Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Notes
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We were thrilled to welcome the renowned pianist and 2023 Grammy winner Michelle Cann, who joined us for a remarkable performance of Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony. Her virtuosic skill and emotional depth captivated the audience, making the evening even more special under the masterful direction of our Principal Guest Conductor, Thomas Wilkins. The powerful collaboration between Cann and Wilkins left a lasting impression, highlighting the timeless beauty and intensity of Rachmaninoff’s work. 
The musical magic didn’t stop there. Just weeks later, we had the immense privilege of hosting another Grammy winner, Aoife O'Donovan, whose ethereal voice resonated beautifully during America, Come, a moving highlight in our presentation of Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Under the inspired leadership of Music Director Eric Jacobsen, this performance celebrated the essence of Americana and brought a fresh, poetic dimension to Copland’s masterpiece. 
As we transitioned from the elegance of these classical moments to the joyful spirit of the holidays, we were excited to kick off the season with A Gospel Christmas. This uplifting concert, filled with soulful renditions of holiday favorites, paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary gospel icon Richard Smallwood. The energy and passion of the performance united our community in celebration, filling the concert hall with holiday cheer and a sense of togetherness. With such an incredible November behind us, we look forward to continuing the season with more musical brilliance and festive joy. Thank you to all who joined us for these unforgettable performances and for your ongoing support of the VSO!Soundbridge Launch
In November, we were excited to launch our new Soundbridge series at Elation Brewing, kicking things off with A Very Merry Musical Market. This festive event invited patrons to get into the holiday spirit with live music from a VSO brass ensemble, performing a mix of classic Christmas tunes and some delightfully unexpected pieces. Attendees enjoyed a unique holiday experience, browsing local vendors to get a head start on their Christmas shopping while soaking in the warm, lively atmosphere. The Soundbridge series aims to share the beauty and joy of the VSO in a more relaxed, welcoming setting. We look forward to connecting with new audiences and breaking down barriers to experiencing orchestral music in a fun and accessible way!Your Direct Impact
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is more than a performing arts organization—it’s a vital part of Hampton Roads, enriching lives through the transformative power of music. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we provide world-class music education and live symphony experiences to nearly 30,000 students each year, making a lasting impact on our community. When you support the VSO, you’re inspiring the next generation, enriching education, and strengthening our community through the arts. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Hampton Roads’ youth. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more harmonious future. Helen Martell, our Director of Education and Staff Conductor, highlights some of the recent ways the VSO has touched Hampton Roads. From partnering with local schools to hosting interactive concerts, Helen sees firsthand how your generosity impacts students and educators, inspiring the next generation of musicians and music lovers.Heartstrings Program
The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s Heartstrings Program has been honored with the Distinguished Service Award for Business by the Virginia Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has proudly partnered with this El Sistema-inspired program for nearly a decade. Currently, VSO violinists Kirsty Green and Liz Vonderheide play a vital role by providing monthly small group violin lessons that are essential to the program's success. The VSO deeply values its collaboration with the Kroc Center and joins in celebrating this well-deserved recognition of their outstanding service to the community. Pictured are Kirsty Green and Liz Vonderheide, VSO violinists who have been part of the Heartstrings program since its inception, alongside Keara Smith, the program's lead teacher.Falletta Lifelong Learning
The largest audience since Covid attended the CNU Lifelong Learning Lecture given by VSO's Music Director Laureate, JoAnn Falletta on Oct 17. JoAnn was quite emotional when she reunited with beloved friends who witnessed her 29-year tenure as the VSO Music Director. 
In masterclasses with our guest soloists, students from Hampton Roads receive extraordinary training from world-class musicians that the VSO brings to perform with the orchestra. Significant, audible improvement occurred in Michelle Cann's masterclass in October at Norfolk State University. Not only was she incredibly expressive in her descriptions of the music, but she demonstrated techniques that the students picked up on immediately. Their performances were transformed in from of all who attended.
Young People's Concerts
In preparation for the yearly Young People's Concerts, Director of Education, Helen Martell presented the resource materials for the interactive Carnegie Hall Link Up concert "The Orchestra Moves" to all of the teachers who bring students. Many teachers say that their students really enjoy the concert experience especially because they can sing, play recorders and dance during the concert. One Virginia Beach teacher told a story about one of her students. He went from being a "problem child" to an enthusiastic, fully participating choir member after attending the Virginia Symphony Concert. Proof that transformation through music does happen.Total Quality Music
Many thanks to the generosity of Minette Cooper for supporting the Total Quality Music (TQM) program for the Norfolk Public Schools. Our goal is to have string duet performances and clinic sessions in each of the Norfolk Middle and High Schools. The students then are provided tickets to a VSO concert. When student see the musicians performing on stage that worked with them in their schools, the impact grows tremendously. What About The Music?
The original manuscript of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite was lost for over 50 years, rediscovered in 1946 among unrelated papers. Interestingly, Tchaikovsky himself wasn’t fond of the ballet, calling it “infinitely worse than Sleeping Beauty.” The suite debuted in March 1892, months before the ballet's premiere in December, as Tchaikovsky opted to showcase it despite his dissatisfaction with the work overall. 
