Richmond Symphony

Metro Collection 2
2018-01-21 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College, 204 Henry Street, Ashland, VA, 23005, United States
Join us at Randolph-Macon College for intimate, chamber orchestra concerts that allow you to get up close and personal with the musicians of the Richmond Symphony. The series takes place at Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland and features free pre-concert talks at the Dollar Tree Room in Brock Commons one hour before the concert.
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Learn more about Zachary Guiles, trombone
Program Notes

Music of Billy Joel
2018-01-27 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
The enigmatic style of Billy Joel continues to influence American pop/rock music today. You will hear his iconic hits like never before when the Richmond Symphony teams up with the Grammy and Tony Award nominated star of Movin’ Out!, Michael Cavanaugh, to perform the Music of Billy Joel on Saturday, January 27th at 8pm at the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center. Experience Billy Joel’s unforgettable body of work with a concert helmed by Cavanaugh; the new voice of American rock and roll.
Hear Billy Joel favorites like Piano Man, Uptown Girl, New York State of Mind, She’s Got a Way, and all of his greatest hits!
Join us in celebration of the music of the ultimate “Piano Man!”
Michael Cavanaugh Piano, Vocals
Jamie Hosmer Keyboards, Vocals, acoustic guitar
John Scarpulla Saxophone, percussion, Vocals
John Fedevich Drums
James Oleson Guitar, Vocals
Billy Venditti Bass, Vocals
Learn more about Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor
Learn more about Michael Cavanaugh
Concert sponsor

Special Concert: Fundraiser for Powhatan Education Foundation
2018-01-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Powhatan High School Auditorium, 1800 Judes Ferry Rd, Powhatan, 23139, United States
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra, led by Associate Conductor, Chia-Hsuan Lin, will perform Powhatan High School for a concert benefiting the Powhatan Education Foundation (PEF). This is our third annual event and it has quickly become a community favorite. The program highlights “Music from the Movies” and includes music from Star Trek, Harry Potter, Captain America as well as favorites from Rossini, Mendelssohn, Copland and Bernstein.
All proceeds from this event will support PEF’s mission of supporting innovation and creativity in Powhatan County Public Schools. This includes funding student scholarships, teacher innovation grants, and music education programs.
Come join us Sunday, January 28th at 3pm for a wonderful afternoon of music and help further the education of students in Powhatan County!
We’d like to thank our title sponsor – The Rotary Club of Powhatan – for making this event possible.

Remembering 1968: A Tribute to MLK
2018-02-03 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
1968 was a time of both political and civil unrest. The world was in a state of disarray and turmoil. Martin Luther King Jr. served as a source of hope and light for the masses in a time that seemed hopeless and dark. Remembering 1968: A Tribute to MLK Jr. is comprised of pieces that honor the legacy of a man who was fearless in his charge to fight the injustices of the world. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had the power to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to march for and believe in the common good. Join us for a concert celebrating unity and peace, and be moved by inspirational words and music!
We are thrilled to announce that this program will feature several VERY special guest narrators to guide you through each moving piece. On Saturday, February 3rd at 8pm, we will be joined by Mayor Levar Stoney, and on Sunday, February 4th at 3pm we will have Kelli Lemon (Coffee with Strangers RVA) and Gary L. Flowers (The Gary Flowers Show) with us! No matter which performance you choose to attend, this is sure to be a memorable program that will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired.
This program includes compositions by Mary Watkins, Jonathan Bailey Holland, Beethoven, and local legend Undine Smith Moore and features a combined choir with voices from Longwood University, Norfolk State University, the Richmond Symphony Chorus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, and Virginia Union University. The combined choir includes the same line-up of university choirs as when the Richmond Symphony hosted the world premiere of the Undine Smith Moore piece in 1982. and special guests: Bahati Barton (soprano), Kendall Gladen (mezzo-soprano), Colin Eaton (tenor), and Robert Cantrell (bass-baritone), and Terrence Wilson (piano).
We offer a free pre-concert talk with the Richmond Symphony Music Director, Steven Smith an hour before each concert. These talks provide you with insight into the concert you are about to experience.
Children 18 and under receive free tickets to Altria Masterworks concert (excludes Mezzanine seating, Opening Night, and Special Concerts). Click Buy Tickets to “purchase”.
Hear the tempo so compelling,
hear the blood throb in my veins.
Yes, my drums are beating nightly,
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
— Maya Angelou
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Learn more about Richmond Symphony Chorus
Learn more about Bahati Barton, soprano
Learn more about Colin Eaton, tenor
Learn more about Terrence Wilson, pianist
Learn more about Kendall Gladen, mezzo-soprano

