Richmond Symphony

A Night in Vienna
2025-10-11 17:00 (America/New_York) | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Journey through the magic of Vienna’s dance music to the opulent ballrooms of Johann Strauss II.
This program celebrates the “King of Waltzes” on his 200th anniversary, featuring iconic waltzes,
marches, and beloved classics like The Blue Danube, Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 5,
and Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute.

The City of Music

A Night in Vienna
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 5:00 PM
If you pay a visit to Vienna’s Central Cemetery, you’ll find a “Musicians’ Corner” where some of the iconic figures of Western classical music are laid to rest: Beethoven, Schubert, Johann Strauss II, and Brahms all lie buried within close proximity. It’s a reminder that this city was more than just their home. It was a creative magnet that drew composers from all over.
“All of these composers were drawn to Vienna or already living there,” says Music Director Valentina Peleggi. “A Night in Vienna traces a journey that starts off with a variety of dance forms suggesting the ethnic diversity of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It then celebrates how these influences came together and evolved into something new – the waltz – which became a symbol of Vienna itself as a cosmopolitan capital.”
(C)2025 Thomas May

A Mosaic of Influences

The first half of the program thus presents an eclectic mix of styles and influences, from reworkings of regional folk idioms to evocations of Hungarian and Turkish music. These pieces show how composers engaged with the multicultural mosaic
they encountered, both inside the Empire and beyond.
Our snapshot of this shifting musical landscape begins with a bright, festive march Mozart composed shortly after relocating to Vienna in the 1780s, likely for a public or semi-public celebration. Following it is an orchestral arrangement of the famous “Turkish” rondo finale he originally wrote as part of a solo piano sonata—a rhythmically infectious piece that reflects how Europeans perceived the military music of the Ottoman Empire, a style that was then very much in vogue in Vienna.
(C)2025 Thomas May

From Mozart to Schubert

Marche militaire by Franz Schubert, who was born and raised in Vienna, also started out as music for piano (actually, piano four hands). It was written while on a music teaching stint for an aristocratic family in a Hungarian corner of the Empire. For all its mock martial grandeur, the piece sways with a rhythmic lilt that’s hard to resist.
(C)2025 Thomas May

Beethoven’s Contradances

A generation older than Schubert, Beethoven paid tribute to the popular social dances of the day with a set of contradances – group dances of French and English origin – written not long after his move to Vienna to study with Haydn. The tune he used for No. 7 proved to have remarkable staying power: it later appeared in his ballet The Creatures of Prometheus and ultimately found immortal form as the theme for the finale of his revolutionary Eroica Symphony.
(C)2025 Thomas May

Hungarian Fire and Operetta Flair

That Hungarian thread continues with Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 5, the most famous of a set he originally composed for piano four hands in the late 1860s. The piece pulses with the rhythmic drive and fiery flair of Romani-influenced dance music – the kind of melodies that once spilled from café orchestras across the city.
Like Dvořák, Franz von Suppé emerged from outside the dominant Germanic tradition within the multiethnic Habsburg Empire. He became famous for his effervescent contributions to Viennese operetta, such as 1866 work Light Cavalry. The galloping rhythms and theatrical flair of its overture have made the piece a concert hall favorite. We hear the overture’s rousing finale to close the first half of our program.
(C)2025 Thomas May

The Waltz King

Vienna’s famous City Park holds a gilded statue of Johann Strauss II, who is shown merrily playing his violin. Long one of the most photographed landmarks in this city of music, the monument is drawing even greater attention as the world celebrates the 200th anniversary of Strauss’s birth later this month.
The Overture to Die Fledermaus is a dazzling distillation of everything audiences adore about Strauss: irresistible melody, rhythmic vitality, and a flair for drama laced with humor. The title – which means “The Bat” – refers to a costume worn at a lavish masquerade ball, where mistaken identities and fizzy intrigue unfold to a deliriously charming score now inseparable from Vienna’s New Year’s celebrations.
(C)2025 Thomas May

Waltzes, Polkas, and Beyond

Johann Strauss II was born into a remarkable musical dynasty. His father had laid the foundation for the family’s association with the Viennese waltz, transforming a popular folk dance into a sophisticated form of entertainment. But it was Johann Junior who ultimately eclipsed not only Papa Strauss but also his composer brothers, Josef and Eduard, in both popularity and artistic Influence.
Strauss’s naturally flowing melodies have a way of transporting listeners straight into the heart of Vienna: savor the lyrical grace and elegance of Voices of Spring and Roses from the South. Though best known for his waltzes, the prolific Strauss additionally composed dozens of polkas, galops, and quadrilles – lively dance forms that were staples of the Viennese ballroom. He captures the cheeky bustle of Viennese gossip in the Tritsch-Tratsch (“chit-chat”) Polka and conjures up atmospheric spectacle in the thunderously brilliant Unter Donner und Blitz. As for the waltz itself, Strauss expanded it into something grander and more symphonic by adding richly orchestrated introductions, sweeping melodies, and dramatically contrasting interludes. His concert waltzes often weave together several distinct dance sections, creating a seamless sequence that elevates the form from ballroom diversion to miniature tone poem.
(C)2025 Thomas May

