The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus is celebrating their 35th anniversary with John Adams’ Harmonium, April 11 & 12.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [April 2, 2025] The 2024-2025 season marks the 35th anniversary of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and its twenty-eighth under the direction of Chorusmaster Robert Shoup. In addition to regular appearances with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the chorus has performed outside Hampton Roads to remarkable acclaim. Under the baton of Chorusmaster Shoup, the Chorus has performed to sold-out houses as far as Prague, Vienna, Berlin, Leipzig, Munich, Salzburg and closer to home at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
“I am so honored to have been a part of the VSO Chorus’ journey for most of its 35 years, and the singers and I are deeply grateful for the amazing experiences we have shared” says Chorusmaster Shoup. “From tours to Europe and Colorado, collaborations with incredible artists and conductors, and many important recordings with the orchestra to memorable projects like Bernstein “Mass,” the Jamestown Quadricentennial, and the Festival of American Voices, we continue to savor the continuing opportunity we have to create beautiful music with our beloved orchestra and for our treasured community.”
The Chorus has appeared twice at the Breckenridge Music Festival in Colorado, was an integral part of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown Celebration, and was the featured chorus of the critically acclaimed Virginia Arts Festival 2010 performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. In 2012, the Chorus was a key participant with the Virginia Arts Festival presentation of Mahler’s 8th Symphony.
In recent years, the chorus has performed virtuosic pieces like Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Poulenc’s Gloria, and Verdi’s Requiem. In 2018, the chorus was featured and recorded the Virginia Arts Festival’s presentation of Berlioz’s Requiem. The chorus has also performed annually at the Virginia International Tattoo.
In honor of the anniversary, the chorus will be performing John Adams’ Harmonium, as part of the program during the Symphonie Fantastique concerts. Written in 1981, Harmonium is based on poetry by John Donne and Emily Dickinson and is regarded as one of the key compositions of Adams’ “minimalist” period. The famous work began with a simple but formed mental image of a single tone emerging out of a vast, empty space and, by means of a gentle unfolding, evolving into a rich, pulsating fabric of sound.
“Every now and then we find ourselves gifted with the chance to sing a work that is singularly important and impactful, and which is sure to last in our memories as a landmark experience,” says Chorusmaster Shoup. “John Adams’ “Harmonium” surely fits that description. As audiences will discover, it is a work of great imagination that delivers an unexpected and mesmerizing sonic experience for listeners (and musicians!). I’m so glad Eric has given us the opportunity to join the orchestra for this extraordinarily challenging and revelatory work!”
Symphonie Fantastique is presented April 11, 2025, at 7:30PM at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606, and April 12, 2025 at 7:30PM at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://virginiasymphony.org/symphonie-fantastique/
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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. 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 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.
