There’s No Place like the VSO for the Holidays!
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [November 4, 2024] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is bringing seven unique programs to the Hampton Roads area this holiday season. Featuring brand new events, like A Very Merry Musical Market, and timeless traditions, like Holiday POPs, the VSO has something for everyone!
“This year’s Holiday POPs is full of melodies and carols that are sure to ring in the season with nostalgia and excitement!” says VSO Chorusmaster Robert Shoup, “We hope the community will come to share classics like Sleigh Ride and the Christmas song as well as some re-imagined favorite that really swing! The concert will once again feature super talented children from our VSO family as well as the fabulous singer Kathryn Whitbeck. Full of bells and magic, this program is always a highlight for all of us here at the VSO!”
Norfolk native, Anthony Parnther returns to conduct Handel’s Messiah. Parnther wowed VSO audiences back in 2023 when he conducted The Music of Star Wars. He is particularly excited to return home for the holidays this year.
“I was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and returning home to conduct the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah is particularly meaningful” says Parnther, “This performance celebrates my Tidewater roots and is a chance to connect with the community that helped shape my love for music. Having the opportunity to bring this cherished work to life in the state where my musical journey began, alongside these incredible soloists I hold dear, fills me with immense joy and gratitude.” This concert will feature the full Christmas portion in addition to selections from the second and third parts of this sacred masterpiece which are sure to inspire.
With sixteen concert performances to choose from, including A Gospel Christmas and the family favorite, PB&J Jingle Bell Jam, the holiday season this year in Hampton Roads will be merry and bright all November and December long. Read on to learn more about each spectacular event.
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Sponsored by Elation Brewing, the first SoundBridge event, A Very Merry Musical Market, is on November 21 at Elation Brewing, 5104 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508. This event includes early holiday shopping from arts vendors, local tasty brews, and live chamber music from VSO Musicians.
On November 30, A Gospel Christmas Featuring a Tribute to Richard Smallwood will grace the stage at Chrysler Hall. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is overjoyed to welcome Dr. Henry Panion back to lead this soulful celebration of the season featuring a community gospel choir led by Minister Earl Bynum (Director of The Mount Unity Choir).
With an added performance in Norfolk, Classical Christmas features holiday and winter works by Bach and Vivaldi, alongside selections from Tchaikovsky’s captivating music for The Nutcracker. December 7 in Norfolk at the Norfolk Academy’s Johnson Theater. December 8 in Williamsburg at William & Mary.
With lots of holiday warmth, familiar carols, and a surprise or two, Holiday POPs is a must-see holiday tradition! Performances are December 12 at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, December 14 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, and December 15 at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.
Coming all the way from the North Pole, Santa Claus is stopping by to be a part of the VSO’s ever-popular PB&J Jingle Bell Jam! Celebrate the magic of the season with an afternoon that showcases the music of the holidays with the best talent in Hampton Roads. This concert is a family favorite and is open to all ages. Join the VSO and Norview High School Choir on December 15 at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.
Holiday Brass rings out bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony brass section ring in the holidays with a blast! Performing on December 18, at Saint Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188, experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music!
Iconic music including the Hallelujah chorus portrays one of the greatest stories ever told at Handel’s Messiah this December. Performances are December 19 at Regent University Theatre in Virginia Beach, December 20 at First Baptist Church of Newport News, and December 21 at Harrison Opera House in Norfolk.
Tickets and more information on all holiday concerts can be found at virginiasymphony.org
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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.