The Blue Danube and a Triumphant Finale

The Blue Danube – a hit at the 1867 Paris Exposition – has become the quintessential Strauss waltz. It begins with a dreamy, choral-style introduction (whose original version in fact included a chorus) before unfolding into a sequence of five elegant waltz themes, each with its own character, yet artfully linked together. The Blue Danube has become virtually synonymous with Vienna itself, though its modern fame owes much to Stanley Kubrick’s inspired decision to use Strauss’s graceful dance rhythms to accompany scenes of orbiting spacecraft in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
But Papa Strauss gets the final say. His Radetzky March from 1848 – written to honor a victorious general – has long outlived its military origins to become a rollicking New Year’s tradition, complete with audience clapping and unflagging good cheer. It’s a rousing finale from the original Strauss in the waltz hall of fame.
(C)2025 Thomas May

The City of Music

A Night in Vienna
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 5:00 PM
If you pay a visit to Vienna’s Central Cemetery, you’ll find a “Musicians’ Corner” where some of the iconic figures of Western classical music are laid to rest: Beethoven, Schubert, Johann Strauss II, and Brahms all lie buried within close proximity. It’s a reminder that this city was more than just their home. It was a creative magnet that drew composers from all over.
“All of these composers were drawn to Vienna or already living there,” says Music Director Valentina Peleggi. “A Night in Vienna traces a journey that starts off with a variety of dance forms suggesting the ethnic diversity of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It then celebrates how these influences came together and evolved into something new – the waltz – which became a symbol of Vienna itself as a cosmopolitan capital.”
(C)2025 Thomas May

A Mosaic of Influences

The first half of the program thus presents an eclectic mix of styles and influences, from reworkings of regional folk idioms to evocations of Hungarian and Turkish music. These pieces show how composers engaged with the multicultural mosaic
they encountered, both inside the Empire and beyond.
Our snapshot of this shifting musical landscape begins with a bright, festive march Mozart composed shortly after relocating to Vienna in the 1780s, likely for a public or semi-public celebration. Following it is an orchestral arrangement of the famous “Turkish” rondo finale he originally wrote as part of a solo piano sonata—a rhythmically infectious piece that reflects how Europeans perceived the military music of the Ottoman Empire, a style that was then very much in vogue in Vienna.
(C)2025 Thomas May

From Mozart to Schubert

Marche militaire by Franz Schubert, who was born and raised in Vienna, also started out as music for piano (actually, piano four hands). It was written while on a music teaching stint for an aristocratic family in a Hungarian corner of the Empire. For all its mock martial grandeur, the piece sways with a rhythmic lilt that’s hard to resist.
(C)2025 Thomas May

Beethoven’s Contradances

A generation older than Schubert, Beethoven paid tribute to the popular social dances of the day with a set of contradances – group dances of French and English origin – written not long after his move to Vienna to study with Haydn. The tune he used for No. 7 proved to have remarkable staying power: it later appeared in his ballet The Creatures of Prometheus and ultimately found immortal form as the theme for the finale of his revolutionary Eroica Symphony.
(C)2025 Thomas May

Hungarian Fire and Operetta Flair

That Hungarian thread continues with Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 5, the most famous of a set he originally composed for piano four hands in the late 1860s. The piece pulses with the rhythmic drive and fiery flair of Romani-influenced dance music – the kind of melodies that once spilled from café orchestras across the city.
Like Dvořák, Franz von Suppé emerged from outside the dominant Germanic tradition within the multiethnic Habsburg Empire. He became famous for his effervescent contributions to Viennese operetta, such as 1866 work Light Cavalry. The galloping rhythms and theatrical flair of its overture have made the piece a concert hall favorite. We hear the overture’s rousing finale to close the first half of our program.
(C)2025 Thomas May

The Waltz King

Vienna’s famous City Park holds a gilded statue of Johann Strauss II, who is shown merrily playing his violin. Long one of the most photographed landmarks in this city of music, the monument is drawing even greater attention as the world celebrates the 200th anniversary of Strauss’s birth later this month.
The Overture to Die Fledermaus is a dazzling distillation of everything audiences adore about Strauss: irresistible melody, rhythmic vitality, and a flair for drama laced with humor. The title – which means “The Bat” – refers to a costume worn at a lavish masquerade ball, where mistaken identities and fizzy intrigue unfold to a deliriously charming score now inseparable from Vienna’s New Year’s celebrations.
(C)2025 Thomas May

