VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
CELEBRATING JoAnn Falletta's th
25
ANNIVERSARY WITH THE VSO!
2015–16 SEASON
CREDITS (This Page and Cover): Photo by Norbrian Ronase Wardrobe provided by Nordstrom
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The TIME HAS FLOWN by The time has in one sense flown by—a vibrant whirling collage of so many memorable concerts, extraordinary pieces of music, inspiring musicians and warm and supportive audiences—and has blessed me with a life of great joy in one of the most beautiful places in our entire country. On the other hand, the privilege of spending all these years slowly building and strengthening our Orchestra, coming to understand our community and nurturing our relationship with our region, has enabled me to truly develop as a musician and as a conductor in a way that I have relished. The Virginia Symphony was my first full-time orchestral assignment, and in a sense I have had the honor of “growing up” as a conductor with these amazing musicians. They have taught me more about music than I can ever say, and our audiences, board and staff have helped me to understand what it means to be the music director of such a vital and important artistic organization. In this anniversary season, the musicians and I want to share with you some significant milestones of our 25 years together. We are “revisiting” our unforgettable debut at Carnegie Hall with Elgar’s Enigma Variations, our thrilling concert at the Kennedy Center (with our beloved VSO Chorus) with Walton’s surround-sound Belshazzar’s Feast, and my “audition” concert of 1991 with Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra. We are celebrating our completed Mahler cycle with a reprise of our favorite piece in the cycle, Symphony No. 5. Our adventures in American music are represented by the Virginia premieres of works by Philip Glass, Michael Daugherty and Miguel del Aguila, and we have included some of the little-known romantic treasures of the past (Puccini and Dohnányi) that I have loved introducing to our audiences. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, beloved musicians and cherished audience, for the honor of being the music director of this great orchestra for 25 beautiful years. Through you, I have stood on our stage in the middle of miracles that have filled my life with the deepest abiding happiness.
JoAnn Falletta, Music Director V I RGI NI ASYM PH O N Y.O RG
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MUST H EAR Be inspired by these incredible orchestral works and guest artists.
SINATRA CENTENNIAL JANUARY 29 & 30, 2016 Reminiscent of the young Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Harry Connick, Jr., Steve Lippia moves from crisp, popping swing tunes to lush, poignant ballads with ease.
Sarah Chang
----------------------detailed info on page 13
OPENING NIGHT WITH SARAH CHANG SEPTEMBER 18–20, 2015 JoAnn Falletta’s 25th season with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra opens with Sarah Chang, one of the world’s greatest and most high-profile violinists.
Frank Sinatra
---------------------detailed info on page 6
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CAMERON CARPENTER MARCH 12–14, 2016
---------------------detailed info on page 9
Cameron Carpenter
Subversive organ virtuoso Cameron Carpenter electrifies the stage when he brings his International Touring Organ to the VSO! Known as the “Bad Boy of the Organ,” Carpenter demonstrates his musical intelligence, showmanship and style while performing Saint-Saëns’ thrilling masterpiece.
PHILIP GLASS MAY 19 & 20, 2016 JoAnn Falletta conducts the close of the series with contemporary composer Philip Glass’s theatrical Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring VSO Concertmaster Vahn Armstrong.
Philip Glass
----------------------detailed info on page 11
Subscribe now for priority access and savings on this phenomenal season! V I RGI NI ASYM PH O N Y.O RG
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CLA S S I CS 8 CONCERT SERIES
| NEWPORT NEWS • NORFOLK • VIRGINIA BEACH
OPENING NIGHT WITH SARAH CHANG Presented by the F. Ludwig Diehn Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 | 8PM Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 | 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Sponsored by US Trust and Kaufman & Canoles
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 | 2:30PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach JoAnn Falletta, conductor Sarah Chang, violin Barber: Overture to The School for Scandal Bernstein: West Side Story Suite for Violin Ravel: Tzigane Brahms: Symphony No. 2 JoAnn Falletta’s 25th season with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra opens with Sarah Chang, one of the world’s greatest and most high-profile violinists, performing Bernstein’s romantic West Side Story Suite for Violin and Ravel’s exotic, one-movement work, Tzigane. The celebration continues with Barber’s brilliant Overture to The School for Scandal and Brahms’ cheery and pastoral Symphony No. 2.
