The Tidewater Community College Roper Performing Arts Center
340 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 822-1450
Capacity: 900
Parking: Tidewater Community College’s Roper Performing Arts Center is conveniently located in downtown Norfolk within one block of MacArthur Center’s north garage and a number of city parking facilities including the Freemason and Bank Street Garages. It is also located within steps of The Tide’s Freemason light rail station.

Accessibility
The Roper Performing Arts Center meets the standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It is our intent to exceed standard requirements and provide exceptional service for our patrons with disabilities. Every event has excellent accessible seating in all price levels, and assistive listening devices are available upon request at the box office.
Special Features for Patrons with Disabilities
Every event has excellent accessible seating in all price levels.
Seating
To purchase accessible seating, contact VSO Patron Services at (757) 892-6366. Notice of special needs must be addressed at time of purchase so that we may best accommodate you. All accessible seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking
Parking is available at MacArthur Center and at other parking garages close to the venue, including the Freemason and Bank Street Garages.
Assisted Listening
Assistive listening devices are available upon request at the box office.
TCC Roper Performing Arts Center
Upcoming Concerts at TCC Roper Performing Arts Center
7.16.21 | THOMAS WILKINS NAMED PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR OF THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
THOMAS WILKINS NAMED PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR OF THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [July 16, 2021] – Internationally renowned conductor and Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins has been named the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever Principal Guest Conductor. Having recently stepped down after 17 years as music director of the Omaha Symphony, Mr. Wilkins is currently principal conductor of the fabled Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, as well as Artistic Advisor for Education and Community Engagement at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. His guest conducting credits include leading the orchestras of Cleveland, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, the New York Philharmonic among others, in addition to his posts at the Hollywood Bowl and BSO.
A frequent guest conductor and favorite of VSO audiences, Mr. Wilkins credits a performance by the Virginia Symphony for inspiring him at the age of eight to pursue a career as a professional conductor, when he attended a youth concert as a student at Young Park Elementary in Norfolk (now Park Place Elementary).
“I often say that I didn’t choose music; music chose me,” said Mr. Wilkins. “And to be invited to return as a leader to the place where I made that decision to embrace music as a career and way of life so many years ago is incredibly moving for me. I have enormous love and respect for the musicians of the Virginia Symphony and I’m thrilled and honored to join them in this new role.”
Mr. Wilkins joins the organization at an exciting time as the orchestra begins its second century. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, its programming, and its leadership.
The appointment of Wilkins as not only the orchestra’s first Principal Guest Conductor but its first Black artistic leader comes just weeks after 38-year-old Eric Jacobsen was selected as the VSO’s new music director, another bold step toward expanding the VSO’s vision to engage wider audiences with creative and relevant programming.
In announcing the appointment, VSO Board Chair Mike McClellan said, “This is a true dream team! Eric and Thomas share the VSO’s commitment to telling our community’s stories and advancing the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all our residents.”
The symphony will host a welcome event for Mr. Wilkins on Monday, July 19th at 4:30pm at the Chrysler Hall Dress Circle Lobby, with a special performance by the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads, led by Julius McCullough. Free and open to the public; please RSVP by registering here.
Devoted to promoting a life-long enthusiasm for music, Mr. Wilkins brings energy and commitment to audiences of all ages. He is hailed as a master at communicating and connecting with audiences. Following his highly successful first season with the Boston Symphony, the Boston Globe named him among the “Best People and Ideas of 2011.” In 2014, Mr. Wilkins received the prestigious “Outstanding Artist” award at the Nebraska Governor’s Arts Awards for his significant contribution to music in the state, while in 2018 Mr. Wilkins received the Leonard Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award for the Elevation of Music in Society conferred by Boston’s Longy School of Music. And in 2019 the Virginia Symphony bestowed Mr. Wilkins with its annual Dreamer Award.
During his conducting career, Mr. Wilkins has led orchestras throughout the United States, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cincinnati Symphony, and the National Symphony. Additionally, he has guest conducted the Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras, the Symphonies of Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, San Diego and Utah, and the Buffalo and Rochester Philharmonics, as well as at the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago.
