A Letter From The President
Ticket Exchanges
Upcoming Performances
Arts In Education
Eric Jacobsen’s Spotify Picks
CommUNITY
Symphonic Snapshots
A Letter From The President
Dear Friends of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra,
I am honored to introduce myself to you as the new President and CEO of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
It is a privilege to step into this role at this extraordinary institution—one of the nation’s finest orchestras—right here in the heart of Hampton Roads. Our community is incredibly fortunate to have such a vibrant cultural treasure in our backyard, and I am deeply committed to building on the VSO’s legacy of artistic excellence and community impact.
My vision for the VSO is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: to build communities and create connection through music. Together, we are building a world-class music institution that is fueled by and for the community. A place where all are welcome and can find a joyful and deep connection with each other, with the VSO’s incredible musicians, and of course, with this extraordinary art form that we dearly treasure.
Connection and community are the heart of the VSO. Whether delivering exceptional performances on stage, teaching in hundreds of schools across the region, or working with our valued partners to bring programs to the community, we are driven by our core belief that music has the power to unite, heal, and inspire.
That vision is only possible because of you.
Your generosity plays a vital role in everything we do—from electrifying performances to transformative education programs that reach over 25,000 young people each year. Partnerships like yours form the foundation of our mission, and I am profoundly grateful for the trust and investment you have placed in us.
As we look to the future, I am excited to work together to expand access, deepen our impact, and ensure that every household in Hampton Roads has the opportunity to experience the extraordinary joy and connection that is the hallmark of the VSO.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly at skelly@virginiasymphony.org. I would love to hear from you to learn how we can improve your experience.
I look forward to meeting you in person very soon.
With heartfelt thanks,
Shannon Kelly
President & CEO
Easy Ticket Exchanges
Did you know that one of the exclusive perks of being a Virginia Symphony Orchestra subscriber is the flexibility to exchange your tickets?
If you’re a subscriber to our 8 concert Classics package, you can exchange your tickets for any other series concert during the season (special events excluded), giving you the ultimate flexibility to tailor your concert experience to your schedule.
Subscribers to all other packages can exchange tickets for a different performance within the same concert weekend, making it easy to adjust your plans without missing the music you love.
To exchange your tickets, simply call our Patron Services Team at (757) 892-6366 at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled performance.
Prefer the convenience of online requests?
You can now submit ticket return requests online at virginiasymphony.org/subscriberportal/#form
Thank you for being a valued subscriber. We’re proud to offer benefits that give you more control and convenience as you enjoy the season with us.
Upcoming Performances
COFFEE CONCERT: Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony
Friday September 12th, 2025 11:00 am – Ferguson Center for the Arts
OPENING WEEKEND: Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony + Cellist Jan Vogler
Friday September 12, 2025 7:30 PM – Ferguson Center for the Arts
Saturday September 13, 2025 7:30 PM – Chrysler Hall
Sunday, September 14, 2025 2:30 PM – Sandler Center
PBJ: When Instruments Roamed the Earth!®
Saturday, September 20, 2025 3PM– Ferguson Center
Sunday, September 21, 2025 3PM– Sandler Center
Aretha: A Tribute with Capathia Jenkins & Darryl Williams
Saturday, September 27, 2025 7:30PM – Chrysler Hall
PLUS THE INCOMPARABLE YO-YO MA FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Eric’s Spotify Picks
Here is what I’m listening to this month:
Arts In Education Week
What is the transformational power of music education?
The Virginia Symphony’s mission is to engage the community in transformational music education, a goal we pursue through impactful programs year-round. Our Young People’s Concerts go beyond listening—inviting third- through fifth-grade students to sing, play, and move along with the orchestra. Through our Community Engagement Program, musicians inspire students with teaching residencies, interactive chamber music performances, and masterclasses. Our Fellowship Program provides early-career musicians with opportunities to perform with the orchestra and learn from seasoned mentors. Together, these programs ignite creativity, deepen musical engagement, strengthen social connections, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Educational Activities in September
DATE | TIME | LOCATION | EVENT DETAILS | MORE INFORMATION |
| Sept 9, 2025 | 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm | VSO Office 12th Floor Conference Room | Young Peoples Concert Professional Development Session | Contact Helen Martell at hmartell@virginiasymphony.org to rsvp RSVP REQUESTED |
| Sept 10, 2025 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Invite only. | Meet the Fellows Reception (with Old Dominion University) | https://virginiasymphony.org/about-the-fellowship/ |
| Sept 20, 2025 | 3:00 pm | Ferguson Center for the Arts | PBJ Concert: When Instruments Roamed the Earth | https://virginiasymphony.org/event/pbj-when-instruments-roamed-the-earth/ |
| Sept 21, 2025 | 3:00 pm | Sandler Center for the Arts | PBJ Concert: When Instruments Roamed the Earth | https://virginiasymphony.org/event/pbj-when-instruments-roamed-the-earth-sandler/ |
Come play and sing with us to unite our commUNITY through music.
Pick up your instrument, bring your voice and join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of peace, inclusion and unity. This inspiring annual event embraces our community’s cultural richness and diversity, uniting people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds through participation in music, dance and spoken word.
Music will be available for any instrument and voice at any level, so come play and sing with us! Or just come as you are and enjoy the musical talents of your neighbors.
Free and Open to the Public
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, Norfolk LOCATION TBA 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 CommUNITY Partners
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!