Norfolk Classics Series Sponsor
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ENIGMA VARIATIONS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 | 8PM Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News Charles Robert Austin
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2015 | 8PM
FOUNTAINS OF ROME FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015 | 8PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015 | 8PM
L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center, Norfolk
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015 | 7PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach JoAnn Falletta, conductor Charles Robert Austin, bass-baritone Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Bax: Tintagel Respighi: Fountains of Rome Walton: Belshazzar’s Feast JoAnn Falletta begins the concert with Bax’s lush Tintagel, a symphonic poem which the VSO released on the Seascapes CD in 2000. The performance continues with a multi-sensory presentation of Respighi’s Fountains of Rome. Photographs of each of the fountains that inspired this seminal work— The Fountain of Valle Giulia, the Triton Fountain, the Trevi Fountain and the Villa Medici Fountain—will be displayed as the orchestra plays. All of the pictures were taken by local photographer and blogger David A. Beloff. Also on the program is Walton’s spectacular biblical oratorio Belshazzar’s Feast, which the orchestra played at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. under the direction of JoAnn Falletta in 2000.
Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
This concert has been partially underwritten by Barbara Spigel, in memory of her husband, Herman A. Spigel.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015 | 2:30PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach JoAnn Falletta, conductor Zuill Bailey, cello Ibert: Ports of Call Daugherty: Tales of Hemingway for Cello and Orchestra (Virginia premiere) Elgar: Enigma Variations Zuill Bailey, a Virginia native widely considered to be one of the best cellists in the world, takes the stage for the Virginia debut of Michael Daugherty’s Tales of Hemingway for Cello and Orchestra. Elgar’s Enigma Variations explores a theme and variations that illustrate, according to Elgar, “the idiosyncrasies of 14 of my friends, not necessarily musicians.” Under the direction of JoAnn Falletta, the VSO performed this well-known work during a concert at Carnegie Hall in 1997. Also on the program is Ibert’s naval-inspired Ports of Call, which can be found on the VSO’s Seascapes CD.
THE MESSIAH Sponsored by Christian Broadcasting Network
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 | 8PM First Baptist Church, Newport News
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015 | 8PM Harrison Opera House, Norfolk
Benjamin Rous, conductor Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Handel: Messiah Benjamin Rous returns to conduct the Messiah of the season. Featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and vocal soloists, come experience the greatest story ever told with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
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TCHAIKOVSKY’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 1 FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016 | 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2016 | 8PM
BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL Sponsored by Sentara
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016 | 2:30PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach Sponsored by LifeNet Health, Inc.
JoAnn Falletta, conductor Natasha Paremski, piano Dohnányi: Symphonic Minutes Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 The program opens with Dohnányi’s Hungarian-folk-themed piece Symphonic Minutes. Russian-born pianist Natasha Paremski returns to the VSO stage to perform Tchaikovsky’s widely popular and stunning Piano Concerto No. 1. Continuing on a theme of virtuosity, the VSO presents Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. Known for its dynamic and expressive qualities, this beloved Hungarian masterpiece was the work that JoAnn Falletta auditioned on for her position as music director twenty-five years ago.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016 | 8PM
L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center, Norfolk
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016 | 8PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach Benjamin Rous, conductor Prisca Benoît, piano Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Beethoven: Egmont Overture Beethoven: Choral Fantasy Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, “Eroica” Prisca Benoît—the resident musician for Sentara’s Music and Medicine program—once again joins the Virginia Symphony for an all-Beethoven program featuring Beethoven’s emotional and thematic Symphony No. 3, the valiant and expansive Choral Fantasy and the heroic and triumphant Egmont Overture.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016 | 8PM
Taeyoung Lee
Natasha Paremski
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
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Taeyoung Lee, conductor Yun Zhang, violin Rebecca Gilmore Phillips, cello Prisca Benoît, piano Beethoven: Coriolan Overture Beethoven: Triple Concerto Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, “Pastorale” Guest conductor Taeyoung Lee closes the VSO’s Beethoven celebration with a concert featuring VSO musicians Yun Zhang and Rebecca Gilmore Phillips and Sentara’s Music and Medicine resident musician, pianist Prisca Benoît. Beethoven’s daring and rarely performed Triple Concerto features the violin, cello and piano each as soloist, boldly showcasing the virtuosity of each musician. His warmest and perhaps most beloved symphony, the merry and expressive Symphony No. 6, “Pastorale,” fills listeners with happiness and wonder, with each movement mimicking an aspect of pastoral life—from gathering of country folk, to the murmuring brook, to the shepherd’s song of thanksgiving.
