June 2025 | Edition 10
Where are the VSO Musicians?
A Conversation with Personnel Manager: Alexander Chen
VSO’s Inclusion Journey Takes the National Stage
Eric Jacobsen’s June Playlist
You Can Make A Difference
Celebrate Summer with the VSO!
Symphonic Snapshots
Dear Friends of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra,
As we look back on the 2024–2025 season, we are filled with pride and gratitude. This year has been marked by remarkable musical moments and vibrant community energy thanks in large part to your steadfast support. Your generosity allows the VSO to flourish and continue bringing people together through the transformative power of music.
One of the most unforgettable highlights of the season was our performance of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony under the direction of Music Director Eric Jacobsen. Known as Mahler’s final completed symphony, the Ninth is a monumental and deeply introspective work, a meditation on life, death, and the fleeting nature of beauty. From the tender opening bars to the transcendent final movement, the orchestra carried audiences on a journey of vulnerability, grace, and cathartic power.
Reflecting on the performance, Eric shared:
“Concluding the VSO season with Mahler 9 was a truly unforgettable experience! The energy in the halls was electric—everyone was deeply engaged, both onstage and off—and it created such a powerful and emotional atmosphere. I feel like we all connected in such a unique way. It felt incredibly special to end the year with a work of such depth and magnitude, and it was the perfect way to celebrate an amazing season with all of you.”
These performances were not only a musical achievement, but also a moving reminder of the power of great art to unite, uplift, and heal. Moments like these are only possible because of your belief in our mission. As we turn the page, we’re already dreaming big for the season ahead with more community events, partnerships, and performances on the horizon. We can’t wait to share what’s next with you.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Ever wonder where our talented VSO musicians head once the concert season winds down? Thanks to a survey conducted by our Annual Fund Manager, Hailey Schumacher, we’ve gathered a glimpse into the exciting summer activities of our orchestra members—and mapped their movements across the East Coast and beyond!
From Vermont to Chicago and everywhere in between, our musicians can be found teaching, performing, studying, and relaxing in various corners of the country. Whether they’re participating in summer music festivals, giving private lessons, attending workshops, or simply recharging in the mountains, our performers continue to keep music close to their hearts year-round.
Take a look at the map above to see where some of them are spending their summer months. You’ll notice clusters in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic, but also a vibrant spread across New England, the Midwest, and even Canada!
It’s important to note that this map only captures part of the picture and it does not reflect all the summer endeavors of the VSO Musicians. But it does offer a colorful peek into the breadth of their artistry, dedication, and wanderlust.
Wherever they go, the spirit of the VSO travels with them.
Chris White: Music, Millennium Park, and a Chicago Summer
Chris White, a VSO staple for 27 years, is headed into his 26th season with the Grant Park Orchestra in Chicago. Performing in the heart of Millennium Park, this beloved ensemble is part of the nation’s only remaining free, municipally funded outdoor classical music series, offering 10 weeks of world-class performances accessible to all.
When he’s not on stage, you’ll find Chris soaking up summer with swims in Lake Michigan, indulging in Portillo’s, and traveling with his family to Rhode Island and Maine. Add in some gym time, running, and maybe a beer or two, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a vibrant, music-filled summer! 🍻🎶🏖️
Amanda Gates: Spotted in Western New York!
Amanda Gates, a cherished VSO violinist of 25 years, is spending her summer performing as a first violinist with the Chautauqua Symphony and Opera, where she also serves as Personnel Manager. Outside the concert hall, Amanda plans to make the most of the season with hiking, biking, kayaking, and her personal favorite, making (and eating!) homemade ice cream. A sweet summer, indeed!
Seiko Syvertsen: A Season for Family and Flour
For 28 years, Seiko Syvertsen has been a treasured member of the VSO, bringing grace and heart to every performance. This summer, Seiko is embracing what matters most—time with family. Whether traveling with her husband and children or visiting loved ones back home in Japan, summer has always been a deeply personal and meaningful season.
Though she’s not performing at festivals or camps this year, Seiko reflects honestly on the challenges of balancing career ambitions with family life—a reality many can relate to. Despite those challenges, she has found fresh inspiration in an unexpected place: sourdough baking! After years of trial and error, she now finds joy and success in the art of homemade bread.
