March Review
Happy Birthday, VSO!
2025 Treble Society Dinner
What is Total Quality Music(TQM)?
International Trombone Week
Eric’s Picks
Upcoming Performances
What About The Music?
Make Your Impact
Symphonic Snapshots
March Review
As the Virginia Symphony Orchestra reflects on the bustling month we’ve had, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your continued support. March has already been a month of exciting milestones, memorable performances, and opportunities to engage with our incredible community. We couldn’t have accomplished all of this without you!
First, we were honored to celebrate an evening of philanthropy at the 2025 Treble Society Dinner, where we celebrated the generous leadership donors that make our artistic programs possible. It was a truly inspiring evening, and we are so thankful for the vital role you play in the VSO’s success.
The excitement continued with a sneak peek of Grace Park, our new concertmaster, who will officially assume her role in the 2025/26 season. Her performance during this preview was nothing short of breathtaking, and we can’t wait for her to join the VSO family.
We also enjoyed a triumphant performance of West Side Story: Symphonic Dances, a powerful and exhilarating interpretation of Leonard Bernstein’s iconic music. The concert was led by the incomparable Michael Daniels, whose passion and precision brought the sweeping emotional depth of Bernstein’s score to life. Joining him on stage was the brilliant Celia Daggy, whose dynamic performance added another layer of vibrancy to the evening. The energy in the hall was palpable as the audience was swept away by the rhythms and drama of the piece, making it a truly unforgettable night of music.
But that’s just the beginning! The remainder of the 24/25 concert season is full of thrilling performances, and we invite you to join us this month!
Happy Birthday, VSO!
Happy Birthday to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra! 🎉 For over 100 years, the VSO’s incredible music has enriched the hearts and minds of Southeastern Virginia. Here’s to a century of unforgettable performances and many more years of inspiring melodies!
A Century of Excellence: The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has been delighting audiences for over 100 years! Founded in 1920, it continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s cultural scene, enriching the community with world-class music.
World-Class Collaborations: The VSO regularly collaborates with some of the finest soloists and guest conductors from around the world. These performances offer a rare opportunity to see top-tier talent in an intimate setting.
Commitment to Accessibility: With a variety of programs and ticket options, including student discounts and community performances, the VSO strives to make high-quality orchestral music accessible to everyone in the region.
A Partnership with Local Communities: The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is deeply rooted in the local Hampton Roads community and is supported by collaborations with civic organizations, government, and businesses, ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of everyday life.
2025 Treble Society Dinner
The Treble Society Dinner is an exclusive event hosted by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to honor the generosity of its most esteemed benefactors. This invitation-only evening celebrates the power of philanthropy, offering a unique opportunity to experience a private performance, engage in intimate conversations with the musicians, and connect with fellow philanthropists who share a passion for the arts. Guests were treated to an exciting preview of Grace Park, the VSO’s new concertmaster, giving them a glimpse of the future of the orchestra. It’s a night of culture, connection, and celebration, all in support of the symphony’s continued success and growth.
Click the above photo gallery to view photos from the evening!
The Instruments of Change Award
Pictured Left to Right: Eric Jacobsen, Music Director; Andrea and Mike McClellan (Instrument of Change Recipients)
The Instruments of Change Award was established by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) in 2019 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization through their time, talent, and resources. The award honors leaders whose efforts have elevated the VSO artistically and operationally, driving its mission forward.
This year’s recipients, Mike and Andria McClellan, have been integral to the VSO’s success for many years. Andria, a former Norfolk City Councilwoman (2016–2024), is an arts advocate, community volunteer, and entrepreneur. A graduate of the University of Virginia and the Wharton School, Andria launched two successful startups before focusing on raising her three musically inclined children. Her extensive board service includes roles with the Governor’s School for the Arts, the Chrysler Museum, Samaritan House, and many other organizations. Additionally, Andria created the VSO’s beloved annual CommUnity Play-in and Sing-Along in 2017.