Waltzes, Polkas, and Beyond

Johann Strauss II was born into a remarkable musical dynasty. His father had laid the foundation for the family’s association with the Viennese waltz, transforming a popular folk dance into a sophisticated form of entertainment. But it was Johann Junior who ultimately eclipsed not only Papa Strauss but also his composer brothers, Josef and Eduard, in both popularity and artistic Influence.
Strauss’s naturally flowing melodies have a way of transporting listeners straight into the heart of Vienna: savor the lyrical grace and elegance of Voices of Spring and Roses from the South. Though best known for his waltzes, the prolific Strauss additionally composed dozens of polkas, galops, and quadrilles – lively dance forms that were staples of the Viennese ballroom. He captures the cheeky bustle of Viennese gossip in the Tritsch-Tratsch (“chit-chat”) Polka and conjures up atmospheric spectacle in the thunderously brilliant Unter Donner und Blitz. As for the waltz itself, Strauss expanded it into something grander and more symphonic by adding richly orchestrated introductions, sweeping melodies, and dramatically contrasting interludes. His concert waltzes often weave together several distinct dance sections, creating a seamless sequence that elevates the form from ballroom diversion to miniature tone poem.
(C)2025 Thomas May

The Blue Danube and a Triumphant Finale

The Blue Danube – a hit at the 1867 Paris Exposition – has become the quintessential Strauss waltz. It begins with a dreamy, choral-style introduction (whose original version in fact included a chorus) before unfolding into a sequence of five elegant waltz themes, each with its own character, yet artfully linked together. The Blue Danube has become virtually synonymous with Vienna itself, though its modern fame owes much to Stanley Kubrick’s inspired decision to use Strauss’s graceful dance rhythms to accompany scenes of orbiting spacecraft in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
But Papa Strauss gets the final say. His Radetzky March from 1848 – written to honor a victorious general – has long outlived its military origins to become a rollicking New Year’s tradition, complete with audience clapping and unflagging good cheer. It’s a rousing finale from the original Strauss in the waltz hall of fame.
(C)2025 Thomas May

InLight Festival
2025-10-17 19:00 | Abner Clay Park, Brook Rd & W Clay St, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
Experience the Richmond Symphony under the Big Tent as part of 1708 Gallery’s InLight, featuring the world premiere of Super!Giant!Jump!Star! by artist George Ferrandi. Enjoy an evening of live music, light, and ceremony in the heart of Jackson Ward, culminating in a cosmic celebration of sound and community.
Learn more at 1708inlight.org

Wagner and Haydn
2025-10-19 15:00 | Randolph-Macon College
The Richmond Symphony returns to Randolph-Macon College for an afternoon of bold and expressive music. Led by Associate Conductor Hae Lee, the program opens with Beethoven’s dramatic Overture to Coriolan, followed by Saint-Georges’ elegant Sarabande et Riguadon. Wagner’s serene Siegfried Idyll offers moments of tender beauty before Haydn’s lively Symphony No. 87 brings the concert to a spirited close.

Minsoo Sohn Plays Chopin
2025-10-25 19:30, 2025-10-26 15:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
It was a young, desperate love that inspired the young Frederic Chopin. Too shy to declare his feelings, he wrote: “I say to my piano what I would like to be saying to you…” The masterful Minsoo Sohn performs Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto. Sohn is described by the New York Times as “a genuine artist, with a thoughtful and poetic interpretation,” and by the Boston Globe as “born to play the piano.” This concert of great romantics also features Rachmaninoff’s ravishing Second Symphony.
Click here to learn more about Minsoo Sohn.

*Please note the guest artist for this performance was updated on 10/16/25

The Rocky Horror Show
2025-10-31 19:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Parental Advisory
This performance embraces the wild, weird, and wonderfully risqué world of Rocky Horror. It includes mature content and is best suited for audiences 17 and older. Please contact Patron Services at patronservices@richmondsymphony.com or 804.788.1212 x2 for more information.

Rocky Horror on Halloween! The Richmond Symphony is joined by actors from the Richmond Triangle Players for a production of The Rocky Horror Show – still a smash hit after 50+ years! “Dammit, Janet” you’ve got to be there!
No props please. But costumes and callbacks are encouraged!
Click here for a Callback Guide!

