Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Notes
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December Review
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra celebrated the holiday season in style with a full calendar of magical performances! From the VSO's first SoundBridge event at Elation Brewing to beloved annual performances including Holiday Pops, Holiday Brass, and Messiah, we hope you were able to join some of the fun!
As we enter th
e new year, the staff and musicians of the VSO are filled with a sense of reflection and gratitude. December brought an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of music, the joy of togetherness, and the warmth of the season. We extend our heartfelt thanks to you, the VSO's generous donors. Your support truly makes an incredible difference in our community.
best talent from Hampton Roads. The event kicked off with pre-concert activities in the lobby, including a chance for families to take photos with Santa. The concert was a true crowd-pleaser, and with its growing popularity, it’s no surprise that tickets sold out quickly. It was an unforgettable holiday tradition for all ages! The Holiday Brass concert was a stunning display of the Virginia Symphony's brass and percussion sections, ringing in the holidays with bold, festive sounds. The program, filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the season, showcased a diverse mix of styles that captivated the audience. With its lively energy and unique offerings, this concert has quickly become a new holiday tradition for many. Best of all, it was a free event open to the public, allowing the entire community to join in the celebration of the season’s music. 
This year’s performance of Messiah was truly Southeastern Virginia’s grandest rendition yet, featuring the iconic music of Handel’s masterpiece, including the powerful Hallelujah Chorus. The concert presented the full Christmas portion along with selections from the second and third parts, adding depth and inspiration to this sacred work. The performance was made even more special by the return of Norfolk native Anthony Parnther, who captivated the audience with his conducting once again. His leadership brought a renewed energy to the VSO, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all who attended. 
Thank You for Your Generosity!
What About The Music?
Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown
Motown, founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr., is one of the most influential record labels in music history. Based in Detroit, Michigan, its name comes from a combination of "motor" (reflecting Detroit’s automotive industry) and "town." Gordy’s vision was to create a sound that could bridge the racial divide in music, blending pop, R&B, and soul into a style that appealed to both Black and white audiences.
Motown's "Motown Sound" became a signature genre, characterized by catchy melodies, sophisticated production, and a polished style. The label's roster included iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and the Jackson 5. Motown's success not only reshaped popular music but also played a significant role in the civil rights movement, providing a platform for Black artists in a segregated society. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, Motown expanded internationally, influencing pop culture worldwide. After Gordy moved the label to Los Angeles in 1972, Motown's dominance in the music industry began to wane, but its legacy remains profound, and it continues to be celebrated for its innovation and cultural impact.
PBJ: Dancing Princesses
The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, were two German brothers who loved collecting stories. In the 1800s, they published a book called Grimm's Fairy Tales, which included famous stories like "Cinderella," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Snow White." They collected these stories from people who told them out loud and wrote them down to share with others. The tales often had magical adventures and taught important lessons. Over time, the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales became loved by people all over the world and were made into many books, plays, and movies.
Piano Superstar Yuja Wang + Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet
Pianist Yuja Wang is renowned for her charismatic artistry, emotional depth, and captivating stage presence. Known for her virtuosic skill and spontaneous performances, she believes each program should reflect her feelings in the moment. Her notable performances include a historic Rachmaninoff marathon at Carnegie Hall and the world premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Born in Beijing into a musical family, she trained in Canada and at the Curtis Institute of Music. Her breakthrough came in 2007 when she replaced Martha Argerich with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She signed with Deutsche Grammophon in 2009 and has since become one of the world’s leading pianists, with critical acclaim, awards such as Musical America’s Artist of the Year (2017), and an Opus Klassik Award (2021). Recently, she toured internationally, performing a diverse program to great acclaim. Want to learn more about this incredible concert? Click here!
Upcoming Performances
A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for a poignant concert honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a symbol of hope and justice. Experience an inspiring evening of music that echoes his timeless message of equality and unity. This is a unique opportunity to celebrate his vision through the transformative power of orchestral music.
A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. Harrison Opera House January 19th, 2025 7:00 pm
A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. I.C. Norcom High School January 25th, 2025 7:00 pm
PBJ: Dancing Princesses
Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy a lively retelling of the Brothers Grimm's The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Choreographed by Brandon Porter, this engaging program features students from The Academy of Dance and Gymnastics in a variety of styles, all set to the captivating music of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
PBJ: Dancing Princesses Sandler Center for the Performing Arts January 26th, 2025 3:00 pm
Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown
Experience the magic of Motown in this unforgettable two-night concert! Featuring iconic hits from legends like Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder, the program includes timeless songs like "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," "Reach Out I’ll Be There," "Dancing in the Street," "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," "My Girl," "Superstition," and more. With authentic arrangements and performances by talented young singers, you’ll be swept away by the powerful, soulful sounds of Motown.
Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown Chrysler Hall January 31st, 2025 7:30 pm
Dancing in the Street: The Music of Motown Ferguson Center for the Arts February 1st, 2025 7:30 pm
CommUNITY 2025
CommUNITY invites everyone in Hampton Roads to pick up their instrument, bring their voice and join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of peace, inclusion and unity, but that’s only half of the event! Be part of our audience for this inspiring annual event that embraces our community’s cultural richness and diversity, uniting people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds through participation in music, dance and spoken word.
Piano Superstar Yuja Wang + Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet
Pianist Yuja Wang is one of the most celebrated pianists performing today. Witness her charismatic artistry and virtuosity in this special one-night-only performance with Eric Jacobsen and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra! The witty playfulness of Ligeti’s concerto and the soaring neo-romanticism of Rautavaara’s concerto are the perfect way to experience the infectious pianism that keeps her in demand all over the world. They’re paired with one of the most stunning and well known pieces of music ever written, composed by the King of Melody himself, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky!
January Spotify
Happy New Year!
Take a listen to Eric Jacobsen’s curated January Spotify playlist, filled with his favorite tracks for the month. It’s the perfect soundtrack to accompany the VSO’s performances this month!
"I hope you all had beautiful holidays and can't wait to see you soon. January is the month of Mozart's birthday! Thinking of all the great works he wrote, including Sinfonia Concertante. In March, we get to feature our beloved principal cellist Mike Daniels in the intense and exciting Don Quixote! Finally, including what I find one of the most beautiful songs ever, Elgar's Salut d'Amour. Enjoy!"
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
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.