MAHLER’S FIFTH SYMPHONY FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016 | 8PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2016 | 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk Cameron Carpenter
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 | 2:30PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach JoAnn Falletta, conductor Brendon Elliott, violin Glazunov: Violin Concerto Mahler: Symphony No. 5
CAMERON CARPENTER PLAYS SAINT-SAËNS
JoAnn Falletta closes her 25th anniversary 2015–16 Classics season with Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. Mahler takes us through a range of emotion, from negative and mournful through to thrilling feelings of jubilation. Also on this program is three-time National Sphinx Competition semifinalist, Curtis Institute of Music student, and Hampton Roads native, Brendon Elliott, who joins the orchestra to perform Glazunov’s technically brilliant Violin Concerto.
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016 | 8PM
L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center, Norfolk
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 | 2:30PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016 | 7:30PM Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News JoAnn Falletta, conductor Cameron Carpenter, organ Poulenc: Concerto for Organ Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3, “Organ”
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Brendon Elliott
Subversive organ virtuoso Cameron Carpenter electrifies the stage when he brings his International Touring Organ to the VSO! Known as the “Bad Boy of the Organ,” Carpenter demonstrates his musical intelligence, showmanship and style while performing Saint-Saëns’ thrilling masterpiece, Symphony No. 3. Saint-Saëns said of his masterpiece: “I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again.”
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DATES
Classics NEWPORT NEWS $727 $504 $392 $307 $169 9.18 | 10.16 | 10.29 | 12.18 | 1.23 | 2.20 | 3.14 | 4.1 Classics NORFOLK
$727 $504 $392 $307 $169 9.19 | 10.17 | 10.31 | 12.19 | 1.22 | 2.6 | 3.12 | 4.2
Classics VIRGINIA BEACH n/a $504 $392 $307 $169 9.20 | 10.18 | 11.1 | 12.13* | 1.24 | 2.12 | 3.13 | 4.3
*December 13 concert is Home for the Holidays. More information on page 13.
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CLA S S I CS 4 CONCERT SERIES
| REGENT UNIVERSIT Y AND WILLIAMSBURG
Simon Lapointe
Beverly Baker
Regent Series Sponsor
MOZART AND TCHAIKOVSKY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 | 8PM CrossWalk Community Church, Williamsburg
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | 8PM Regent University, Virginia Beach
Benjamin Rous, conductor Simon Lapointe, violin Beverly Baker, viola Mozart: Symphony No. 32 Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante Benjamin Rous conducts the series season opener, featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s own Simon Lapointe and Beverly Baker as soloists in Mozart’s passionate and deeply expressive Sinfonia Concertante. Also on the program is Mozart’s festive Symphony No. 32 and Tchaikovsky’s “piece from the heart,” the Serenade for Strings, including a lively finale based on a Russian folk tune, a Volga "hauling song."
HOLIDAY BRASS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 | 8PM Phi Beta Kappa Hall, Williamsburg Paul Bhasin, conductor The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony brass section ring in the holidays with a blast! Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays—featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections. Dr. Paul Bhasin, Director of Wind Studies at Emory University in Atlanta and former Director of Bands at the William and Mary School of Music, returns to Hampton Roads to conduct music from a variety of styles. This concert is one holiday delight you won’t want to miss!
THE MESSIAH Sponsored by Christian Broadcasting Network
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 | 8PM Regent University, Virginia Beach
Benjamin Rous, conductor Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Handel: Messiah Benjamin Rous returns to conduct the Messiah of the season. Featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and vocal soloists, come experience the greatest story ever told with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
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CONCIERTO EN TANGO
PHILIP GLASS'S VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016 | 8PM CrossWalk Community Church, Williamsburg
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016 | 8PM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016 | 8PM
Phi Beta Kappa Hall, Williamsburg
Regent University, Virginia Beach
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2016 | 8PM Regent University, Virginia Beach
JoAnn Falletta, conductor Roman Mekinulov, cello
JoAnn Falletta, conductor Vahn Armstrong, violin Rossini: Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers Philip Glass: Concerto for Violin No. 1 Puccini: Preludio Sinfonico Dvořák: Czech Suite
Granados: Intermezzo from Goyescas Miguel del Aguila: Concierto en Tango Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5, “Reformation” JoAnn Falletta conducts as Leningrad-native cellist Roman Mekinulov joins the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for Miguel del Aguila’s intense and expressive Concierto en Tango for Cello and Orchestra. Also on the program is Granados’ sensual Intermezzo from Goyescas, beginning with a flamenco gesture and featuring a delightful Catalan flair, and Mendelssohn’s triumphant Symphony No. 5, composed by Mendelssohn to honor the 300th anniversary of the Presentation of the Ausburg Confession.