Mike McClellan, a lifelong arts lover, is Vice President of Strategic Planning at Norfolk Southern. He is also a graduate of the University of Virginia and holds an MBA from the University of Cincinnati. Mike has served on the VSO Board since 2007 and was Board Chair in 2019. He has been a steadfast supporter of the VSO, especially through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and co-led the search committee that successfully recruited the VSO’s current music director, Eric Jacobsen.
A heartfelt thank you to Anderson’s Garden Center for contributing floral arrangements to the beautiful evening, and to Elation Brewing for their beer donation!
What is Total Quality Music (TQM)? Funded by Minette Cooper
Total Quality Music (TQM) is an innovative concept that merges the principles of quality management with music education, aiming to enhance the musical experience for students, educators, and the broader music community. Developed and funded by Minette Cooper, TQM seeks to integrate the practices of Total Quality Management (TQM), a business and management strategy focused on continuous improvement, into the realm of music education.
The core idea behind Total Quality Music is to apply systematic and structured approaches to improving the quality of music education, fostering both the technical and emotional growth of musicians. Minette Cooper, an advocate for both quality education and music, spearheaded this initiative to ensure that musicians, educators, and institutions are continually improving and evolving their practices in line with the highest standards.
Interview with Minette Cooper: The Long-Term Vision for TQM
In an exclusive interview, Minette Cooper shared her long-term vision for Total Quality Music and how she envisions the program evolving in the coming years. According to Cooper, TQM’s evolution lies in its expansion into more schools, aiming to reach a broader demographic of students. She is committed to making the program more inclusive, not just for those studying formal music but for all students in the region.
One of Cooper’s key goals for TQM is for every student in the region to experience a symphonic concert, prepared ahead of time through structured music education. As she explains, The basic idea is for every student to come to the symphony ready to appreciate the music. They should have a background on the instruments, the composers, and even the context of the performance, which makes the experience more meaningful and enriching.
Cooper notes that they have only just scratched the surface with TQM in its current form. Despite the program’s success in the local area, there is still much work to be done in terms of exposure and engagement with the broader music world. A key issue that has been identified is the decline in the number of students taking music education, particularly in schools where the focus tends to be on more traditional academic subjects.
As Cooper explained, many students are not being exposed to the symphony because they are primarily listening to what’s readily available through platforms like the radio or their phones. This lack of exposure creates a barrier to engaging with more complex musical forms like symphonies or operas. Cooper’s vision includes introducing more students to these cultural experiences, allowing them to understand and appreciate different genres of music, particularly orchestral and symphonic works. She believes that early exposure and preparation through programs like TQM can make a significant difference in how students approach and appreciate music, particularly classical and symphonic genres.
The Impact of Minette Cooper’s Funding
Minette Cooper, through her funding, has played a pivotal role in establishing and promoting Total Quality Music. Her investment in this initiative allows for the creation of educational tools, workshops, and resources that align with the principles of TQM. This includes:
Curriculum Development: Supporting the creation of music curricula that focus on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded, high-quality education.
Teacher Training: Providing professional development opportunities for music educators to enhance their teaching methods, stay current with new trends in music education, and foster a culture of excellence in their classrooms.
Music Resources: Funding the development and distribution of high-quality musical instruments, sheet music, and technology that can help improve the overall educational experience for students.
Research and Evaluation: Ensuring that TQM is not just a set of ideas but a philosophy that is actively researched and evaluated. This can include studying the effectiveness of different teaching methods or measuring the impact of new educational technologies.
Why TQM in Music Matters
In a rapidly evolving world, traditional music education models often struggle to keep up with the demands of students, educators, and the global music industry. TQM provides a framework that ensures music education remains relevant, high-quality, and effective.
Some benefits of implementing TQM in music education include:
Improved Student Outcomes: With a focus on continuous improvement, students are likely to experience better learning outcomes, mastering both musical technique and creativity.