The Science of Sound
2025-11-02 15:00 | Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education
Join your Richmond Symphony for an exploration of The Science of Sound! Presented in collaboration with the Science Museum of Virginia, this program invites you to discover how orchestral instruments create sound and the mechanics of sound waves from outer space to the deep sea. This concert will feature Haydn’s Symphony No. 94, Gregory Smith’s VIBE, and John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine and is narrated by Teddy McPherson.
Be there at 2pm as the Science Museum of Virginia gives a pre-show demonstration: Listen up! We’re exploring the science behind sound waves. We’ll blow your mind—but not your eardrums—with the power of sound.”
While designed for ages 7-13, all ages are welcome. Children 2 and under are free if seated in an adult’s lap. Seating for this concert is general admission.

Beethoven Violin Concerto
2025-11-08 19:30, 2025-11-09 15:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Francesca Dego, who thrilled Richmond audiences in her 2024 debut, returns for Beethoven’s towering Violin Concerto. Of her Beethoven, the Dallas Morning News raved: “She proved that pianissimos can be as gripping as fortissimos. Her gleaming tone was striking, with commitment, facility, and finesse. A rock-star ovation was rewarded.” Valentina Peleggi also conducts Charles Ives’s truth- searching meditation, The Unanswered Question, and Dvořák’s broodingly powerful Symphony No. 7.

Fall Youth Orchestra Program
2025-11-09 18:30 | Dominion Energy Center, 600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
From first notes to pre-collegiate performances, Richmond Symphony’s Youth Orchestra Program concerts celebrate the talent and dedication of young musicians across our region. Join us at the Carpenter Theatre and be inspired by all five YOP ensembles: String Sinfonietta, Camerata Strings, Youth Concert Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble, performing works by Mozart, Grieg, and more.

String Sinfonietta, conducted by Matt Wilson
Camerata Strings, conducted by Melissa Jones
Youth Concert Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Sandy Goldie
Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Justin Alexander
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Hae Lee

One Piece Music Symphony
2025-11-15 19:00 | Altria Theater, 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond , VA, 23220, United States
The globally beloved phenomenon One Piece, known for its epic adventure and incredibly rich and detailed world, is brought to life in a stunning musical symphony that features the greatest moments from the show on screen in perfect sync.

Let It Snow!
2025-11-29 14:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
It’s Richmond’s favorite holiday musical tradition. Celebrate the season with family and friends with your Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus at the Carpenter Theatre on Thanksgiving Weekend. Hae Lee conducts. Features Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus!
JUST ANNOUNCED: Laura Ann Singh joins the Richmond Symphony for Let It Snow! A multilingual singer celebrated for her captivating interpretations of música popular brasileira and Latin boleros, Singh brings global flair and soulful elegance to the stage. With performances spanning Europe, Russia, and South America, along with featured appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk and at New York City’s globalFEST, her voice has delighted audiences around the world. She lends her radiant style to timeless holiday classics in an unforgettable evening of music, joy, and winter wonder
Two chances to enjoy this holiday favorite at 2pm and 7pm!
CONCERT SPONSOR

Let It Snow!
2025-11-29 19:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
It’s Richmond’s favorite holiday musical tradition. Celebrate the season with family and friends with your Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus at the Carpenter Theatre on Thanksgiving Weekend. Hae Lee conducts. Features Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus!
JUST ANNOUNCED: Laura Ann Singh joins the Richmond Symphony for Let It Snow! A multilingual singer celebrated for her captivating interpretations of música popular brasileira and Latin boleros, Singh brings global flair and soulful elegance to the stage. With performances spanning Europe, Russia, and South America, along with featured appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk and at New York City’s globalFEST, her voice has delighted audiences around the world. She lends her radiant style to timeless holiday classics in an unforgettable evening of music, joy, and winter wonder
Two chances to enjoy this holiday favorite at 2pm and 7pm!
MAKE IT A HOLIDAY WEEKEND! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE HOLIDAY BRASS AND THE 7PM LET IT SNOW: https://www.etix.com/ticket/k/29245743/

CONCERT SPONSOR

Holiday Brass
2025-11-30 15:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Your new holiday favorite moves to the Carpenter Theatre! Deck the halls – with Holiday Brass! A shimmering celebration of holiday hits for the whole family!

MAKE IT A HOLIDAY WEEKEND! CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE HOLIDAY BRASS AND THE 7PM LET IT SNOW: https://www.etix.com/ticket/k/29245743/

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale
2025-12-01 00:01 - 23:59 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

Save 50% off Adult prices for select Side Orchestra seats
for all January concerts AND Band Geek Date Night.
Select the Black Fri-Cyber Mon price code when purchasing online. The discount is incorporated into the price. Limit four per concert. Valid Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1.