Roman Mekinulov
Photo: David A. Beloff
JoAnn Falletta conducts the close of the series with contemporary composer Philip Glass’s theatrical Violin Concerto No. 1, featuring VSO Concertmaster Vahn Armstrong. Dvořák’s Czech Suite engagingly incorporates rustic bagpipe imitations, a melancholy polka and a Czech “neighbors’ dance.” Also on the program is one of Puccini’s rare non-operatic works, Preludio Sinfonico.
Classics WILLIAMSBURG
Classics REGENT UNIVERSITY
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$153 $87 n/a
DATES 9.24 | 12.17 | 2.25 | 5.19 9.25 | 12.17 | 2.26 | 5.20
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POP S ! 5 CONCERT SERIES
NORFOLK
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4 CONCERT SERIES
NEWPORT NEWS
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.
Newport News Pops Sponsor
UP, UP AND AWAY – THE MUSIC AND MEMORIES FEATURING MARILYN McCOO AND BILLY DAVIS, JR. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015 | 8PM Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2015 | 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Benjamin Rous, conductor Kicking off the 2015–16 Pops season, Benjamin Rous conducts as we welcome Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. to Hampton Roads. McCoo and Davis are the original stars and lead singers of the legendary group The 5th Dimension, where they launched Champagne and Pop Soul Classics, including "Up, Up and Away," "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," "Worst That Could Happen," "Sweet Blindness," "Wedding Bell Blues" and "One Less Bell to Answer." The couple has enjoyed tremendous success through the years as recording artists, performers and authors. They have received seven Grammy Awards and have earned 15 gold and three platinum records.
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AN INNOCENT MAN – THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL Sponsored by PNC Bank
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015 | 8PM Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015 | 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Benjamin Rous, conductor Jean Meilleur, lead vocals Donald Paulton, piano The Virginia Symphony Orchestra pays homage to epic performer Billy Joel in this high-energy tribute show conducted by Benjamin Rous. Having sold more than 150 million records, Billy Joel is one of most popular and recognizable recording artists in the world. The Virginia Symphony plays live, bringing Joel’s music center stage in celebration of this larger-than-life talent. Get ready to dance along to all of your favorites, including “Uptown Girl,” “Piano Man,” “Ballad of Billy the Kid,” “Big Shot” and more!
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 | 8PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News Sponsored by Canon
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015 | 2:30PM & 8PM Harrison Opera House, Norfolk
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 | 7PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach Robert Shoup, conductor Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Virginia Children's Chorus Join us for the must-see holiday tradition of the season—Home for the Holidays! Conducted by Robert Shoup, VSO Chorusmaster/Staff Conductor, our holiday performances have become a locals’ favorite at year’s end. There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and special guests. Shoup comments, “Home for the Holidays will have all the magical elements you've come to expect—high energy, familiar carols and lots of holiday warmth! And we'll even throw in a surprise or two! We can't wait to celebrate the season with all of you!"
SINATRA CENTENNIAL
WARNER BROS. PRESENTS
BUGS BUNNY AT THE SYMPHONY II SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016 | 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 | 8PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News Sponsored by Bank of America
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2016 | 8PM Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Benjamin Rous, conductor Steve Lippia, vocalist Come celebrate 100 years of Ol’ Blue Eyes with the VSO. Reminiscent of the young Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Harry Connick, Jr., Steve Lippia moves from crisp, popping swing tunes to lush, poignant ballads with ease. With his natural sound and style, the great composers of the time—Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen, Rogers and Hart—all are honored flawlessly. With great stage presence and a hot, driving band, Steve Lippia pulls his audience back in time, delivering his music in a deeply personal way. If you are a fan of American Songbook standards like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Just the Way You Are” and many more, you’ll definitely want to be in the audience for this musical treat.
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POPS NORFOLK
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George Daugherty, conductor Join us for a fantastically fun fusion of classical music and classic animation celebrating the most famous and beloved cartoons in the world—and their equally famous music! Conducted and created by Emmy Award™ winner George Daugherty, Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II features your favorite Warner Bros. Looney Tunes characters on-screen in their most memorable moments—all with live orchestra accompaniment. Joining Bugs Bunny are his popular cohorts Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, Pepe LePew and others. Plus, enjoy special guest appearances by Tom and Jerry, as well as a trio of spectacular new Looney Tunes 3D theatrical shorts!