Enhanced Teacher Effectiveness: Educators are empowered with the tools, training, and support to continuously improve their teaching practices.
Innovation and Adaptability: TQM fosters a culture of innovation, allowing music institutions to stay current with technological advancements, changes in the industry, and evolving student needs.
Collaborative Environment: By involving all stakeholders (students, teachers, administrators, and suppliers), TQM creates a more collaborative and supportive educational environment.
Conclusion
Total Quality Music (TQM) represents a progressive and forward-thinking approach to music education. By applying the principles of Total Quality Music, this initiative ensures that music education continually evolves, delivering the highest quality experiences to students, teachers, and the music community as a whole. Funded by Minette Cooper, TQM is reshaping the way music is taught and learned, providing an invaluable framework for continuous improvement and excellence in music education. With over a decade of successful implementation and a focus on inclusivity and innovation, TQM is poised to remain a transformative force in music education for years to come. Cooper’s vision of expanding the program to more schools and fostering broader engagement with classical music will continue to shape the future of music education in the region.
International Trombone Week
International Trombone week is April 6th through the 13th! Continue reading to get an exclusive interview with VSO Trombonist Tanner Antonetti.
What first drew you to the trombone, and how has your journey as a trombonist shaped your approach to music?
I think the fact that it was so different from the other instruments really stuck out. Also, as a 6th grader, the appeal of playing such a goofy instrument was not lost on me! In terms of my approach to music, well the trombone originally (back to the 1400s) imitated the human voice. The use of the slide gave it an early advantage over other wind instruments, and really lends itself to so many more expressive opportunities. So, I think the fact that the trombone feels a little less limited than some other wind/brass instruments has certainly influenced my own mindset to push further and further beyond my limits as a musician
Could you share a memorable or impactful performance with the Virginia Symphony that showcases the power and beauty of the trombone in the orchestral setting?
When it comes to “trombone” and “beauty” in the same sentence, my first thought is Brahms. I don’t think any composer showcases the tender side of the trombone’s capabilities better than him. In 2019 we performed Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 – a piece where the trombones don’t play at all in the first three movements. But in the Finale, after the introduction and a lyrical exchange between the flute and horn, the trombones enter with arguably one of the most beautiful chorales ever written for us. It was an incredible moment to experience on stage or in the audience, and it’s always gratifying to show that we’re capable of a lot more than just sheer force and power.
How do you continue to grow and challenge yourself as a trombonist? Any advice you might have for aspiring musicians?
For me, the most important catalyst for growth is listening; seeking out a level of expression in music that transcends the basic elements of pitch and rhythm. Musicians, aspiring and professional, need to be endlessly curious and develop a passion for listening. Sure, there are plenty of trombonists that I admire and look to for inspiration, but more than that, I look elsewhere. Authentic creativity and expression can be found in any musical genre if you look for it. When we performed and recorded with Bela Fleck last year, I had a chance to speak with him about a lecture/performance he gave when I was in school for music, about 15 years ago. I didn’t really know who he was at the time, but he got on stage, didn’t say a word, and played a movement from a Bach violin partita. At the time, I just thought “wow, this guy doesn’t care that he plays the banjo, he’s just a musician.” Just the idea that someone could be inspired to not only try playing Bach on an atypical instrument, but also create meaningful expression beyond the traditional “limits” of their instrument – that was a huge eye-opening moment for me and I still think about that concept all the time.
What would you like our donors to know about the importance of supporting trombone and brass sections within the orchestra?
I think it’s easy to think of the brass section, especially the low brass, as a group that can only do one thing – power. But for centuries, composers have relied on the brass to provide a huge range of expression and color that cannot be substituted with any other instrument. And besides, ask any musician what musicians are the most fun to hang out with, and I think they’ll say brass musicians!
Happy April! Here is what I’m listening to this month.
Please contact Hailey Schumacher at hschumacher@virginiasymphony.org for assistance accessing your VSO Spotify Playlist through Memberful.
