The Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Norfolk Public Schools Partner for a New Program.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 26, 2026] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Norfolk Public Schools will collaborate on a new music program, Mary Goode Brooke Music for Young People Legacy Program, to be implemented in schools starting this February. Named after long-time Norfolk Resident and Community Member, Mary Goode Brooke, the program was created by Brooke’s nephew Peyton Robertson, to support and celebrate the musical achievements of young musicians in Hampton Roads.
Brooke dedicated her life to teaching and performing music. Born on August 17, 1925 in Norfolk, Brooke has a reputation as “an artist of unusual talent” from an early age. As part of the Young People’s Concert by the Norfolk Symphony, predecessor of the VSO, in 1940, Mary performed a special solo piano performance at Maury High School when she was just 15 years old. Brooke taught piano at the Williams School and was a member of the St. Paul’s Church choir. Brooke passed away on May 2, 2023, at the age of 97.
“While Aunt Mary Brooke never married or had children of her own, she extended her love of music to untold numbers of students over the many years she taught piano,” says her nephew Peyton Roberston. “It is fitting to extend that outreach to Norfolk Public High Schools in her honor, growing an appreciation for music and developing talent in the next generation of young people. At the age of 15, Mary played a recital at Maury High School as part of a series of concerts. Quoting from the Norfolk Virginian Pilot at the time, “These concerts, held once a year, were devised to create a love of music and an interest in attending concerts in young people.” It’s fitting, more than 85 years later, that the Mary Goode Brooke Music for Young People Legacy Program is designed to do the same thing.”
The goal of this program is to strengthen music education and further develop the musical talent of promising students who can benefit from additional support and instruction. This will include sharpening their musical performance skills through a series of special chamber music sessions, culminating in the Mary G. Brooke Recital, conducted each year.
Chamber music is composed for small groups of musicians, typically between 2-10. Pieces feature one performer to a part, in contrast to an orchestra where each string part is played by multiple musicians, and are performed without a conductor, The musicians collaborate closely to shape the musical ideas they wish to express. It is often described as “the music of friends”.
“There are many lasting benefits to playing chamber music as a young musician. Students develop essential skills such as communication, cooperation, and independence, which in turn foster qualities like persistence, confidence, and leadership,” says VSO Director of Education Helen Martell. “These skills extend far beyond the musical ensemble and are valuable in everyday relationships and future careers.”
This year, VSO musicians will coach string quartets at Booker T. Washington High School, Granby High School, Lake Taylor High School, Maury High School and Norview High School in six sessions over the course of one semester. All the quartets and a VSO string quintet will perform on May 12, 2026 at 7PM, at Norview High School, 6501 Chesapeake Blvd Auditorium, Norfolk, VA 23513, in a free recital that will be open to the public.
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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.
