A New Season Begins!
A Look Behind the Notes
Davóne Tines: A Discussion on How Performers Care
Maestro Eric Jacobsen’s Picks
Virginia Beach Back-to-School Fair
Upcoming Performances
2026 Impact Report
Symphonic Snapshots
Dear VSO Friends,
Welcome to a new season with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra!
We are so excited to share another year of great music with you. Whether you have been part of the VSO family for many years or are joining us for the first time, we are glad you are here.
In this newsletter, you’ll find updates, upcoming events, and ways to get even more out of your VSO experience. From Behind the Notes and Maestro’s Picks, featuring Eric Jacobsen’s Spotify playlist, to season highlights and more, there is so much to discover and enjoy!
Thank you for being part of the VSO. Your support and love of music help make everything we do possible. We can’t wait to to share the season with you!
Musically,
Hailey Schumacher
Annual Fund and Development Operations Manager
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
September Behind The Notes
Enhance your concert experience with Behind the Notes, a special pre-concert conversation designed to bring you closer to the music and the artists who bring it to life.
Join us before select Virginia Symphony Orchestra Classical Series performances for an engaging discussion featuring Music Director Eric Jacobsen alongside special guest artists. Hear insights into the music on the program, learn more about the creative process, and discover the stories and inspiration behind what you’ll hear on stage.
MAHLER’S TITAN SYMPHONY
For our first Classical program of the season, Eric Jacobsen will be joined by acclaimed pianist and conductor Jeffrey Kahane.
Thursday, September 10 | Ferguson Center for the Arts
Behind the Notes: 6:30–7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 13 | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Behind the Notes: 1:30–2:00 PM
Concert: 2:30 PM
VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS & GLASS’S LINCOLN SYMPHONY
For Classical 2, Eric will be joined by Ian Niederhoffer for a conversation exploring the music and ideas featured on the program.
Friday, September 25
Behind the Notes: 6:30–7:00 PM
Concert: 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 27
Behind the Notes: 1:30–2:00 PM
Concert: 2:30 PM
Behind the Notes is complimentary for concert attendees. Arrive early, settle in, and discover more about the music before the first note is played.
Maestro’s Picks
Inside the VSO’s Spotify Playlist:
What Is Maestro Eric Jacobsen Listening To This Month?
MAHLER: SYMPHONY NO. 1 IN D MAJOR: IV. STÜRMISCH BEWEGT
RAVEL: PIANO CONCERTO IN G MAJOR, M. 83: II. ADAGIO ASSAI
DOLLY PARTON: 9 TO 5
There is no denying Dolly’s impact on the music world as a whole! In her honor, here is one my favorites.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Helps
Hampton Roads Students Start the School Year Strong
On August 15, 2026, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) was proud to participate in the Virginia Beach Back-to-School Care Fair at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, joining community organizations from across the region to help local students and families prepare for a successful new school year.
As an organization deeply rooted in the Hampton Roads community, the VSO’s commitment extends beyond the concert hall. Through its participation in the Care Fair, the Symphony had the opportunity to connect with local families while providing essential school supplies to students heading back to the classroom.
Thanks to the generosity and efforts of the VSO and its supporters, the Symphony distributed an incredible collection of supplies, including:
- 24 backpacks
- 192 spiral notebooks
- 384 highlighters
- 500 pencil-top erasers
- 600 pencils
- 432 pencil cases
In total, the VSO distributed more than 2,100 school supplies to help students begin the year prepared and ready to learn.
The event was a wonderful opportunity to meet students, parents, educators, and fellow community organizations while celebrating the excitement of a new school year.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is grateful to have been part of this important community event and looks forward to continuing to find new ways to support, engage, and inspire families throughout Hampton Roads.
Because building a stronger community takes all of us, and sometimes it starts with something as simple as a backpack, a pencil, and the tools to begin a new school year with confidence!
WHO CARES ABOUT ABRAHAM LINCOLN ANYWAY?
CREATIVE PROCESS DISCUSSION ON HOW PERFORMERS CARE
DAVÓNE TINES, BASS BARITONE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA GUEST SOLOIST
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. GREAT FOR ALL AGES, PUBLIC SPEAKERS, MUSICIANS, AND PARTICULARLY VOCALISTS.
We’re Excited to See you at a Concert Soon!
Mozart’s Gran Partita
Mozart’s Gran Partita
COFFEE CONCERT: John Williams & Steven Spielberg: Iconic Film Scores
John Williams & Steven Spielberg: Iconic Film Scores
PB&J Family Series: John Williams’ Sounds of Adventure
John Williams & Steven Spielberg: Iconic Film Scores
Gospel Night with Tamela & David Mann
A Very Merry Musical Market
A Very Merry Musical Market
Benefit Concert for The Muse Writers Center
Classical Christmas
PB&J Family Series: Jingle Bell Jam
Holiday POPS!
Classical Christmas
Classical Christmas
2026 Impact Report
FY26 | July 2025 – June 2026
Your support helped 29,397 students experience the Virginia Symphony Orchestra through education programs across 14 school districts. For many young people, it was a chance to hear a live orchestra and discover something new.
Because of you, more than 10,000 people enjoyed free VSO performances in our community. And because you chose to support and experience the VSO, music brought people together throughout Southeastern Virginia, creating moments of joy, connection, and discovery.
These numbers are more than numbers: They are students hearing something that inspires them. Families making memories together. Neighbors gathering for music in their own communities.
You helped make each of those moments possible.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL SUPPORT OF THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
AND FOR HELPING LIVE MUSIC THRIVE ACROSS THE HAMPTON ROADS COMMUNITY.
Symphonic Snapshots
Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from the past month! From inspiring performances and educational programs to community events and special behind-the-scenes experiences, these photos capture the people, music, and memories that make the Virginia Symphony Orchestra so special. Thank you for being part of the VSO’s musical journey!