An African American Requiemon Sat, Jan 17 and Sun, Jan 18

Pastor Mike Jr. Symphony Praise Party on Sat, Jan 24

Conrad Tao Plays Gershwin on Sat Jan 31 and Sun, Feb 1

Band Geek Date Night, Sat April 18

RESTRICTIONS: Additional tickets may be added to the order using the normal price codes. Discount cannot be combined with other offers and cannot be used retroactively. Offer valid from Friday, November 28 through midnight, Monday, December 1. You can also call Richmond Symphony Patron Services at 804.788.1212 on Friday or Monday (9am to 5pm).

Holiday Festival of Music – Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
2025-12-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 800 S Cathedral Pl, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States

Santa's Symphony Soirée
2025-12-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Virago Spirits Scott’s Addition, 1727 Rhoadmiller St., Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
Unleash your inner holiday goofball! Join the Richmond Symphony for an evening filled with over-the-top fun, tacky-lights, dazzling decor, holiday cocktails and festive chamber music. This whimsical concert benefits the Richmond Symphony’s music education programs!

Damien Geter's An African American Requiem
2026-01-17 19:30, 2026-01-18 15:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
In composing his epic, moving Requiem, Damien Geter was inspired by those composed earlier by Mozart, Berlioz, Brahms, and especially Verdi. Within the traditional Latin text, Geter’s Requiem weaves the words of victims of lynching and of those who dared speak out. “A Requiem memorializes a person,” Geter has stated. “We need to memorialize these folks in some way, to keep their names alive. And this is the way I choose to honor them.”

History, Influences, & Musical Preview

Richmond Symphony composer-in-residence Damien Geter began composing “An African-American Requiem” in 2016, commissioned by Resonance Ensemble, and premiered the work with the Oregon Symphony in 2022. As a musical response to violence against Black Americans, Geter modeled the twenty-movement composition after Verdi’s “Requiem.” He combines traditional Latin Requiem texts with civil rights declarations, poetry, and Eric Garner’s last words, “I can’t breathe.”
Musical moment to listen for:
In the movement Lacrimosa (Latin for weeping or tearful), Geter writes a haunting clarinet solo echoing the Star-Spangled Banner in D minor, but something is missing. Although there are no lyrics to this solo, the memorable melody has you following them long enough to notice that he omits the promised peak note "free" from the phrase. The silence is deafening, as Geter's message is clear.
"In a concert setting, we are forced to listen to, and take in, not only the music, but the message. Music can be a conduit in that way, bridging the reluctant person’s heart to that of a broader human experience." — Damien Geter

Foreword by Aminata R. Sei for "An African American Requiem"

Damien Geter has masterfully curated this renaissance on a canvas of our consciousness and our necessary call to duty. This Requiem is as it should be-sobering and bold. A Thank You is in order, from me and from you, for his courage and vision, and for the hope it instills in our community. The work is a most salient reminder of our struggle, of where it began, how far we have come and the promise that rests in where we are headed.
Hostility and strife prevail, a seeming disregard for life and a conjuring of the pain of past atrocities. Devaluation of Black lives. This continued denigration of our culture, of black men and women, and sometimes of black children, must stop. The communal impact of generational and systemic discrimination over time is loss of confidence and a diminished will power. That is the unfortunate truth. This requiem defies that truth. It beckons from our souls a sense of fresh optimism so listen for it between the notes. Let that resonance overcome. Damien Geter presents a powerful and eclectic arrangement that reassures us of the courage of the likes of Ida B Wells. He shines a light on the truth that is the revolution of each movement. History bears witness to Beethoven’s monumental influence on symphony; the impact of emotions on classical music, and this Requiem illuminates the fire on that torch; it heightens all of ours.
Where others had stood up and spoken out, today this composer with unmatched creative genius has made his mark by gifting the world with a remarkable musical transcription. A war song. An anthem. Through moments of deep reflection you’ll come to appreciate that this Requiem is no dirge. It is a sacred call. Every chord striking a memory of all of the souls of our dearly departed from whom life was unjustly taken. A reckoning of love and hope. This work will revolutionize our path to activism. It is pacesetting classical music. Other greats have left their mark, and I am certain so will this maestro.
James Baldwin said it best, “you write to change the world…” Damien Geter was born to write this masterpiece, and it will change how we show up in the world.
— Aminata R. Sei

Pastor Mike Jr.
2026-01-24 19:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Let the church say, Amen! Pastor Mike Jr. brings his award-winning sound to the Richmond Symphony stage for a ‘Gospel Symphony Praise Party.’ Experience the power of orchestral arrangements by the masterful Dr. Henry Panion III blended with the energy of live praise & worship songs.

