Education & Community
Come & Play & Sing
Hundreds of musicians. Hundreds of voices. One unforgettable performance.
After a nine-year absence, one of Richmond Symphony’s most beloved community traditions returns with an expanded invitation. For the first time, instrumentalists and singers will come together for Come & Play & Sing: Carmina Burana.
Musicians of all ages and experience levels are invited to rehearse and perform alongside Richmond Symphony musicians under the direction of Music Director Valentina Peleggi at the VCU Siegel Center on Sunday, April 11, 2027.
Whether you play an instrument, love to sing or simply want to experience the performance, there is a place for you.
An Experience for Every Level
Come & Play & Sing is a recreational community music event created to welcome beginner, intermediate and advanced musicians. Parts will be selected or adapted to accommodate different levels of experience.
You do not need to be a professional musician to take part. You simply need a desire to make music with others and become part of something larger than yourself.
Come & Play & Sing
Come & Play
Join hundreds of instrumentalists for an extraordinary community orchestra experience. Musical parts will be available for beginner, intermediate and advanced players, allowing musicians at different stages of their musical journeys to participate together.
Come & Play was last presented in 2018, when more than 700 community musicians from Virginia and beyond gathered with Richmond Symphony musicians to form what was celebrated as the largest orchestra in the Commonwealth.
Come & Sing
For the first time, vocalists are invited to become part of this beloved Richmond Symphony tradition. Community singers will join instrumentalists and Richmond Symphony musicians in bringing the monumental sound of Carmina Burana to life.
Additional information about vocal parts, age requirements, rehearsal preparation and participating ensembles will be announced as plans are finalized.
Come & Listen
You do not have to perform to be part of the experience. The day will culminate in a free community concert at 6 p.m., with an anticipated run time of approximately 30 minutes.
Admission is free for audience members, with a suggested donation of $10. Additional audience information will be shared closer to the event.
The Power of Carmina Burana
Why Carmina Burana?
With its enormous choruses, driving percussion, memorable melodies and instantly recognizable “O Fortuna,” Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana creates an unmistakable sense of scale and energy. For Valentina Peleggi, the work also holds a deeply personal connection.
Can you spot her in the video below? (hint:40.17)
Carmina Burana is a special piece to me. I was 13, singing in the children chorus, and it was the first time I performed onstage with a large symphonic orchestra, feeling the power of a professional chorus right behind me. It was the first time I felt the music in my blood. One thing is to hear a piece, one thing is to have the privilege to be part of it, to feel that striking soundwave onstage, to be connected with one another in order to create something unique together. I’ll be happy to share this opportunity with hundreds of players and hundreds of singers! Come and be the music, feel it, share it. Hundreds of people, one heart.
– Valentina Peleggi, Music Director
Can you spot Valentina?
Event Schedule
Sunday, April 11, 2027 - VCU Siegel Center
2–4:30 p.m.
Participant rehearsal
4:30–6 p.m.
Break with opportunities to connect, learn and explore
6 p.m.
Free community concert
Schedule details are subject to change as plans are finalized.
More Ways to Participate
Richmond Symphony is developing optional learning and behind-the-scenes experiences connected to Come & Play & Sing.
Details, availability and pricing for any additional experiences will be announced as plans are finalized.