Welcome to the 25/26 Season at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra! I’m excited for my fifth season with these world-class musicians. I can’t wait to share so many new musical memories and magical notes during this momentous season. The soloists we have this season, along with numerous world and regional premieres are bound to make an unforgettable 105th season.
As our nation gears up for its 250th anniversary, we're excited to feature over 25 American composers and soloists this season. Our concerts will showcase the different cultures that make up this nation and the storied sounds that frame our unique experiences. The very first notes of the season come from iconic American composer Samuel Barber’s Overture to The School for Scandal, and the celebration continues in October with a recently premiered work by Michael Abels. In January the orchestra performs classic favorites from George Gershwin and Aaron Copland, alongside a world premiere by Curtis Stewart, and Harp Concerto by one of today’s most performed living American composers, Jennifer Higdon. April brings an 85th birthday celebration for one of Hampton Roads’ finest—renowned composer, educator, and friend to the VSO Adolphus Hailstork. We’re also pleased to present works by Leonard Bernstein, Natalie Joachim, Caroline Shaw, Reena Esmail, John Williams, and more on this momentous season.
To mark the occasion, we’ve enlisted the help of an illustrious list of guest artists, including the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma, Gil & Orli Shaham, Clayton Stephenson, Stewart Goodyear, the Norfolk State University Chorus, and the VSO’s own Grace Park, Alexis Colner, Celia Daggy, and Elizabeth Coulter Vonderheide. This is all just a taste of the artistry you’ll experience in this season of American spirit & symphonic brilliance. I’m so inspired by these pieces and people and cannot wait to share it all with you!
Thank you for joining us! These concerts wouldn’t be possible without you.
Cheers,
Eric Jacobsen, Music Director
The Macon & Joan Brock Chair