Pastor Mike Jr.

Pastor Mike Jr. founded Rock City Church in Birmingham, Alabama, transforming it into one of the region’s fastest-growing ministries and a vibrant hub for faith and community impact. He launched his music career officially in 2019 with the debut album Live Free, which soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. Following that, his releases I Got It: Singles Ministry, Vol. 1 (2021) and Impossible (2023) consistently dominated Billboard’s Gospel rankings. Pastor Mike Jr. has earned a remarkable collection of accolades: 28 Stellar Awards, multiple GMA Dove Awards, BET Award nominations, and now, a 2026 GRAMMY nomination.
Pastor Mike Jr. shows that faith and culture aren’t in conflict, they thrive together. Through his mission-driven work, he champions families and empowers students to dream beyond limits, all while pairing these efforts with his powerful music.
Musical moment to listen for:
His powerful anthem “Amen,” dropped in January 2025, earned a 2026 GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song. The track hit No. 1 on both Billboard’s Gospel Airplay and National Gospel Airplay charts. Celebrated for its authenticity and relatable grit, “Amen” bridges spiritual depth with a contemporary tone - a signature of Pastor Mike Jr.’s ministry and music mission.
Now, that mission ignites the Gospel Symphony Praise Party. Backed by the Richmond Symphony and elevated by Dr. Henry Panion’s masterful arrangements, Pastor Mike Jr.’s dynamic praise anthems will resonate like never before. It’s more than a concert; it’s a movement of faith, music, and community coming together in one unforgettable night.

Dr. Henry Panion III

Dr. Henry Panion III, PhD, serves as Professor of Music & Director of Music Technology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He brings multi-genre expertise spanning gospel, classical, R&B, hip-hop, and more. A distinguished alumnus (Alabama A&M, Ohio State), he’s earned top honors including the Congressional Black Caucus Civic & Cultural Advancement Award, induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and the Governor’s Arts Award.
Career highlights: then & now
Dr. Henry Panion III’s legendary partnership with Stevie Wonder spans more than three decades, defining a new era of symphonic soul. As arranger and conductor for Wonder’s acclaimed Natural Wonder tour and live album, Panion led world-class orchestras, including the Tokyo Philharmonic, in breathtaking performances of Stevie’s greatest hits. His artistry has graced stages across the globe, from the Royal Philharmonic to the Melbourne Symphony, blending orchestral grandeur with Wonder’s timeless sound. This enduring collaboration, rooted in musical excellence and cultural impact, cements Panion as one of the most influential voices in bridging classical and contemporary music.
Now, that same brilliance comes to Richmond. After decades of shaping symphonic experiences for Stevie Wonder and other music legends, Dr. Panion brings his unmatched artistry to the Gospel Symphony Praise Party. His orchestral arrangements will transform Pastor Mike Jr.’s chart-topping praise anthems into a sweeping, soul-stirring celebration where gospel energy meets symphonic grandeur in a way only Panion can deliver.

Conrad Tao Plays Gershwin
2026-01-31 19:30, 2026-02-01 15:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Just 30, Conrad Tao, says the Detroit Free Press “owns a place among the world’s virtuosos. he blew the doors off in a performance hair-raising in its technical brilliance.” Experience his phenomenal artistry in music from the jazz-age: George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. and his mercurial homage to Gershwin, Flung Out. And rising American conductor Ben Manis leads Mozart’s great, final Symphony No. 41, the “Jupiter.”

About Conrad Tao

Conrad Tao is a pianist and composer acclaimed for his fearless creativity and virtuosic command of the keyboard. Praised by New York Magazine as “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music,” Tao has performed with leading orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Boston Symphony. A recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant and Gilmore Young Artist Award, he was also named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” for his groundbreaking contributions to classical music.
A prodigy since childhood, Tao began playing piano by ear at just 18 months and gave his first public recital at age 4. By 8, he was performing Mozart concertos, and at 9 he moved to New York to study at Juilliard Pre-College. His remarkable compositional talent earned him eight consecutive ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards (2004–2011), the BMI Carlos Surinach Prize at age 10, and recognition as a Davidson Fellow Laureate, all before turning 18.
As a composer, Tao has earned eight consecutive ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards and commissions from major ensembles. His works often blur boundaries between genres, weaving jazz, classical, and contemporary influences into a distinctive voice.
The centerpiece of this program is Flung Out, Tao’s own piano concerto, a bold homage to Gershwin that uses original instrumentation from Rhapsody in Blue (banjo, baritone sax, ropes of saxophones, brass) and features a “really sentimental, lush, romantic theme” embedded in fast, frenetic passages.
“I’m really excited to have a baritone saxophone and a banjo in the mix… using the same instruments Gershwin had for Rhapsody in Blue,” Tao says.

