HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA [June 24, 2022] – The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform free concerts at scenic outdoor venues across Hampton Roads – including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, and Yorktown – as part of their Free Summer Concerts series.
This year’s concerts are presented in partnership with Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Festevents, the City of Williamsburg and the College of William & Mary, Celebrate Yorktown Committee, and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism of the City of Chesapeake, Virginia. The performances take place from July through September and are free and open to the public.
Each concert program is curated around a theme like tunes from beloved animated films, a symphonic tribute to the Paris 2024 Summer Games, wedding music favorites, or music inspired by classic literature and cinema. For these performances, the orchestra will be joined by conductors Morihiko Nakahara, Todd Craven, Helen Martell, and Brandon Eldredge, and will welcome the vocals of local favorite BJ Griffin on August 15.,
For more information, visit virginiasymphony.org.
Summer Concert Schedule:
Once Upon a Symphony Symphonic Summer Games
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
July 11, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
Where Wishes Come True: A Night of Enchanted Melodies
Norfolk – Town Point Park
July 21, 2024 – 8:30 PM
Presented by Festevents
Where Wishes Come True: A Night of Enchanted Melodies
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
July 25, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
Wedding Bells and Pachelbel
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
August 15, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
Once Upon a Symphony
Williamsburg – Lake Matoaka Amphitheater
August 30, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Presented by the City of Williamsburg and William & Mary
Once Upon a Symphony
Yorktown – Riverwalk Landing
August 31, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Presented by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee
Once Upon a Symphony
Chesapeake – Chesapeake City Park
September 1, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Presented by the City of Chesapeake
Once Upon a Symphony
Virginia Beach – Oceanfront
September 3, 2024 – 7:30 PM
Part of the Symphony by the Sea Concert Series presented by the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
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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.