Sometimes the most profound growth happens outside the spotlight—and Seiko’s story is a beautiful reminder of that. 🍞❤️🌏
Summer Sounds with David Savige
David Savige, a dedicated member of the VSO for 26 years, will be spending part of his summer immersed in the timeless beauty of Baroque music at the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. Known for his artistry and warmth on stage, David continues to share his talent beyond the concert hall, bringing music to life in the heart of Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. 🎻🌄
CELIA DAGGY: PREMIERING NEW WORKS AND CELEBRATING VIRGINIA’S CULTURE
Celia Daggy has been an inspiring member of the VSO for 3 years, bringing her passion and artistry to every performance. This June, she will be premiering a brand-new sonata for viola and piano, Blue Ridge Suite, composed in collaboration with Scott Wheeler over several years. The piece celebrates the rich topography, culture, and musical styles of Virginia and will debut on Wednesday, June 11th at 12:00 noon at Asbury United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg, VA. A performance not to be missed!
Celia’s summer includes appearances at the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival in Harrisonburg from June 9–15, followed by the Wintergreen Music Festival in the Blue Ridge throughout July. Whenever possible, she enjoys swimming or catching a baseball game mixing relaxation with her vibrant musical life. 🎻🌄⚾
Summer in the Adirondacks with Isabel Dimoff
Isabel Dimoff, now in her 2nd year with the VSO, is spending her summer as Principal Cello with the Lake Placid Sinfonietta in beautiful upstate New York. After a visit with family in Cleveland, OH, Isabel will perform in concerts throughout July and August, surrounded by mountain views and fresh air. When she’s not on stage, she’s looking forward to bonfires, kayaking, and making the most of an Adirondack summer! 🌲🎻🔥
Simon Lapointe: Balancing the Big Top and the Bow
Simon Lapointe has been a valued member of the VSO for 20 years, and his summer schedule is nothing short of extraordinary. As Assistant Principal Second Violin with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, a role he’s held since 2010. Simon spends his summers surrounded by music and nature in beautiful Chautauqua, NY.
But that’s not all! Simon also works full-time with Cirque du Soleil as an Artistic Services Senior Platform Administrator, blending his performance background with the behind-the-scenes magic of one of the world’s most renowned entertainment companies. Whether on stage or in the world of Cirque, Simon is always orchestrating something remarkable!
TANNER ANTONETTI: EMBRACING SUMMER MUSIC AND NATURE
Tanner Antonetti has been a dedicated member of the VSO for 7 years, contributing his talent and passion to our ensemble. Each summer, Tanner spends a few weeks in Plymouth, NH, performing with the New Hampshire Music Festival, a vibrant event that blends beautiful music with the charm of New England.
This summer, Tanner is especially looking forward to exploring the White Mountains while making great music, embracing both nature and artistry in perfect harmony. 🎶⛰️
On the Move with Elizabeth & David Vonderheide!
Longtime VSO musicians Elizabeth and David Vonderheide are making the most of their summer with a perfect harmony of performance and adventure!
Elizabeth Vonderheide, a devoted member of the VSO for 22 years, kicks off her summer performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony before heading to the Wintergreen Music Festival to continue her musical journey in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But Elizabeth isn’t just making music—she’s also hitting the pavement! She’ll be running a 200-mile relay race in Portland, Oregon, as part of a 12-person team that includes her husband, VSO Principal Trumpet David Vonderheide, and musicians from across the country, including several former VSO players.
David Vonderheide, now in his 27th season with the VSO, also returns to the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival each July, where he brings his signature artistry and energy to the stage. Outside of music, David is an avid endurance runner, joining Elizabeth and their team in the iconic Hood to Coast relay—the largest relay race in the country. Spanning over 24 hours from Mount Hood to the Oregon coast, the race demands stamina, spirit, and a deep sense of teamwork.
In between rehearsals and race legs, the Vonderheides are carving out time for well-earned rest with their extended family on the West Coast, soaking up the sun and the sea.
