Norfolk Southern
  • Ferguson Center for the Arts
  • Arts Alliance
  • The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
  • Elation Brewing

Emmanual Losa

Emmanuel Losa

Cello

Born in 1998, Emmanuel Losa grew up in Marietta, Georgia to a Nigerian father and Jamaican mother. Starting his cello studies at the age of 12, he began to have an affinity for the orchestral world and later studying with the esteemed cellists of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, his primary instructor was Joel Dallow; in addition, studying with Dona Vellek (Assistant Principal Cello Emeritus) and Karen Freer (Assistant Principal Cello).

Emmanuel heavily enjoys studying various pieces of solo, chamber, and orchestral music, spending his summers at various festivals such as Bowdoin International Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, and Aspen Music Festival to name a few.

A student of Alan Stepansky at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Emmanuel is pursuing an undergraduate cello performance degree in orchestral performance. He continues his studies with a focus on winning a position with a major orchestra.

Zacherie Small

Zacherie Small

Double Bass

After migrating from his native island of Barbados, Zacherie Small began his Double Bass studies the age of 19 with Jonathan Dadurka at Miami-Dade College where he graduated with a Associate of Arts in Music. Afterwards, he went on to study with Luis Gomez-Imbert at Florida International University where he now holds a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance; Cum Laude, and a Masters of Music in Double Bass Performance. Also, recently graduated with his second Masters from Temple University studying with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra such as Nathaniel West, Joseph Conyers, and Robert Kesselman.

Small has performed with various orchestras. He is a member of the Miami Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Eduardo Marturet. He was also the Principal Double Bass of the Miami Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Jorge Vazquez. Small periodically performs with the Colour of Music Festival Orchestra.

Small has attended the Miami Summer Music Festival at Barry University for 3 years. During the festival, he has performed in many concerts with various conductors like Michael Rossi, Yuriy Bekker, Joel Smirnoff, David Efron, Stephanie Rhodes, and Steve Gruman. Also, participated in the Philadelphia International Music Festival to study with Nathaniel West and under the baton of Kensho Watanabe.

As well as being a performer, Small is the secondary music director South-Dade Middle School and does masterclasses at various schools in Miami, FL. He is also a teacher for the Artist of the Miami Music Project where he guides children in troubled neighborhoods to bring about social change, cultivate lessons, and run ensembles.

Tyler McKisson

Tyler McKisson

viola

Tyler McKisson is a 26-year-oldorchestral and freelance violist originally from Arvada, Colorado. He has recently received an Artist Diploma from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music as a Diversity Fellow where he regularly performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. McKisson received a Master’s degree in viola performance at the University of Colorado Boulder and a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance at the University of Northern Colorado with honors. McKisson’s musical career started at age ten when he joined his school’s string orchestra program and at age fourteen, he began his studies under his first private instructor, Brian Cook. McKisson has also studied under Christopher Luther, Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti, Erika Eckert, and Catharine Carroll Lees. He has played with several American orchestras including the Cheyenne Symphony with tenure, Atlanta Symphony, Kentucky Symphony, National Repertory Orchestra, and the Aspen Conducting Academy.

Camille Jones

Camille Jones

violin

A passionate collaborator and advocate for diversity in the arts, Camille has worked with various festival orchestras and chamber groups, including the National Orchestral Institute and Festival (NOI + F), Bowdoin International Music Festival, and Next Festival of Emerging Artists.

As a 2019 Sphinx Orchestral Futurist Fellow, she has helped commission works and curate a professional development workshop for K-12 students in Prince George’s County, Maryland.This project piloted what is now the K12 New Music Initiative, a commissioning project to expand the repertoire of K12 orchestras with music by BIPOC composers. In the Fall of 2018, she curated Voices Unheard, a concert series at UMD that celebrated works by women composers and composers of color. In addition, she had the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed cello professor Anthony Elliott for a concert series at the Kerrytown Concerthouse titled Passing the Torch in 2021 and 2022. Camille is establishing herself as a freelance artist in the Michigan area as well, having performed for singer Michael Bublé, rapper Big Sean and Darren Criss. She has also served as a teaching artist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Civic Youth Ensembles as well as the Sphinx Overture program in Detroit.

