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Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Symphony Notes

November 2024 | Edition 03

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Orchestrated October: A Symphony of Thrills and Spills
Evening of Hope
National Mentorship Month
What About The Music?
Upcoming Performances
November Spotify
Double Your Impact
October was a month filled with extraordinary musical experiences at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra! We were thrilled to welcome back our Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate, JoAnn Falletta, who conducted a breathtaking performance of Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony. The evening also featured the exceptional Brendon Elliott, who captivated audiences with his stunning renditions of Concerto No. 2 in G major for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 5, and Sonata No. 4 in E minor. This concert was a testament to the artistry and brilliance that our audiences have come to cherish.  
                                                             We also brought the magic of music to a new generation through the return of our beloved PB & J series. Our Halloween Spooktacular enchanted families with a fun and spooky symphonic adventure, making it a perfect celebration for young music lovers.                                                         In another thrilling highlight, Alfred Hitchcock's classic masterpiece Psycho came to life on the big screen, accompanied by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra performing the iconic score live. The combination of suspenseful cinema and a live orchestral performance created an unforgettable, spine-tingling experience for our audience.                                                               Thank you to everyone who joined us for these spectacular events! We look forward to sharing even more unforgettable moments with you throughout the season.  

Evening of Hope

In addition to the VSO's amazing shows in October, The Urban Renewal Center partnered with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to host the 3rd annual Evening of Hope. The event commemorated victims and survivors of violence and honored frontline professionals who bring messages of hope to Hampton Roads. The night featured moving performances by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Alex Harris, Rev. Nate Griffin, Amber Garrett, Stephanie Sanders, Shark City Drum and Dance Corps, and a local community choir. It was a powerful evening that united the community in hope and healing. Thanks to your generosity, the VSO can continue working toward our mission, in creating world-class symphonic performances, and purposeful community engagement throughout Southeastern Virginia. Your support helps us remain an active and impactful member of our community.

VSO Mentorships

We recently interviewed Margaret Albrecht (Bass Clarinet), Carter Melin (Cello), and Helen Wargelin (Horn) from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in honor of National Mentorship Month. They shared their thoughts on the importance of mentorships and what having strong mentors means to them, highlighting how these relationships shape both personal and professional growth.

What About The Music?

Did you know that Aaron Copland was born in 1900 in Brooklyn, NY? As a child, he wanted piano lessons but could only learn from his sisters. It wasn’t until after high school that he began to seriously engage in music, eventually choosing it as his career. Similarly, Aoife O’Donovan grew up spending summers in Ireland, singing with her extended family—a tradition that inspired her love of folk music. To learn more about the artists and composers featured in our upcoming performance, click here.
 

Appalachian Spring & Aoife O’Donovan

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring ballet, where Aaron Copland’s iconic music first debuted, shaping the American musical landscape. His full-orchestra suite from the ballet has since become a cultural cornerstone. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Aoife O’Donovan will join the VSO and her husband, Music Director Eric Jacobsen, to present America, Come, her musical tribute to women’s voting rights. The piece draws inspiration from the words and lives of Carrie Chapman Catt and President Woodrow Wilson during the pivotal summer of 1920.

COFFEE CONCERT: Appalachian Spring Ferguson Center For The Arts November 15, 2024 11:00 am

Appalachian Spring & Aoife O’Donovan Ferguson Center For The Arts November 15, 2024 7:30 pm

A Very Merry Musical Market

Get your holiday shopping done early while you listen to live chamber music and sip on tasty brews from Elation Brewing.

A Very Merry Musical Market Elation Brewery November 21, 2024

A Gospel Christmas featuring A Tribute to Richard Smallwood

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to welcome Dr. Henry Panion back to Chrysler Hall for a soulful seasonal celebration. This performance features a powerful community gospel choir led by Minister Earl Bynum, Director of The Mount Unity Choir. We’ll also honor gospel music legend Richard Smallwood, with Dr. Panion’s uplifting orchestral arrangements of his iconic songs sure to bring the audience to their feet!

A Gospel Christmas featuring a Tribute to Richard Smallwood Chrysler Hall November 30, 2024 7:30 pm

November Spotify

Take a listen to Eric Jacobsen's curated November Spotify playlist, filled with his favorite tracks for the season. It's the perfect soundtrack to accompany the VSO's performances this month! "As you can tell from this month's playlist, I'm having a real moment with all things Leonard Bernstein! He is truly such an inspiration." - Eric Jacobsen
  • Mahler: Symphony No. 9, I. Andante comodo - I love this recording, conducted by Bernstein!
  • Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story - we cannot wait to perform this for you in March!
  • Bernstein: Somewhere - such a beautiful song! I also love Dawn Upshaw's version (available on YouTube).

Double Your Impact

The VSO Fellows mentor local students

VSO Fellow Omari Abdul-Alim with students at a Norfolk school, helping students move from music study to performance careers.

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.