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n/a $233 $182 $146 $80
DATES 10.1 | 11.5 | 12.11 | 1.29
10.3 | 11.7 | 12.12 | 1.30 | 3.19
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#VSOatROPER 3 CONCERT SERIES
| TCC ROPER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER • NORFOLK
MOZART AND TCHAIKOVSKY SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2015 | 7:30PM
Benjamin Rous, conductor Simon Lapointe, violin Beverly Baker, viola Mozart: Symphony No. 32 Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante
Prisca Benoît
Benjamin Rous
TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk
BEETHOVEN FESTIVAL Sponsored by Sentara
Benjamin Rous conducts the series season opener, featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s own Simon Lapointe and Beverly Baker as soloists in Mozart’s passionate and deeply expressive Sinfonia Concertante. Also on the program is Mozart’s festive Symphony No. 32 and Tchaikovsky’s “piece from the heart,” the Serenade for Strings, including a lively finale based on a Russian folk tune, a Volga "hauling song."
HOLIDAY BRASS TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk Paul Bhasin, conductor The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony brass section ring in the holidays with a blast! Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays—featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections. Dr. Paul Bhasin, Director of Wind Studies at Emory University in Atlanta and former Director of Bands at the William and Mary School of Music, returns to Hampton Roads to conduct this holiday delight you won’t want to miss!
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$140 $73 $32
TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk
Taeyoung Lee, conductor Yun Zhang, violin Rebecca Gilmore Phillips, cello Prisca Benoît, piano Beethoven: Triple Concerto Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, “Pastorale”
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 | 7:30PM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016 | 7:30PM
Guest conductor Taeyoung Lee leads a concert featuring VSO musicians Yun Zhang and Rebecca Gilmore Phillips and Sentara’s Music and Medicine resident musician, pianist Prisca Benoît. Beethoven’s daring and rarely performed Triple Concerto features the violin, cello and piano each as soloist, boldly showcasing the virtuosity of each musician. His warmest and perhaps most beloved symphony, the merry and expressive Symphony No. 6, “Pastorale,” fills listeners with happiness and wonder, with each movement mimicking an aspect of pastoral life, from gathering of country folk, to the murmuring brook, to the shepherd’s song of thanksgiving.
TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DATES 9.26 | 12.18 | 2.18
Educational Partner PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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PB & J 4 CONCERT SERIES
P R IC E S : A D U LT C H IL D
$56 $39
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PB&J Series Sponsor
Family Concerts
SANDLER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS • VIRGINIA BEACH
PB&J Pre-concert Activities! Starting one hour before each concert, the lobby becomes a-buzz with music, crafts, and activities designed to enhance the concert for both the young and the young-at-heart. It’s a great way to round out an afternoon of musical fun with the VSO! Free to all ticket holders.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 | 3PM
A SEUSSICAL SYMPHONY Benjamin Rous, conductor A mad romp through Dr. Seuss classics Green Eggs and Ham and The Sneetches, this concert is an unbeatable combination of timeless music and favorite stories that everyone knows. Come in your craziest, zaniest, most outrageous hat in honor of the occasion! Special reading time and color creations just before the concert.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2015 | 3PM
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Benjamin Rous, conductor Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and join Benjamin Rous and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for a ghoulish afternoon of monstrous fun! The Orchestra will perform some of the spookiest music ever written. But don’t be afraid—this concert is more TREAT than TRICK!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 | 3PM
JINGLE BELL JAM Benjamin Rous, conductor Virginia Children’s Chorus Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s stopping by to be a part of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s ever-popular Jingle Bell Jam! Celebrate the magic of the season with an afternoon that showcases the music of the holidays performed by the best talent in Hampton Roads. You won’t want to miss this holly jolly concert! Get your tickets early—this family favorite is sure to sell out!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016 | 3PM
BLAST OFF: A SYMPHONY IN SPACE Benjamin Rous, conductor Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra – Helen Martell, Music Director Boldly go where no concert-goer has gone before when the Virginia Symphony Orchestra travels into hyperspace with the Bay Youth Symphony Orchestra in this side-by-side concert. NASA-provided projections will accompany the music, giving young audiences a chance to experience breathtaking images of our solar system. Soar into space with music from Holst’s The Planets and John Williams’ Star Wars.