Camille received her B.M. in Violin Performance at the University of Maryland, College Park and a M.M. in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan, having studied under Danielle Belen.

Daphine Henderson

Daphine Henderson

bass

Daphine Henderson, a double bassist and vocalist in the DC metro area, completed her Master’s Degree in Double Bass Performance at the University of Maryland College Park in Spring 2023, where she also received two Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Performance with concentrations in Double Bass and Soprano Voice in Spring ’20. She was the first black woman to earn a Master’s Degree in Double Bass Performance at University of Maryland and the third black woman to receive a graduate degree in strings. Teaching herself the double bass at age 12, Daphine became extremely involved in music through her high school career, ranging from performing with the Maryland Senior All State Orchestra to being the drum major of her high school marching band. She is actively involved in the University of Maryland School of Music community, performing with numerous classical and wind ensembles.

Throughout her time at UMD, Daphine served as one of the ensemble assistants for the UMD Treble Choir, where she actively engaged with and lead her section. She sat as one of the student chairs and founding members of the School of Music’s IDEA Committee, which focuses on bringing diversity, accessibility, and inclusive engagement to the music community at College Park. Daphine is also a founding member of the PAGE (Project for All Gender Equality) for Bassists, where she spoke on a panel in the 2019 and 2021 International Society of Bassists conventions. Daphine teaches in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland, and is an active strings coach for the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra. Additionally, she teaches all string instruments, piano, and voice at Crescendo Studios in Falls Church, Virginia.

Daphine is taking steps in her musical career to create an impact and be an inspiration for younger musicians of color that would otherwise not have ample resources and opportunities to pursue their passion. Following the completion of her graduate degree, Daphine plans to continue establishing herself as an advocate through her performance and an arts administrator for underserved and minority musicians, while continuing to inspire others through her love for music.

Avery Robinson

Omari Imhotep Adbdul-Alim

Violin

Omari Imhotep Abdul-Alim is 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. He is a dedicated instructor with extensive experience teaching violin to a diverse range of students, from young children to adults, in both individual and group settings.

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 African American Fellowship.

In addition to his teaching accomplishments, Omari has an extensive performance background. He has been a substitute with VSO, New World Symphony, Chicago Civic Orchestra, and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. For the last year Omari has been an active performer in the San Diego area, playing with Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra, Poway Symphony Orchestra, the City Ballet of San Diego, La Jolla Symphony Orchestra and as resident violinist at First Lutheran Church of San Diego.

Omari is committed to enriching our musical education and performance landscape through his expertise and passion for music.

Avery Robinson

Avery Robinson

Cello

Avery Robinson grew up in Western Massachusetts where he was influenced by his parents’ love for jazz music. At the age of 10 he started playing piano and began learning bass when he was 12 years old. As a young musician, Avery’s passion for jazz persisted however, as he became exposed to the wonderful sounds of the symphony, his musical passion grew to include a second genre: classical music. After joining his high school orchestra, his career path was set.

Avery has studied at many top music schools such as the Eastman School of Music, The Hartt School of Music, and the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and has graduated with honors. His teachers include Rachel Calin, Albert Laszlo, and Robert Black. Avery has been a member of the Kentucky Symphony, and most recently, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked as a substitute for the Amarillo Symphony and the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. In addition to his orchestral career, Avery is also an accomplished recitalist, having performed many solo and chamber recitals at various venues such as the Chautauqua Institution and at the “Classical Revolution” Series in Cincinnati. His love for performing with others shows in his expressive and sometimes fervent style of playing.

Avery has other passions in addition to music. Firstly, he is a huge art and history buff and loves to frequent museums and galleries whenever he can. He is also a lover of sports and an avid golfer.