About Ben Manis

Ben Manis is an American conductor celebrated for his dynamic artistry and collaborative approach across both symphonic and operatic stages. Currently Resident Conductor of the Grand Teton Music Festival and former Associate Conductor of the Utah Symphony, Manis has led performances with major institutions including Houston Grand Opera and San Francisco Opera, where critics praised his “confident, unflagging pace.” His operatic credits include Carmen, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Tosca, and Romeo et Juliette, alongside premieres of contemporary works such as Marian’s Song and The Snowy Day.
A four-time recipient of the Solti Foundation Career Assistance Award, Manis studied conducting at Rice University’s Shepherd School and trained at the Aspen Conducting Academy. He has assisted renowned maestros including Leonard Slatkin, James Conlon, and Robert Spano, and worked with leading orchestras across the U.S.
Known for his ability to balance precision with expressive depth, Manis brings a fresh, engaging perspective to every performance, making him one of today’s most exciting young conductors.

Side-by-Side
2026-02-03 19:00 | Dominion Energy Center, 600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA, 23219, United States
Experience a powerful Side-by-Side performance featuring the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra. This free concert offers young musicians the rare opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside professional artists – deepening connection, elevating artistry, and inspiring the next generation of music-makers. A thrilling performance that celebrates mentorship, collaboration, and the vibrant musical future of our community.

Voice of a Nation
2026-02-06 19:30 | Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education
Concert Update: Due to weather, tonight’s Voice of the Nation performance at the Perkinson Center has been cancelled.
The same program will be presented tomorrow, Friday, Feb 7 at 7:30 PM at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond. Tickets for tonight’s performance will be honored at tomorrow’s concert.
If you’re unable to attend, Patron Services will follow up next week with options. Thank you for your understanding.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ in Concert
2026-02-07 14:00, 2026-02-07 19:30 | Altria Theater, 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond , VA, 23220, United States
See when Harry discovers a mysterious potions book in CineConcerts’ presentation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ in Concert! Projected onto a giant screen and accompanied by a live symphony orchestra, you can join in on Harry’s adventures as never before. Nicholas Hooper’s wonderful score and this classic tale combine to deliver all the adventure, humor, and suspense you remember in an experience you’ll never forget.
All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
This performance is presented by CineConcerts. Tickets must be purchased through the Altria Theater. Richmond Symphony vouchers, discounts, gift cards, exchanges, etc are not applicable for this event. Thank you.

Voice of a Nation
2026-02-07 19:31 | St. Christopher’s School, 6010 Fergusson Rd, Richmond, VA, 23226, United States
Music Director Valentina Peleggi leads an evocative evening of American music that explores memory, poetry, and the lyrical power of the human voice. The program opens with Philip Glass’s mesmerizing Company for Strings, a minimalist gem of emotional restraint and quiet intensity. Elliot Carter’s poignant Elegy for String Orchestra follows, a work of deep reflection and soulful beauty.
The centerpiece of the evening features two celebrated vocal works: Aaron Copland’s Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson, a haunting and intimate song cycle that brings the poet’s introspective world to life, and Samuel Barber’s beloved Knoxville: Summer of 1915, a nostalgic, richly orchestrated reverie on childhood, based on a prose poem by James Agee. Richmond native Alicia Russell Tagert joins the Symphony with her “bright and effortless soprano” (Fargo Inforum).
A journey through the soundscape of 20th-century America, Voice of a Nation offers a rare opportunity to experience iconic works that illuminate the emotional and poetic heart of a nation.

Let's Groove Tonight
2026-02-20 19:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Led by Broadway superstar Chester Gregory and vocal powerhouses Cherise Coaches & Brik Liam, this incredible evening is full of classic hit songs made famous by The Spinners, The Stylistics, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Lou Rawls, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff and more.

Chester Gregory

The Richmond Symphony welcomes award-winning Broadway star and recording artist, Chester Gregory, to the Carpenter Theatre stage this February. His career spans celebrated roles in Broadway productions including Hairspray, Motown: The Musical, Sister Act, Tarzan, and Cry‑Baby, each shaped by his expressive voice. Chester brings authenticity to every performance, whether delivering an electrifying showstopper or a heartfelt ballad. His breakout portrayal of Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story revealed a performer with both emotional depth and a natural ability to bring musical history to life.
Beyond the stage, Gregory’s artistry extends into recording and collaboration. His work with Phil Collins, Ledisi, Marc Shaiman, and Chance the Rapper reflects his range and his ability to move between musical worlds with ease. His dedication to craft has earned him the Joseph Jefferson Award, the NAACP Theatre Award, and recognition from his hometown communities through ceremonial keys and an Honorary Doctorate from Columbia College Chicago.

