Experience an inspiring evening of music that reflects his enduring message of equality and unity.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [January 6, 2025] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is proud to present the 13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert on January 19 in Norfolk and January 21 in Portsmouth. These two concerts are free for all to attend. A beacon of hope and justice, Dr. King’s legacy is not one to be forgotten. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a world where unity, justice, and love transcended divisions,” says VSO Director of Civic & Community Engagement Nikki Thorpe, “A concert in his honor not only celebrates his timeless message but also serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of community.”
During the concerts, two Hampton Road citizens will be awarded the annual Dreamer Award. This is given to community leaders who amplify Dr. King’s dream through service, advocacy, justice, leadership, philanthropy, and excellence.
In Norfolk, The VSO will be honoring New Journal & Guide President and Publisher Brenda Andrews. Andrews has been dedicated to the Hampton Roads area. An advocate for Black stories and those of injustice, she has made marginalized voices heard for over 30 years. Under her leadership, the Guide will be celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, as one of the nation’s oldest members of the Black Press.
In Portsmouth, the VSO will honor long-time Portsmouth resident, Mr. Tyrone T. Hines. His work began in 1983 under the Mount Hermon Little League, providing low income children in housing communities a way to participate in traditional youth leagues. Throughout the years, Hines organizes summer lunch programs, food banks, clothing banks, and many other community connections in aid of the Portsmouth youth. In 2009, He established the Westmoreland Children & Youth Association. Mr. Hines has been a pillar in the Portsmouth community for over 40 years and exemplifies Dr. King’s message of transformative power of community.
Conducting the concerts will be Dr. Everett McCorvey. McCorvey conducted last year’s MLK Jr. Tribute Concert. “I am delighted to be returning to work with the amazing musicians of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. My time there last year was such a joy!” says Dr. McCorvey, “I’m really looking forward to this concert because we will celebrate the works of Duke Ellington in a piece entitled Three Black Kings, one of Ellington’s last compositions. We are also performing a selection from Virginia’s own Adolphus Hailstork performing his composition entitled Amazing Grace, a Fanfare for Orchestra, and we are highlighting a new work by Composer and Pianist Patrice Rushen entitled Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory. I’m honored to bring these works to life with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra!”
Dr. Everett McCorvey has performed in many cities around the world and theaters across the country. McCorvey’s career has spanned all areas of the performing arts business from performer to musical director, stage director, voice teacher, producer, impresario, conductor, union representative, administrator, and mentor. Joining Conductor McCorvey and the VSO will be Stephanie Sanders on saxophone, featured local youth soloist Noah Lawson on double bass, and Earl Bynum & The Mount choir. All featured musicians have been seen performing with the VSO earlier this season. Each concert is free to attend through the generous support of the City of Norfolk and City of Portsmouth.
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sunday January 19, 2025 – 7PM
Harrison Opera House, Norfolk; 160 W Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510
This Event is FREE, but registration is requested; https://virginiasymphony.org/concert/a-tribute-to-martin-luther-king-jr/
Tuesday January 21, 2025 – 7PM
I.C. Norcom High School, Portsmouth; 1801 London Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23704
This Event is FREE, but registration is requested; https://virginiasymphony.org/concert/a-tribute-to-martin-luther-king-jr-2/
####
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.
