Performances begin in Newport News and Journey Across Hampton Roads to Bring Music to All.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 4, 2025] With five performances across Hampton Roads during Opening Weekend, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra begins their 105th season with a flourish. Performances include Coffee Concert: Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony + Cellist Jan Vogler, and Schubert’s Cello Quintet. This season marks the fifth season for Music Director Eric Jacobsen, The Macon and Joan Brock Chair.
“I am honored to start my 5th season as Music Director with Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony” says Jacobsen. “This piece takes audiences on an emotional journey through the joys and triumphs of life, but also the struggles and woes. I also can’t wait to play Schubert’s Cello Quintet alongside my dear friend Jan Vogler and the amazing VSO musicians in an intimate space that lets the music resonate in ways our audiences haven’t experienced yet from the VSO. I cannot think of a better way to kick off our 105th season with all of Hampton Roads.”
The VSO joins in the America250 celebration with over 25 American composers and soloists featured throughout the season. Described as a season of American Spirit and Symphonic Brilliance, the orchestra will showcase the storied sounds that frame the history of the United States. Samuel Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal will be featured Opening Weekend.
“Throughout our 105th season, we will showcase some of the best musicians in the nation, while creating unique experiences and unforgettable moments for our patrons”, says President and CEO Shannon Kelly. “We have several new offerings in store, including two world premieres, the new chamber music series, VSO Up Close, and the expansion of VSO’s PB&J family performances into Newport News. As always, our vision is to share the joy of orchestral music with all members of our community, and to inspire musicians of all ages through the infinite potential of music. We look forward to welcoming new and returning patrons to enjoy all the VSO has to offer.”
The 25/26 Subscription Season features 47 performances, including Yo-Yo Ma & Kayhan Kalhor: One Night Only, Gershwin’s An American in Paris & Copland’s Rodeo, Dvořák’s New World Symphony + Gil & Orli Shaham, and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, across the Hampton Roads area through the end of May.
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony + Cellist Jan Vogler
- COFFEE CONCERT: September 12, 11AM, Ferguson Center for the Arts (1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606)
- September 12, 7:30PM, Ferguson Center for the Arts (1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606)
- September 13, 7:30PM, Chrysler Hall (215 St Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510)
- September 14, 2:30PM, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts (201 Market St, Virginia Beach, VA 23462)
- September 13, 3PM, at the Ferguson Center for the Arts’s Peebles Theatre (1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606)
Learn more about the Opening Weekend at https://virginiasymphony.org/opening-weekend/
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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 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