Mr. Wilkins is a graduate of the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He and his wife Sheri-Lee are the proud parents of twin daughters, Erica and Nicole. Mr. Wilkins’ first appearance with the orchestra in his new role will be February 18-20, 2022. Tickets will be on sale in mid-August at www.virginiasymphony.org.
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As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Since the ground-breaking appointment of JoAnn Falletta in 1991, innovation and excellence have been at the heart of the VSO’s narrative.
The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio and BBC Worldwide News.
The largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually to educate, enlighten and entertain more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adopting welcoming concert environments for those who are neurodiverse.
For Immediate Release
July 16, 2021
Contact: Kristen Bennington
Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: 757.213.1411|
email: kbennington@virginiasymphony.org
Twitter: @VASymphony | Facebook: facebook.com/virginiasymphony
Twitter: @VASymphony
Facebook: facebook.com/virginiasymphony
VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WELCOMES 2022-2023 NEW BOARD MEMBERS
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 1, 2022] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra has announced nine new members to the Board of Directors as of June 27.
Nat & Betty Brown reside in Williamsburg and are active members in the Let Freedom Ring Foundation and First Baptist Church of Williamsburg. Nat & Betty are both members of the VSO’s Music Advisory Council, bringing great insights and support to the organization.
John Garrett is a Vice President and Commercial Lender for TowneBank. As a Norfolk native and resident, John is an active member in the community, involved in numerous civic organizations centered on improving the region’s ability to attract and retain talent, and become an even more desirable place to live, work and raise a family.
Sarah Ortego became involved with the VSO in 2015 when she joined the Board for the Virginia Symphony Society in Williamsburg. She served on that Board for a total of seven years, the last four as president, leading and overseeing many events and initiatives in the Williamsburg area that have raised funds for the VSO. Sarah has also been very involved through her ex-officio role on the VSO Board, already serving on the EDI and Nominating/Governance Committees.
Lisa Pile is a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Newport News. A resident of Williamsburg, Lisa served on the board of the Peninsula Fine Arts Center for several years. Lisa’s goal is to deliver a comprehensive approach to managing wealth that begins with getting to know her clients and what matters most to them. She believes in participating in the communities we serve, which drives her interest in spending time volunteering with organizations, like the VSO, in the Hampton Roads community.
Gordon Robertson is CEO and President of The Christian Broadcasting Network and President of CBN’s humanitarian organization, Operation Blessing International. He now oversees CBN’s extensive television and digital programming, serving as executive producer and co-host of The 700 Club and 700 Club Interactive. Gordon is also executive producer of CBN’s Superbook and CBN Films. Through a long-standing partnership with the VSO, CBN has been a huge support both financially to the organization and through programming, recording, and community engagement.
Katya Santiago is an Assurance Senior Manager at BDO with nine years of professional experience in auditing of mid-large size private sector companies. She has served clients in a broad range of industries, including not-for-profit, construction, government contracting, specialty finance, and others. Katya plays the piano and has been attending VSO concerts for many years.
Blythe Scott has served as the Commissioner of the Revenue, for the City of Norfolk since April of 2021. She was the Chief Deputy for the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office for the three years prior to becoming the Commissioner. Previously, Blythe practiced law and managed law offices for 19 years in Norfolk and surrounding cities. She and her family have been active and supportive patrons of the Symphony for many years. Blythe also served on the Music Director Search Committee, which led to Eric Jacobsen’s appointment in June 2021.
Michael Stonecypher is Vice President of Media Operations and Affiliate Relations for The Christian Broadcasting Network. His media career spans over 40 years, bringing extensive knowledge in TV and Radio technologies, content distribution, and overall media strategies. Mike has been integral to the VSO in bringing the symphony to the inaugural annual Christmas Village as well as marketing and media partner for projects like the live-streamed performance of Messiah to the CBN Family App in 2021.
Mike McClellan, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Norfolk Southern, was re-elected to a one-year term as Chair of the Board. Carolyn Pittman, Chief Accounting Officer at Maxar Technologies, will serve as Board Treasurer and Susan Goode will continue her service as Board Secretary.
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As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative.
The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio and BBC Worldwide News.
