The festive season rings out with melodious tunes from the VSO throughout November and December!
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 4, 2025] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is bringing six festive and unique concerts for the 2025 holiday season. From time-honored traditions such as Holiday POPs! and Handel’s Messiah, to new events like A Very Merry Musical Market, there is something for everyone to enjoy at over thirteen unique venues across Hampton Roads area.
“Holidays at the VSO really are my favorite time of year!” says Music Director Eric Jacobsen, the Macon and Joan Brock Chair. “There is so much happening and there are so many ways to build musical memories with loved ones. I am particularly excited this season to conduct Handel’s Messiah – something that has become such a special tradition for so many. I look forward to celebrating with you!”
Along with Music Director Eric Jacobsen, this seasons performances of Handel’s Messiah will include special guests Rachel Blaustein, Lisa Marie Rogali, previously seen as Carmen in Virginia Opera’s 2024 production of Carmen and in the title role in their current production of Cinderella, David Walton, currently the Prince in Cinderella, and Joshua Conyers.
Every year the VSO performs Holiday POPs!, a program of holiday hits from today and classic carols. While the title stays the same, the program changes every year, bringing new tunes every December. This concert, that has become a holiday tradition for so many Hampton Roads residents and their families, will be conducted by VSO Chorusmaster Robert Shoup.
“I am thrilled to be leading this year’s Holiday Pops concerts which will feature so many of the beloved holiday melodies we treasure, as well as some unexpected surprises!” says Shoup. “This show is brimming with epic musical energy and so many talented instrumental and vocal musicians: our own incredible Orchestra and Chorus, the always charming Virginia Children’s Chorus, and the award-winning singer/actress from Broadway, film, and television, Patrice Covington. Please join us for a few hours of energetic and inspirational nostalgia as we celebrate a season of wonder and hope!”
Tickets can be found at www.virginiasymphony.org/holidays . Read on for more information about the concerts mentioned above.
Sponsored by Elation Brewing and Voyager Coffee, A Very Merry Musical Market, a SoundBridge event, returns after a successful first year. The concert includes early holiday shopping from arts vendors, tasty local brews, and live chamber music from VSO Musicians. The event is on November 19 from 6-8:30PM at Elation Brewing, 5104 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508.
Classical Christmas features festive and winter works by iconic classical composers, including Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets and Strings, Haydn’s Toy Symphony, and selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. December 7 in Williamsburg at William & Mary’s Music & Arts Center with a matinee and evening performance.
With dazzling holiday hits and cozy carols, Holiday POPs! is a time-honored and beloved holiday tradition for all! Featuring the Virginia Children’s Chorus and Hampton Roads Show Host Patrice Covington, this concert will have something for everyone to celebrate. Performances are December 11 at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, December 13 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, and December 14 at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.
Santa Claus is making a pit stop at the VSO’s ever-popular PB&J Jingle Bell Jam! Celebrate the season with a relaxed afternoon of holiday cheer for all ages. This concert is a family favorite with pre-concert activities from local organizations in the lobby. Join the VSO and Hampton Roads local icon, Patrice Covington, on December 14 at 3PM at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.
Holiday Brass rings in the holidays with a bright and bold sound to behold! On December 19, at Saint Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg, experience the festive sounds of the season featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion sections in a concert full of finesse, flourish and a touch of flair!
Iconic music, including the Hallelujah chorus, portrays one of the greatest stories told at Handel’s Messiah with Eric Jacobsen this December. Performances are December 18 at Regent University Theatre in Virginia Beach, December 19 at Harrison Opera House in Norfolk and December 20 at First Baptist Church of Newport News, featuring a matinee performance of the concert, in Newport News.
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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 its 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. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, programming, and leadership. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Program for up to 4 early-career, underrepresented orchestral musicians work to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide. This initiative is a continuation of the VSO’s commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences with and for our entire community.
Celebrating his fifth year, Music Director Eric Jacobsen, The Macon and Joan Brock Chair, continues to expand the VSO’s vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta and 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.