Cherise Coaches

Cherise Coaches is an artist from Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Columbia College
Chicago (2013). She is a former professor from Northwestern University.
Credits: Broadway: Waitress, Tour: Disenchanted
The Hilarious Hit Musical, First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches Sings Ella Fitzgerald (Westport Country
Playhouse), Regional: HAIR (Geva Theatre Center,
Mercury Theater Chicago), Dreamgirls (Porchlight Music Theatre), New Attitude: In Tribute to Patti LaBelle
(Black Ensemble Theater), The Gospel At Colonus
(Court Theater, Getty Villa Museum), and many more.
TV: The Chi, Empire, Churchy. Film: Plow, The Talented Tenth. BGV credits: Lizzo, Rosé, Kanye West,
Will Smith, PJ Morton, Jamila Woods, Maeta, Eryn
Allen Kane, Jonathan McReynolds, Todd Dulaney,
and many more. Music is available on all streaming
platforms. @CheriseCoaches on all social media platforms. #TGBT
Biography courtesy of www.greenbergartists.com

Brik Liam

"My goal in creating music and art is to make people feel understood, heard, and to make better choices and find happiness because of the telling of my story. I want to grow their minds and imagination, little by little." - Brik Liam
Brik.Liam, influenced by a diverse musical background and early exposure to various genres, merges classic soul vibes reminiscent of Marvin Gaye with contemporary urban sounds, creating a signature style that resonates with today’s audience. His remarkable and memorable performances have taken him across the globe.
Cultivated in diverse backgrounds and raised in the church with his mother as head of the choir, Jacoby Brik.Liam Williams was exposed to different genres of music that influenced his current sound. Brik.Liam was born in Petersburg, Virginia, and reared in Germany and Houston, TX. His frequent relocation is a result of his military family upbringing. His early introduction to music helped shape his outlook on music and creativity. Now as an artist, Brik.Liam is in a league of his own, fusing classic soul vibes like the sound of Marvin Gaye with the urban contemporary music fans are accustomed to today.
The stage name Brik.Liam is a two-part compilation: Brik—a synonym search of his favorite color red and Liam—an abbreviation of his last name. Brik.Liam also has a signature image of a floating, red balloon that helps fans to identify his work in any setting. Brik’s perspective on artistry and his contribution to the music industry today can be described as poetic and unconventional, which adds to his unique appeal.
Brik.Liam’s career has evolved to greater success in recent years. He has released albums, performed with some of the industry’s brightest talent, and showcased his music across the globe. Brik has performed in places like London and the Republic of Congo. Notably, Brik has toured the United States as an opening performer for Grammy-winning artist PJ Morton during the 2018 More Gumbo Tour and the 2019 Paul Tour. Since then, Brik.Liam also completed a solo tour in Russia and released his EP What’s The Matter, Brik.
Biography courtesy of www.greenbergartists.com

A Tribute to Arthur Fiedler
2026-02-21 15:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
For nearly half a century, Arthur Fiedler was The Boston Pops. Be there for the music Fiedler made famous. Hear beloved pieces like the ‘1812 Overture,’ selections from ‘The Sound of Music,’ and more. The magic of “The Fiedler Tradition” live, in concert. This performance mirrors the classic Fiedler Pops experience with two intermissions—giving you extra time to enjoy refreshments and connect with friends throughout the evening.

Carnival of the Animals
2026-02-22 15:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
A delightful musical menagerie comes to life in this whimsical family-friendly program featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals. Packed with humor, imagination, and vivid musical storytelling, this beloved suite introduces audiences of all ages to a charming parade of creatures from the regal lion and graceful swan to playful kangaroos and a curious aquarium.
With expressive orchestration and plenty of surprises, The Carnival of the Animals is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for children, newcomers to classical music, and anyone young at heart.
Bring the whole family for an unforgettable journey through Saint-Saëns’ animal kingdom.

Be there for a FREE Pre-Concert Paw-ty – we’re not lion, it will be turtle-y awesome!
Arrive at 1:45 and journey through the lobby to Mooney Hall for trunk loads of fun! Strut your stuff and try a violin or a trumpet at the Instrument Petting Zoo hosted by Jan Hampton Violins and KBI Music Shoppe! The community partners – Children’s Museum of Richmond, Maymont, Richmond SPCA, and Richmond Performing Arts Alliance – will have activities ranging from making animal masks and matching instruments with animal sounds – to meeting live animal friends! The Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Honors Chamber Ensembles will also perform.
Swing by for a wild time!