Their summer is a true celebration of dedication, balance, and the joy of doing what you love—on stage, on the road, and everywhere in between. 🎻🎺🏃♂️🌊
Joanne White: Nurturing Young Talent and Embracing Creative Projects
Since joining the VSO in 1996, Joanne White has been a cornerstone of our musical family for nearly 30 years. This summer, she’s proudly coordinating the third year of the Governor’s School for the Arts summer camps for woodwinds, brass, and flute choir, a program that’s grown every year under her leadership. With VSO musicians making up most of the faculty, Joanne is helping shape the next generation of performers.
She also plans to perform in as many VSO summer concerts as possible, while making time to visit her husband, Chris White (VSO Principal Bass), during his Chicago season with the Grant Park Orchestra. Their family will also make their cherished annual trip to Maine and Rhode Island and at summer’s end, celebrate a big milestone as they send their youngest off to Carnegie Mellon University.
Between travels and concerts, Joanne has creative goals at home too: refinishing a beautiful old cabinet, painting her kitchen cabinets, and hopefully picking up her long-paused knitting project. A summer full of purpose, music, and meaningful transitions. 🧶🎶🪑
STEPHEN A. SLATER: DEDICATED HORN INSTRUCTOR AND FAMILY CELEBRANT
Stephen A. Slater has been a committed member of the VSO for 7 seasons, sharing their talent and expertise with our orchestra. This summer, Stephen will attend their sixth year as Horn Instructor at the New England Music Camp, just north of Augusta. The camp unites young musicians from junior high and high schools to perform in orchestras, bands, chamber ensembles, jazz, and choral groups, an inspiring environment for the next generation.
On the personal side, Stephen is excited to throw an 80th birthday party for their mother in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, gathering nearly 20 extended family members for a joyful celebration. They’re also hoping to catch the U.S. Open tennis tournament in September, building on their first experience there last year. Stephen’s summer beautifully blends music, family celebrations, and a love for tennis.
A Conversation with Personnel Manager
Alexander Chen
When you hear the Virginia Symphony Orchestra come to life from strings shimmering, brass blazing, every note locked in perfect step — you’re witnessing something extraordinary.
But behind that breathtaking sound is someone you might not expect: Alexander Chen, our Personnel Manager. His work ensures that every musician is in their seat, instrument in hand, ready to bring the music to you.
What many may not realize is that Chen is more than an administrator—he’s a dynamic and rising talent in the orchestral world. A Taiwanese-American conductor and cellist based in Virginia, Chen brings a deeply collaborative spirit and artistic vision to every aspect of his work, both on and off the podium.
In March 2024, Chen made his guest conductor debut with the VSO and continues to serve regularly as a cover conductor. In early 2025, he assisted the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and is slated to return to conduct several VSO programs in the spring and summer of 2025. With a passion for blending familiar masterworks with underrepresented musical gems, Chen strives to craft performances that connect with traditional and new audiences alike.
His collaborative resume includes work with some of today’s most celebrated musicians and conductors, including Yannick Nézet-Séguin, JoAnn Falletta, Alan Pierson, Demarre McGill, Michelle Cann, and Chris Thile. Off the podium, Chen shares his artistry through teaching, serving as Director of Orchestras at Virginia Wesleyan University and working closely with regional youth and academic programs across Hampton Roads.
A graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, Chen conducted over 10 concerti and 6 ensembles during his time in Chicago. Born in Taipei and raised in Philadelphia, his musical roots began early with studies in piano and cello. He continues to explore other creative outlets—including photography, with his work featured in the New York Times through a collaboration with the Cornell Watch Company.
At the Virginia Symphony, Alexander Chen is a connector—of people, of purpose, and of powerful music. Whether behind the scenes or center stage, his influence helps shape the sound and soul of the VSO.
But for Chen, music isn’t just a profession. It’s a lifelong passion rooted in a single, unforgettable moment.
The first time music gave him chills?
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The iconic “dun dun dun DUN!” conducted by Claudio Abbado in a 1996 Berlin Philharmonic recording. Alexander was just eight years old, doing math games on the family desktop while the music played in the background. That recording stayed with him.
Years later, while studying conducting in Germany, he stumbled across the exact vinyl for just three euros. Today, it’s framed and hanging in his living room.
“That recording,” he says, “changed everything.”
That early spark ignited a journey for Chen, not just toward the podium, but toward something deeper: understanding how music is made, and how people make it together.
