VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLDS FREE CONCERTS UNDER THE STARS LABOR DAY WEEKEND

HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA [AUGUST 24, 2022] – Scenic outdoor venues across Hampton Roads – including Chesapeake, Williamsburg and Yorktown – will host Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s “Symphony Under the Stars” concerts this Labor Day weekend.

This year’s trio of concerts, part of the VSO’s popular annual Labor Day weekend celebrations, are free and open to the public.

The repertoire for this year’s concerts will include works from classical greats like Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt and Stravinsky’s “Berceuse” and “Finale” from The Firebird, plus music from popular contemporary composers, including excerpts from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by Howard Shore and John Whitney and excerpts from Star Wars by John Williams. For a comprehensive look at the repertoire, visit virginiasymphony.org/symphony-under-the-stars.

Here’s a breakdown of the free Labor Day weekend concerts announced:

Thursday, September 1, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. | Lake Matoaka, Williamsburg (at the College of William & Mary)

The VSO returns once again to William & Mary’s Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Wristbands will be required for guests to enter due to venue capacity limitations.

Wristbands will be distributed by the venue ticket office beginning at 6 p.m. If wristbands run out, the concert will be sold out. Entry into the venue prior to the gates opening at 6:30 p.m. will not be permitted.

Drivers are encouraged to park in the garage located at 201 Ukrop Way, arriving after 5:30 p.m. to allow exiting day traffic to clear the lots. Handicap spaces will be available in the School of Business parking lot, and golf carts will be available beginning at 6 p.m. for those with mobility issues.

Beach chairs and blankets are welcome, but nothing that would block the view of other guests. Guests are welcome to bring personal coolers and picnic baskets; however, neither external alcoholic beverages nor glass containers are permitted inside the venue. All bags and coolers will be inspected prior to entry. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase inside the venue.

This concert is presented by William & Mary, the City of Williamsburg and the W&M Student Assembly.

For more information, click here.

Saturday, September 3, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. | Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown

The VSO returns to historic Yorktown for its annual performance under the stars. Visitors are encouraged to pack picnics, bring lawn chairs and/or blankets and arrive early for a Fifes and Drums of York Town performance at 6 p.m. Blue ribbons will be awarded to the most creative picnic set-ups prior to the event. 

This concert is presented by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee.

To learn more, visit York County’s website.

Sunday, September 4, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. | Chesapeake City Park, Chesapeake

The VSO returns to Chesapeake City Park for a performance on the Bagley Stage. Bring a lawn

chair and/or a blanket – no pop-up tents permitted. Event parking and concessions will open at 6 p.m. 

This concert is presented by the City of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism and sponsored by Carl’s Wash.

To learn more, visit the City of Chesapeake’s website. 

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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 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.