Pelléas et Mélisande, op. 1 Gabriel Fauré I. Prelude (1845 – 1924)
Ballade, op. 33 Samuel Coleridge Taylor (1875 – 1912)
brief intermission
Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)
Berceuse and Finale Igor Stravinsky from e Firebird Suite (1882 - 1971)
Please silence cell phones before the concert. Recording, taping, photographing are strictly prohibited.
Naima Burrs, D.M.A., is a violinist and conductor from Richmond, VA, whose artistry is driven by a vibrant energy and a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of diverse composers past, present, and emerging. Known for her insightful interpretations and dynamic presence on the podium, Burrs brings underrepresented works to life, creating performances that resonate with musicians and audiences alike.
She was selected to participate in the Conducting Academy of the Domaine Forget International Music Festival in Québec, Canada, where she studied under the renowned Maestro Yannick NézetSéguin, Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Throughout her career, Burrs has collaborated with an impressive roster of soloists, including pianist Joanne Kong, clarinetist LeTriel White, violinist Anyango YarboDavenport, and cellist Christoph Wagner.
In 2022, Burrs was appointed Music Director of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, where she led the ensemble through two vibrant seasons. In 2023, Burrs made her guest conducting debut with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. That same year, she was named Youth Concert Conductor with the National Philharmonic Orchestra, as part of their educational series at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD an opportunity that allows her to inspire and connect with thousands of young listeners. Most recently, Burrs made her debut with the Richmond Ballet, leading the Richmond Symphony in multiple performances of the beloved annual production of The Nutcracker. The 2024-2025 season promises even more exciting moments as she steps onto the podium with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and the National Philharmonic for mainstage performances.
Beyond her professional engagements, Burrs is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She is frequently invited as a guest clinician for regional and all-state youth orchestras across the country, where she brings a spirit of encouragement and collaboration to
young musicians, helping them discover their collective voice while exploring diverse, meaningful repertoire.
As a violinist, Burrs remains an active performer. She has played with ensembles including the Richmond Symphony, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, and Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra. She has also served as principal second violin with Opera on the James and concertmaster of Summer Garden Opera.
Currently, Burrs serves as the Director of Orchestral Activities at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA, continuing her mission to inspire and uplift both her students and the broader musical community. She is also on faculty at the University of Richmond, serving as conductor of the University of Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Her academic path reflects her diverse musical passions, holding degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.A. in Music), the University of Northern Iowa (M.M. in Violin Performance), and the Catholic University of America (D.M.A. in Instrumental Conducting).
Violin I
Esther Kim, concertmaster
Hannah Lwin
Brett Phillips
Lidiya Chambers
Sydney Vermeeren
John Turner*
Violin II
Lucas Chuidian, principal
Sydney McFarlane
Lena Zeng
Eden Kim*
Eileen Downey**
Viola
Adele Kelley, principal
Mary Michele
Giuliana Masone
Erika Holmes*
Cello
Lena Ondreyka, principal
Miah Wilson
Kate Bae
Laela Dayan
Maya Johnson*
Bass
Michael A. Stumpf*
Flute
Laura Tranquillo, principal
Yeseul Jun
Susan Jones***
Oboe
Karl Spiker*, principal
Lisa Bilski*
English horn
Lisa Bilski*
Clarinet
Michael Goldberg*, principal
Antar Das*
Bassoon
Arnold Wexler*, co-principal
Lauren Anesta** , co-principal
Horn
Gretchen Georgas*, principal
Roxanne Williams*
Rachael Glasgow*
Wallace Easter* Trumpet
Argenis Gonzalez*, principal
Haven Novak
Trombone
Stephen Cherry*, principal
Dave Davis*
Tuba
Russell Wolz*
Percussion
Lamon Lawhorn*
Harp
Sylvie Dow*
* Community Musician
** University of Richmond faculty/staff
*** University of Richmond alumni