Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of Claire Ketsdever, VSO Production Manager

When audiences arrive at a Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert and settle into their seats, they’re greeted with the polished beauty of live orchestral music. But behind every seamless performance is a crew of hardworking individuals who make the magic happen often before the sun has even risen.

Claire Ketsdever, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Production Manager, is one of those behind-the-scenes heroes. “As the saying goes in Production, ‘first in, last out,’” she says. On a typical performance day, Claire and her crew are on-site as early as 5:30 a.m., setting the stage – literally – for the music to come.

Because the VSO doesn’t have a permanent home stage, performances take place at different venues across the region. “I often describe our orchestra as nomadic,” Claire explains. “We travel around with no one place to call home.” That mobility allows the VSO to reach more communities, but it also creates enormous logistical challenges.

Each concert week kicks off with what Claire calls a “Gear Pack”, a highly coordinated operation to load all the necessary instruments, equipment, and staging into trucks from their storage facility in Virginia Beach. Think of it like playing a giant game of Tetris, but with timpani, risers, music stands, and even a Leslie organ for Gospel Pops. For the recent performance of Symphonie Fantastique, the team needed three trucks and the VSO van just to transport everything.

Once on-site, Claire’s team unloads and sets up, sometimes at multiple venues in a single day. “We can be in up to three or four different locations during a performance week,” she says. The percussion section alone can take up to an hour to assemble, and every detail, from chair spacing to stand lights, is carefully considered. But the work doesn’t stop once the rehearsal begins. Claire remains on hand to address last-minute needs such as fixing wobbly stands, replacing missing screws, or ensuring that percussionists have everything they need. Then comes load-out, where everything is packed back up with the same precision and care. Some of Claire’s most memorable moments come when things don’t go according to plan. Early in her tenure, a truck broke down en route to a concert in North Carolina.

Claire’s team works closely with VSO musicians, conductors, and guest artists to ensure every performance runs smoothly. From stage plots and equipment riders to percussion checklists and lighting requests, her job is a blend of artistry, logistics, and problem-solving.

And benefactor support plays a crucial role in making this work possible. “Being a nomadic orchestra puts a lot of wear and tear on our equipment, instruments, and vehicles,” Claire says. “Thanks to donor contributions, we were recently able to replace our aging sound shields—something that’s already made a huge difference for our musicians.”

When asked what she wants our generous supporters to know about her work, Claire is clear: “It’s all extremely collaborative. My goal is always to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment. Sometimes the magic happens at the last minute and I’m lucky to have a crew that brings the pixie dust.”

What About The Music? 

Experience Mahler’s Monumental Ninth Symphony Live

Described as sublime, lush, and mind-blowing, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 stands as one of the most profound artistic achievements in history. For Virginia Symphony Orchestra Music Director Eric Jacobsen, it ranks alongside humanity’s greatest masterpieces—on par with the Taj Mahal and the Duomo in Florence. Composed during the final chapter of Mahler’s life, as he grappled with a terminal heart condition, the Ninth is a deeply personal meditation on life, death, and transcendence. Its sweeping emotional arc takes listeners on a cathartic journey from the tender beauty of existence to the serene stillness of the great beyond.

Spanning four movements, the symphony is a breathtaking exploration of emotional depth and orchestral brilliance. Mahler weaves together moments of fragile introspection, rustic charm, sardonic wit, and ultimate spiritual release. From the sighing motifs of the opening Andante to the raw, defiant energy of the Rondo-Burleske, and finally to the sublime, dissolving farewell of the Adagio, every note resonates with Mahler’s genius and humanity. The Ninth Symphony challenges and rewards performers and audiences alike, offering an unforgettable musical experience that lingers long after the final notes fade into silence. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Mahler’s final completed symphony live with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Catch the performance: 

May 9, 2025 at 7:30 pm in Newport News

&
May 10, 2025 at 2:30 pm in Virginia Beach

These performances are made possible through a generous gift from the Susan Goode Performance Fund.

Upcoming Performances

Mahler’s Ninth Symphony

Gustav Mahler’s Ninth Symphony has been called sublime, lush, and mind-blowing. For Eric Jacobsen, Music Director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, it is “one of the greatest accomplishments of humanity—on par with architectural masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and the Duomo in Florence.” Recently diagnosed with a terminal heart condition, Mahler composed his Ninth Symphony, his final completed symphony, while confronting his own mortality. The emotional work takes the listener on a musical journey from the beauty of life to the tranquility of the great unknown. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear this monumental masterpiece LIVE with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra!

Can’t to see more of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra? Check out these upcoming performances presented by the Virginia Arts Festival!

*Tickets for this Virginia Arts Festival event are only available via the Virginia Arts Festival website (linked here) or at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office (757) 282-2822. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Box Office does not sell tickets for this event. VSO subscriber credits, exchanges, and vouchers are not eligible for this event. 

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Black Sabbath – The Ballet