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Sarah Chang
JoAnn Falletta | Photo: Norbrian Ronase
Special EVENTS
POST-CONCERT MIX & MINGLE OPENING WEEKEND
RICHMOND BALLET PRESENTS
THE NUTCRACKER WITH THE VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2015 | 7PM
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2015 | 2PM & 7PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 | 2PM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach Don't miss out on the opportunity to meet Sarah Chang, share a glass of champagne with JoAnn Falletta or get to know your favorite VSO musicians at one of these post-concert parties!
Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
Tchaikovsky's brilliant ballet score comes to life for this magical collaboration between the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Richmond Ballet! Heralded as “perfect” by The New York Times, Stoner Winslett’s production of The Nutcracker returns by popular demand to Chrysler Hall as one of the highlights of our 2015 holiday season! Join the Russian Bear, the Chinese Dragon and the Mouse King as they celebrate the magic of the holidays with Richmond Ballet and your VSO! ------------------------VSO subscribers receive a special 15% discount to The Nutcracker performances in Norfolk!
------------------------$25 per person For tickets, visit virginiasymphony.org or call 757.892.6366.
Photo: David A. Beloff
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016
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Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, Norfolk Join the musicians and friends of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for a Gala to celebrate JoAnn Falletta’s 25th Anniversary Season. ------------------------For more information, please call the VSO Development Off ice at 757.213.1411.
HOLIDAYS Join us for these must-see performances during the most wonderful time of the year!
HOLIDAY BRASS
wi� THE VSO
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 | 8PM Phi Beta Kappa Hall, Williamsburg
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 | 7:30PM TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, Norfolk Paul Bhasin, conductor The bold sounds of the Virginia Symphony Brass section ring in the holidays with a blast! Experience the festive sounds of the season in a concert filled with wit, virtuosity, and the glorious music of the holidays—featuring the VSO brass and percussion sections. Conducted by Dr. Paul Bhasin, Director of Wind Studies at Emory University in Atlanta and former Director of Bands at the William and Mary School of Music, returns to Hampton Roads where you’ll hear music from a variety of styles that make this concert one holiday delight you won’t want to miss!
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015 | 8PM
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News Sponsored by Canon
THE MESSIAH Sponsored by Christian Broadcasting Network
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 | 8PM Regent University, Virginia Beach
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015 | 8PM First Baptist Church, Newport News
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2015 | 8PM Harrison Opera House, Norfolk
Benjamin Rous, conductor Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Benjamin Rous returns to conduct the Messiah of the season. Featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and vocal soloists, come experience the greatest story ever told with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015 | 2:30PM & 8PM Harrison Opera House, Norfolk
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 | 7PM
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach Robert Shoup, conductor Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Virginia Children's Chorus Join us for the must-see holiday tradition of the season—Home for the Holidays! Conducted by Robert Shoup, VSO Chorusmaster/ Staff Conductor, our holiday performances have become a locals’ favorite at year’s end. There’s no better way to lift your spirits than with seasonal songs and traditional carols delivered in full sound and spectacle by the Virginia Symphony, the inspirational voices of Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and special guests. Shoup comments, “Home for the Holidays will have all the magical elements you've come to expect—high energy, familiar carols and lots of holiday warmth! And we'll even throw in a surprise or two! We can't wait to celebrate the season with all of you!"
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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
DONORS make a DIFFERENCE Every Annual Fund gift the Virginia Symphony Orchestra receives directly supports all of our work presenting high-quality musical performances and impactful music education activities in communities and concert venues throughout Hampton Roads. Thanks to the generosity of numerous individuals, corporations, foundations and local governments, the VSO is able to continue our mission to inspire, educate and connect audiences of all ages year after year. You have the power to make everything we do possible. Donate to the Annual Fund today and show your support for great music, music education and your Virginia Symphony Orchestra! Joining our family of donors is easy: simply indicate the amount of your donation when you make a ticket purchase, go online to virginiasymphony.org and click on “Make A Gift,” or call 757.213.1417.
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SU B S CR IB E & S AV E TO DAY !
PATRICIA AND DOUGLAS PERRY FOUNDATION
THE CAMP FOUNDATION
HAMPTON ROADS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Chatham Vineyards SANITARY LINEN SERVICES
This season is made possible in part through sponsorships by the City of Norfolk Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, the Newport News Arts Commission, the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission, and the Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission.
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Photo: David A. Beloff
150 Boush Street, Suite 201 Norfolk, VA 23510
PA ID
Norfolk, VA Permit #177