The job no one sees, but everyone feels.
You might think conducting and managing are worlds apart. Alexander doesn’t.
“Both are about people,” he says. “You’re guiding a group both artistically and logistically. You solve problems. You listen.”
One thing he learned early: don’t play favorites. “In school, I was taught that a conductor can’t be everyone’s friend. But you can treat everyone with respect. You should make their job easier.”
The best conductors, he says, are collaborators.
What still amazes him about the vso musicians?
“How hard they work. The dedication is… breathtaking.”
They teach. They travel. They perform far beyond our stages. And they still carve out time to practice, to refine, to bring their very best to every note they play in our halls.
It’s a full-time commitment and then some.
And when you give?
You’re not just funding concerts. You’re helping build a legacy.
“There are things every orchestra needs,” Alexander says. “Chairs. Stand lights. Sheet music. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential.”
When donors give, they’re not just filling a gap. They’re becoming part of something historic. They’re shaping what’s heard on stage and what’s felt in the community.
“You can actually see the impact,” he says. “You’re not just donating. You’re ensuring the livelihood of this orchestra today, and for generations.”
VSO’s Inclusion Journey Takes the National Stage
Last week, Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Christy Havens, was invited to speak at the League of American Orchestras’ 2025 National Conference on a panel titled “Strategies for Creating Positive, Inclusive Organizations.” This session served as a preview of the League’s upcoming Catalyst Guide on Inclusive Cultures, set to be published this fall. The guide is based on the results of a national “Inclusion Index” survey and interviews with orchestras demonstrating strong inclusive practices—among them, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Representing the VSO, Christy shared our organization’s journey from early skepticism to meaningful, mission-driven inclusion. When she joined the VSO a decade ago, the team had just completed a strategic plan centered around community engagement. While programming became more diverse in the years that followed, it became clear that internal organizational culture needed to reflect those same inclusive values.
Thanks to support from the League’s Catalyst Fund, the VSO began working with multiple EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) practitioners to undertake a multi-year process that included:
– Conducting an EDI audit to identify opportunities and barriers,– Providing EDI training for staff, board, and musicians to develop shared understanding and vocabulary,
– Developing equity plans tailored to each department, including a long-term strategy to diversify the orchestra itself
While the work wasn’t always easy, consistent communication and collaboration became the foundation for cultural change. Christy shared how the VSO now invests more energy into explaining the “why” behind decisions—whether to staff, board, or musicians—fostering transparency and trust. Programs like staff-led “Lunch & Learns” and musician-driven initiatives such as the Fellowship Program and the newly drafted Code of Conduct exemplify this inclusive, collaborative spirit.
Importantly, Christy emphasized that this work is ongoing. “We haven’t arrived,” she said, “but we’ve built momentum.” And it’s that momentum—grounded in intentional listening, empathy, and a commitment to shared mission—that has made the VSO a national example of progress in action.
To learn more about the panel, visit the League Conference session description.
This month, I’ve been loving a mix of fresh takes and timeless moods. Bach’s Trio Sonata gets a fun twist with Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, and Edgar Meyer—classical meets jam session. Grieg’s Morning Mood feels like the perfect summer sunrise, while Beethoven’s Eroica (especially that second movement) adds a dose of drama and depth.
Bach: Trio Sonata in G Major
Grieg: Peer Gynt, Morning Mood
Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”, mvmt II
Did you know that ticket sales cover only about half of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s operating costs?
Thanks to generous benefactors like YOU, the VSO can bring world-class music to stages and communities across Southeastern Virginia. By clicking below, you can also learn more about our donor levels and benefits. Don’t miss the opportunity to show your support!
Celebrate Summer with the Virginia Symphony!
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is bringing live music to parks and outdoor spaces near you all month long. Bring a picnic, your friends, and enjoy a summer evening under the stars—free for everyone!
Thursday, July 10, 2025 – 7:30 PM | Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Sunday, July 20, 2025 – 8:00 PM | Town Point Park
🌟 Mark your calendar and bring your lawn chair. We’ll see you outside!
Symphonic Snapshots
Take a look at these highlights from last month’s events full of music, magic, and memorable moments. Even if you couldn’t be there in person, we hope these photos capture the energy and spirit of the VSO community for you to enjoy!