As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adopting welcoming concert environments for those who are neurodiverse. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, its programming, and its leadership.
The selection of the young and dynamic conductor Eric Jacobsen as music director in 2021 and was another bold step forward for the VSO, further expanding its vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1, 2022
Contact: Monica Meyer, Interim Executive Director
Phone: 757.213.1431
Email: mmeyer@virginiasymphony.org
Twitter: @VASymphony
Facebook: facebook.com/virginiasymphony
CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO LEAVE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY THIS FALL
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [April 26, 2022] Karen M. Philion, who has served as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s President and CEO since 2014, has announced she will step down in the fall after more than a decade with the organization.
During her tenure, Philion is credited with leading a historic financial turnaround, retiring all debt, and successfully operating the orchestra in the black every year since assuming the role of CEO. She also led the recent transition of artistic leadership, recruiting acclaimed young American conductor Eric Jacobsen to the VSO as Music Director and Thomas Wilkins as the VSO’s first-ever Principal Guest Conductor, while at the same time navigating the disruption of the orchestra’s work through the pandemic.
In making the announcement, VSO Board Chair Mike McClellan said, “On behalf of the Board, we are all grateful for Karen’s extensive service to the VSO. In addition to more than doubling our endowment assets, Karen expanded our vision to create new inclusive programming to diversify our sources of revenue. Karen’s clear, strategic thinking and fearless leadership served us extraordinarily well in overcoming the challenges of the pandemic. She has elevated the VSO’s stature in the region, guided us through a smooth and successful transition in artistic leaders and set us on a sustainable path.”
Philion added, “To have been one of the caretakers of this 100-year-old institution will always be a highlight of my career. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has done to strengthen the foundation of the organization. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the VSO through a time of challenge and change and to have set it on a path to greater achievement and success. Music Director Eric Jacobsen and our musicians have the opportunity now to seize this moment to become everything a 21st century arts organization can be to its community.”
As part of a longer-term vision, in 2019 Philion began advocating for the symphony to prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion as central to its mission to serve the region. Among her notable accomplishments is the establishment of a post-graduate fellowship program for African American string players who are seeking careers as orchestral musicians. Beginning next season, four full-time Fellows will play in the orchestra while teaching and mentoring in local public schools.
There have been many other firsts during Philion’s tenure:
- The most successful fundraising campaign in the organization’s history, raising nearly $16 million in outright and planned gifts
- Retired $4 million in debt, while achieving balanced budgets seven consecutive years
- Developed a strategic plan that expanded community partnerships and identified new opportunities to serve much more widely across Hampton Roads
- Reimagined programming to be more creative in content and presentation, including shorter concerts and more flexible ticket-buying options and improved customer service
- Steered the organization’s successfully through the pandemic with transparency, integrity and flexibility through the pandemic
- Brought a focus on EDI to areas of the organization and hired the organization’s first full-time Director of Diversity and Engagement to advance EDI goals and deepen community relationships
- Despite the pandemic, successfully conducted a critically important Music Director search that looks ahead to the Orchestra’s next chapter
“We all owe Karen our sincere thanks for her dedication and strategic vision,” said VSO Chair Emeritus Patrick McDermott. “Karen will be deeply missed by the Board, staff, community supporters and patrons alike. She is leaving us, however, with an organization that is financially sound, with the discipline to make data driven decisions that support our musicians in developing and sharing their talent at the highest level with our audiences and the entire Hampton Roads community.”
The VSO Board will launch a search for Philion’s successor in the coming weeks.
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As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative.
The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio and BBC Worldwide News.
As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and adopting welcoming concert environments for those who are neurodiverse. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, its programming, and its leadership.
The selection of the young and dynamic conductor Eric Jacobsen as music director in 2021 and was another bold step forward for the VSO, further expanding its vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2022
Contact: Collin Norman, Director of Marketing & Communications
Phone: 757.213.1424
Email: cnorman@virginiasymphony.org
Twitter: @VASymphony
Facebook: facebook.com/virginiasymphony
Symphony in the Park | 7/24