Did you know Handel composed his iconic Messiah in a remarkable 24 days during the summer of 1741, driven by a "white-hot frenzy of creativity." Originally intended for Lent, Messiah premiered in Dublin at Easter in 1742. It wasn’t until the Victorian era that it became a Christmas tradition, as part of efforts to revive the holiday. Handel was so moved while writing the Hallelujah Chorus that he reportedly wept and claimed to see visions of angels.
Upcoming Performances
Classic Christmas Series
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to perform a festive program featuring holiday and winter themed works by Bach and Vivaldi alongside selections from Tchaikovsky’s captivating music for The Nutcracker.
Classical Christmas in Norfolk Johnson Theater December 7, 2024 7:30 pm
Classical Christmas at William & Mary Music Building, Concert Hall William & Mary December 8, 2024 3:00 pm
Classical Christmas at William & Mary Music Building, Concert Hall William & Mary December 8, 2024 7:00 pm
Holiday POPS!
Join us for the must-see holiday tradition of the season – Holiday POPS! There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony and special guests. Holiday POPS will have all the magical elements you’ve come to expect and more – high energy, familiar carols, and lots of holiday warmth! And we’ll even throw in a surprise or two! We can’t wait to celebrate the 2024 holiday season together!
Holiday Pops! Ferguson Center for the Arts December 12, 2024 7:30 pm
Holiday Pops! Chrysler Hall December 14, 2024 7:30 pm
Holiday Pops! Sandler Center for the Performing Arts December 15, 2024 7:00 pm
PBJ: Jingle Bell Jam
Santa Claus is stopping by to be a part of the VSO’s ever-popular Jingle Bell Jam! Celebrate the magic of the season with an afternoon that showcases the music of the holidays with the best talent in Hampton Roads. Get your tickets early – this family favorite is sure to sell out!
PBJ: Jingle Bell Jam Sandler Center for the Performing Arts December 15, 2024 3:00 pm
Holiday Brass
The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony brass section ring in the holidays with a blast! Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays–featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections in an all-new program. You’ll enjoy music from a variety of styles that have made this concert a new holiday tradition!
Holiday Brass Saint Bede Catholic Church December 18, 2024 7:30 pm
Holiday Brass in Chesapeake Chesapeake Conference Center December 19, 2024 7:00 pm
Holiday Brass in Portsmouth Churchland High School, Portsmouth December 20, 2024 7:00 pm
Holiday Brass in Cape Charles Cape Charles Palace Theater December 21, 2024 7:30 pm
Handel’s Messiah
It’s Southeastern Virginia’s grandest Messiah! Iconic music including the Hallelujah chorus portrays one of the greatest stories ever told. This year will feature the full Christmas portion in addition to selections from the second and third parts of this sacred masterpiece which are sure to inspire. Norfolk native Anthony Parnther delighted audiences during his appearance with the VSO in 2023, and we’re delighted to invite him back to the podium!
Handel's Messiah Regent University Theatre December 19, 2024 7:30 pm
Handel's Messiah First Baptist Church of Newport News December 20, 2024 7:30 pm
Handel's Messiah Harrison Opera House December 21, 2024 7:30 pm
December Spotify
This month's Spotify picks are brought to you by the dedicated people working behind the scenes at the VSO to help bring you wonderful music all year long. Our hardworking employees wanted to share some of their favorite holiday songs to help spread the festive spirit—enjoy their top picks
- Luther Vandross – I Listen to the Bells -"This song always makes me want to get up and dance and I love that it is a duet with the one and only Ms. Darlene Love!"- Paula Bonds, Assistant Librarian
- Whitney Houston- Joy to the World rendition in the Preacher's Wife - "This whole album was always on repeat during the holidays in my home. Particularly this song, brings back so many wonderful memories of spending the season with my family. "- Gabrielle Pinkney, Executive Assistant
- Mariah Carey – All I Want for Christmas is You- "Is this even up for discussion??"- Alexander Chen, Personnel Manager
- Snowman- Sia- " It transforms something we typically associate with winter into a universal theme, making it a modern Christmas classic in my opinion."-Brittiani Chamblee, Manager of Leadership Giving
- This Christmas- Donny Hathaway- "I love this song because it just makes me smile, dance and sing along."- Nikki Thorpe, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement
- Leroy Anderson- A Christmas Festival-Very creative use of the orchestra and how he loosely quotes other famous composers. During the final carol, 'O Come All Ye Faithful,' I can never sing along because I become choked up with emotion - every time I hear it. To me, it feels like the essence of the holiday"- Helen Martell, Director of Education and Staff Conductor
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra's -Carol of the Bells- " It ROCKS!!!"- Austin Moore, Revenue Operations Manager
- The Nutcracker Suite - Les Brown & HIs Band of Renown- "I listen to the entire Nutcracker ballet maybe 50 times from November 1 until Christmas, but I also love this Big Band reimagining that squeezes music from the suite into under 7 minutes."- Smith Williams, Vice President of Marketing
Double Your Impact
Right now, all donations to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra are being matched! This is your chance to make your gift go twice as far and have an even greater impact. Click here to donate and double your support! By clicking here, you can also learn more about our donor levels and benefits. Don't miss this opportunity to double your support.
Symphonic Snapshots
Below are more photos from this past month's events—capturing the magic, music, and moments that made them so special. Even if you couldn’t join us in person, we hope these snapshots make you feel a part of the fun and the vibrant VSO community!Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony
A Very Merry Market
Appalachian Spring & Aoife O'Donovan
A Gospel Christmas
