DEAR FRIENDS,

We are delighted to welcome you to the Richmond Symphony’s 2026–27 season and grateful that you have chosen to take a moment to sit back, slow down, and experience the joy and excitement of live music together.

This season is shaped by the Symphony’s continued commitment to lift Virginia voices and to celebrate and perform music as a living, breathing art form. The works we perform are dynamic creations that take on new life with every performance and every audience. Each concert is an exchange of energy that happens in real time, made possible by your presence and support.

Throughout the Symphony Series, we bring you nine concert programs, twelve guest artists, and three world premieres. We welcome the return of virtuoso violinists Julian Rhee and Gil Shaham, explore concertos featuring less common solo instruments such as the tuba, and conclude the season with Carmina Burana, an epic finale uniting the full orchestra, Richmond Symphony Chorus, and vocal soloists in a weekend of powerful performances.

Our Pops programs showcase the remarkable versatility of the Symphony. We revisit beloved classics such as “When the Saints Go Marching In” and the timeless melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein while exploring an exciting range of musical traditions—from Nashville country hits to Richmond’s signature hip-hop sound. This June we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of Star Wars: A New Hope - with a screening of the full length feature film, with live orchestra!  Orchestral music spans different art forms and styles, and we are excited to explore that breadth, together.

The arts connect us in meaningful and powerful ways, and the Symphony remains committed to uplifting spirits and strengthening communities throughout Central Virginia. Your support makes it possible for us to present free performances in neighborhoods across the Richmond region and create enriching music education opportunities for young people and older adults. Because of your generosity, ticket prices remain accessible, thousands of children under the age of 18 attend Symphony Series performances for free, our musicians continue sharing their talents on our stage as well as in local schools, and nearly 200 aspiring artists participate in the Youth Orchestra Program each year.

The impact of your support reaches far beyond the concert hall. By helping us create spaces where people can gather and share meaningful experiences, you foster a sense of belonging and help build a stronger, healthier community.

We are deeply grateful to our patrons, subscribers, exceptional musicians, and guest artists who bring these programs to life. Your enthusiasm and generosity make this journey possible. Thank you for joining us. We invite you to settle in, open your heart to the music, and experience the shared joy and transformative power of live performance.

With gratitude,