Sunday, July 24, 2022 | 8:30 PM | Town Point Park, Norfolk
Morihiko Nakahara, conductor
John Williams | Main title from “Star Wars” |
Harold Arlen / Sayre | Selections from “The Wizard of Oz” |
Maurice Ravel | The Enchanted Garden from “Mother Goose” Suite |
Howard Shore / Brubaker | The Two Towers Symphonic suite from “The Lord of the Rings” |
Richard Wagner | Ride of the Valkyries |
John Powell / O’Loughlin | How To Train Your Dragon |
Various / Ralph Ford | Suite from “Video Games Live” |
John Williams | The Flight to Neverland from “Hook” |
Igor Stravinsky | Berceuse & Finale from “The Firebird” |
John Williams | Harry’s Wondrous World from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” |
Symphony by the Sea | 8/18

Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 7:30 pm | Neptune’s Park, 31st Street, Virginia Beach
Neptune Festival’s Symphony by the Sea Concert Series, presented by The Breeden Company, makes its grand return in 2022 for the 11th Season of concerts!
Located in 31st Street Park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, all concerts are a FREE musical offering to residents and visitors. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as the concerts are well-attended and will fill the park.
Symphony Under the Stars | 9/1

Thursday, September 1, 2022 | 7:30PM | Lake Matoaka, Williamsburg
John Stafford Smith | Star-Spangled Banner |
John Williams | Main Title from Star Wars |
Harold Arlen/Sayre | Selections from The Wizard of Oz |
Maurice Ravel | “The Enchanted Garden” from Mother Goose Suite |
Howard Shore/Whitney | Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring |
Richard Wagner | “Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre |
John Powell/O’Loughlin | How To Train Your Dragon |
Edvard Grieg | “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt |
John Williams | “The Flight to Neverland” from Hook |
Igor Stravinsky | Berceuse & Finale from The Firebird |
John Williams | “Harry’s Wondrous World” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone |
Symphony Under the Stars | 9/3

Saturday, September 3, 2022 | 7:30 PM | Yorktown Riverwalk Landing
Adam Turner, conductor
John Stafford Smith | Star-Spangled Banner |
John Williams | Main Title from Star Wars |
Harold Arlen/Sayre | Selections from The Wizard of Oz |
Maurice Ravel | “The Enchanted Garden” from Mother Goose Suite |
Howard Shore/Whitney | Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring |
Richard Wagner | “Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre |
John Powell/O’Loughlin | How To Train Your Dragon |
Edvard Grieg | “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt |
John Williams | “The Flight to Neverland” from Hook |
Igor Stravinsky | Berceuse & Finale from The Firebird |
John Williams | “Harry’s Wondrous World” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone |
Symphony Under the Stars | 9/4

Sunday, September 4, 2022 | 7:30 PM | Chesapeake City Park
Adam Turner, conductor
John Stafford Smith | Star-Spangled Banner |
John Williams | Main Title from Star Wars |
Harold Arlen/Sayre | Selections from The Wizard of Oz |
Maurice Ravel | “The Enchanted Garden” from Mother Goose Suite |
Howard Shore/Whitney | Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring |
Richard Wagner | “Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre |
John Powell/O’Loughlin | How To Train Your Dragon |
Edvard Grieg | “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt |
John Williams | “The Flight to Neverland” from Hook |
Igor Stravinsky | Berceuse & Finale from The Firebird |
John Williams | “Harry’s Wondrous World” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone |
Symphony by the Sea | 9/8

Thursday, September 8, 2022 | 7:30 pm | Neptune’s Park, 31st Street, Virginia Beach
Neptune Festival’s Symphony by the Sea Concert Series, presented by The Breeden Company, makes its grand return in 2022 for the 11th Season of concerts!
Located in 31st Street Park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, all concerts are a FREE musical offering to residents and visitors. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as the concerts are well-attended and will fill the park.
Adam Turner, conductor
John Stafford Smith | Star-Spangled Banner |
John Williams | Main Title from Star Wars |
Harold Arlen/Sayre | Selections from The Wizard of Oz |
Maurice Ravel | “The Enchanted Garden” from Mother Goose Suite |
Howard Shore/Whitney | Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring |
Richard Wagner | “Ride of the Valkyries” from Die Walküre |
John Powell/O’Loughlin | How To Train Your Dragon |
Edvard Grieg | “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt |
John Williams | “The Flight to Neverland” from Hook |
Igor Stravinsky | Berceuse & Finale from The Firebird |
John Williams | “Harry’s Wondrous World” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone |
CommUNITY Play-In & Sing Along | 9.11

September 11th, 2022 | 4:30PM | Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center
Come play and sing with us to unite our commUNITY through music.
Pick up your instrument, bring your voice and join the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of peace, inclusion and unity. This inspiring annual event embraces our community’s cultural richness and diversity, uniting people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds through participation in music, dance and spoken word.
Music will be available for any instrument and voice at any level, so come play and sing with us! Or just come as you are and enjoy the musical talents of your neighbors.
Free and Open to the Public!
Dr. Seuss at the Symphony | 9/18

Sun., Sept. 18, 2022 |3:00PM | Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Books and music, a perfect combination. Your favorite Dr. Seuss stories will be sung in selections from “Seussical, The Musical.” “The Sneetches” is turned into a symphonic poem that addresses diversity, friendship and discrimination in Dr. Seuss’ unique style. Find out what great music is inspired by John Lithgow’s book “Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo.”
Pre-concert activities start at 2:00PM
Helen Martell, conductor