Upcoming Performances
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Fellows are proud to present their capstone project, Classical Music Declassified! This FREE Concert features pieces by underrepresented composers in a chamber and solo setting. This is also a benefit concert to help collect supplies and items for the Norfolk Street Choirs Project. Help us uplift individuals, affected by homelessness, through the arts by donating essential items of the Norfolk Street Choir Project
VSO Fellows: Classical Music Declassified
The Music of Star Wars
It’s a Star Wars Day celebration! Coming to Virginia from a galaxy far, far away – experience the music of the Star Wars universe like never before with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, now with performances in Newport News AND Virginia Beach!
What About The Music?
COFFEE CONCERT: Symphonie Fantastique
Friday, April 11, 2025 | 11AM | Ferguson Center
Hector Berlioz, born in 1803 in France, was initially on a path to become a doctor, but his passion for music led him to defy his parents’ expectations and pursue a career in composition. A voracious reader of classical literature, his love for works by Virgil and Shakespeare inspired many of his compositions, including Roméo et Juliette. Alongside composing, Berlioz was a notable music journalist, with his Treatise on Instrumentation significantly influencing orchestration in the 19th and 20th centuries.
One of Berlioz’s most iconic works, Symphonie Fantastique (1830), is a vivid musical portrayal of his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson. The symphony follows the emotional journey of a young musician who, in a fit of lovesick despair, poisons himself with opium, leading to haunting dreams and visions. The central theme, the idée fixe, represents the musician’s fixation on the woman and appears throughout the piece, tying the movements together. Each movement illustrates a different scene, from the passionate “Daydreams” to the macabre “Dream of a Witches’ Sabbath,” showcasing Berlioz’s revolutionary use of orchestration and his emotional, dramatic storytelling. Symphonie Fantastique remains a landmark work in Romantic music.
Want to read more? Click here!
Symphonie Fantastique
Friday, April 11, 2025 | 7:30PM | Ferguson Center
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 7:30PM | Sandler Center
Harmonium is a pivotal work in John Adams’ minimalist period, composed between 1980 and 1981 for the opening season of Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. This large-scale choral orchestral piece is structured in three movements, each accompanied by a distinct poem, intertwining the musical and poetic
elements seamlessly. The first movement is paired with John Donne’s “Negative Love,” the second with Emily Dickinson’s “Because I could not stop for Death,” and the third with Dickinson’s “Wild Nights.” Through these poems, Adams explores themes of death, transfiguration, and the spiritual journey beyond life, weaving together moments of serene reflection and turbulent change.
The piece is built around small, recurring motivic cells that develop into more expansive, complex structures, creating a rich tapestry of sound that reflects both lightness and darkness, serenity and turbulence. This compositional approach is characteristic of Adams’ minimalist style, where repetition and gradual transformation serve as tools to evoke deeper emotional and existential themes. Through Harmonium, Adams delves into the profound intersections between life and death, using the language of music to illuminate the spiritual transfiguration hinted at in the chosen poetry.
Adams’ minimalist approach to music and his exploration of new musical territories have earned him recognition as one of the most influential composers of his generation. His work in Harmonium exemplifies his belief in the evolving nature of music and its capacity to convey complex emotional and intellectual experiences. His music, known for its accessibility and intellectual depth, often bridges classical tradition and contemporary sensibilities, offering listeners a powerful journey through sound and thought.
Want to read more? Click here!
Make Your Impact
Your support of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra leads to the success of our programs, allowing us to bring world-class performances to our community and support the artists and educators who make them possible. By clicking here, you can also learn more about our donor levels and benefits. Don’t miss the opportunity to show your support!
Symphonic Snapshots
Check out these photos from last month’s events, capturing the magic, music, and unforgettable moments that made them truly special. Even if you weren’t able to join us in person, we hope these images bring the energy and spirit of the VSO community right to you!
