Waterfront Views and Symphonic Tunes Come to Life at a Free Concert in Portsmouth
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform Musical Mosaic at the Portsmouth Pavilion.
PORTSMOUTH, VA [September 4, 2026] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is proud to present Musical Mosaic, a free concert on September 18, 2026, at the Portsmouth Pavilion in partnership with the City of Portsmouth and the Portsmouth Pavilion. The program features a wide range of works, including John Williams’ “Flying Theme” from E.T. and “In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt, that showcase the wide breadth of the orchestra’s musical capabilities. Frequent VSO collaborator Adam turner will conduct the program.
“Symphony on the River reflects the City of Portsmouth’s commitment to making world-class arts and cultural experiences accessible to everyone,” says VSO Board Member and Former Portsmouth Parks & Recreation Commissioner Joe E. Harmon, III. “By partnering with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to offer this free concert, we are bringing our community together while showcasing Portsmouth as a vibrant destination for arts, culture, and entertainment. There is something truly special about experiencing the Symphony right here in Portsmouth, and we want residents and visitors alike to feel that this incredible orchestra belongs to them, too.”
Recent VSO performances in Portsmouth have included: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 2025 & 2026 at I.C. Norcom High School, Classical Christmas at Churchland High School last winter, and Stars & Stripes & Symphonies at Portsmouth City Park last summer. Portsmouth Public Schools are also a part of the VSO’s School/Orchestra Artistic Residencies (SOAR) and Young People’s Concert educational programs.
Currently in his ninth season as Artistic Director & Chief Conductor of Virginia Opera, Maestro Adam Turner garners critical acclaim for the breadth of his repertoire, artistic vision, and polished technique. In the 2026-2027 Season at Virginia Opera, he will be on the podium for productions of Pagliacci and Turandot. Additionally, this season, Turner returns to Toledo Opera to conduct Aida. In recent seasons, his guest-conducting appearances have included performances with San Diego Opera, Central City Opera, Toledo Opera, Opera Saratoga, as well as appearances with the Pacific Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Portland Symphony Orchestra, and Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Musical Mosaic: Symphony on the River will be presented September 18, 2026, at 7:30PM at the Portsmouth Pavilion, 16 Crawford Cir, Portsmouth, VA 23704. The concert is free to attend, but registration is required. Physical tickets may be picked up at the Portsmouth Welcome Center, 206 High St, Portsmouth, VA 23704, in lieu of online registration, while supplies last. Learn more at https://virginiasymphony.org/event/symphony-on-the-river-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. 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 sixth season, 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 Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta and 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.
