Sun, Stout, and the Symphony: A Very Sunny Musical Market
Come for the music, stay for the brews, and leave with a little extra sunshine in your step.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [April 7, 2026] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Smartmouth Brewing Company, will welcome audiences to “A Very Sunny Musical Market” in Virginia Beach this June. The event invites local artisans to be a part of a summer market at Smartmouth’s Pilot House accompanied by live music performed by VSO Musicians.
Founded in 2012, Smartmouth has helped shape the Hampton Roads craft beer scene with distinctive styles, quality ingredients, and an emphasis on flavor over flash. Open since 2017, the Pilot House features a spacious tasting room designed for gathering with friends, private event space, and a 10-barrel brewing system
“At Smartmouth, we love creating a space that brings people together and showcases the best of our community, which is why we’re proud to partner with the incredibly talented Virginia Symphony for an event like this in Virginia Beach” says Smartmouth Community Engagement & Administration Director Chris Neikirk.
Part of the VSO’s growing SoundBridge series, this concert reimagines where and how people experience orchestral music — pairing performances with creative community partners in nontraditional venues, expanding the public’s opportunities to meet the VSO musicians and witness their musicality and artistry.
“The concert hall’s grand setting can sometimes create a barrier between musicians and the audience. We want to break down that wall and let our community really get to know our musicians,” says VSO President & CEO Shannon Kelly. “The SoundBridge program not only showcases the amazing talents of our musicians in an intimate setting but also gives our community the opportunity to interact and form connections with them in a casual and fun environment!”
Tickets for A Very Sunny Musical Market are $20 in advance and can be purchased by visiting virginiasymphony.org or by calling 757.892.6366. Tickets will be $25 at the door.
Children 12 and under, $12. The first 100 people who enter the event will receive one complimentary drink and all beverages will be 20% off. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Smartmouth Brewing Company Pilot House is located at 313 32 Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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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. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, programming, and leadership. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Program for up to 4 early-career, underrepresented orchestral musicians work to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide. This initiative is a continuation of the VSO’s commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences with and for our entire community.
Celebrating his fifth year, Music Director Eric Jacobsen, The Macon and Joan Brock Chair, continues to expand the VSO’s vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta and 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.