Program Notes

Remembering 1968: A Tribute to MLK
2018-02-04 15:00 - 17:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
1968 was a time of both political and civil unrest. The world was in a state of disarray and turmoil. Martin Luther King Jr. served as a source of hope and light for the masses in a time that seemed hopeless and dark. Remembering 1968: A Tribute to MLK Jr. is comprised of pieces that honor the legacy of a man who was fearless in his charge to fight the injustices of the world. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had the power to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to march for and believe in the common good. Join us for a concert celebrating unity and peace, and be moved by inspirational words and music!
This program includes compositions by Mary Watkins, Jonathan Bailey Holland, Beethoven, and local legend Undine Smith Moore and features a combined choir with voices from Longwood University, Norfolk State University, the Richmond Symphony Chorus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, and Virginia Union University. The combined choir includes the same line-up of university choirs as when the Richmond Symphony hosted the world premiere of the Undine Smith Moore piece in 1982. and special guests: Bahati Barton (soprano), Kendall Gladen (mezzo-soprano), Colin Eaton (tenor), and Robert Cantrell (bass-baritone), and Terrence Wilson (piano).
We offer a free pre-concert talk with the Richmond Symphony Music Director, Steven Smith an hour before each concert. These talks provide you with insight into the concert you are about to experience.
Children 18 and under receive free tickets to Altria Masterworks concert (excludes Mezzanine seating, Opening Night, and Special Concerts). Click Buy Tickets to “purchase”..
Hear the tempo so compelling,
hear the blood throb in my veins.
Yes, my drums are beating nightly,
and the rhythms never change.
Equality, and I will be free.
Equality, and I will be free.
— Maya Angelou
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Learn more about Richmond Symphony Chorus
Learn more about Bahati Barton, soprano
Learn more about Colin Eaton, tenor
Learn more about Terrence Wilson, pianist
Learn more about Kendall Gladen, mezzo-soprano
Program Notes
Series sponsor

The Sleeping Beauty
2018-02-09 19:00, 2018-02-10 14:00 - 17:00, 2018-02-10 19:00 - 22:00, 2018-02-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
The Sleeping Beauty (Burn/ Tchaikovsky)
Choreographed by Marius Petipa and staged by Malcolm Burn with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, this enchanting family-friendly ballet has something for everyone. A young girl, Aurora, pricks her finger on her 16th birthday after being cursed by the evil fairy, Carabosse, and appears doomed. The kind and good Fairy of the Lilacs uses her power to save the stricken girl and, instead of death, Aurora now will sleep for 100 years, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Fairies, Nymphs, Puss ‘N Boots, and Bluebird, while treated to some of the most universally famous pieces of choreography including the Rose Adagio and the wedding’s final grand pas de deux.

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE™
2018-02-10 14:00 - 17:00, 2018-02-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Altria Theater, 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond , VA, 23220, United States
The Harry Potter™ film series is one of those once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomena that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. The concert will feature The Richmond Symphony Orchestra performing every note from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in high-definition on a giant screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE™
2018-02-10 19:00 - 22:00 | VA

Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Side-By-Side with Richmond Symphony
2018-02-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Side-by-Side with Richmond Symphony
Saturday, February 17th at 7:00pm
Carpenter Theatre
Steven Smith, conductor
Tickets are free at the door! Come one, come all.

Rush Hour 3 2018
2018-02-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Richmond, 2408-2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
We’re teaming up with Hardywood again this season to continue the popular, Thursday night Rush Hour concerts! Grab your favorite craft beer, visit the Arroz RVA food truck, and enjoy a laid back concert in Hardywood’s Tasting Room.
Concert Sponsor: CapTech

What to expect:
Seating — The cover charge grants you access to Hardywood’s space. There is a small number of chairs and plenty of standing room available in the barrel room where the orchestra sets up. If being seated is a high priority for you, please arrive early to secure a seat (doors open at 5pm). There is additional seating in the adjacent rooms; the doors between the spaces are left open to allow the music to be heard throughout the space and the sound is reinforced with speakers.
Food — Thursday is Food Truck night at Hardywood. The number of food trucks varies from one to eight, depending on the season. Please note we can’t guarantee vegan/vegetarian or GF/DF options. You always have the option to bring in food from outside restaurants or from home to suit your needs.
Atmosphere – Please note that you are enjoying the orchestra in a bar atmosphere. Feel free to move in and out of the space, eat and drink, or snap a photo (NO FLASH OR CLICK PLEASE). Like any bar, there will be conversation as well. If you are looking for a more traditional concert experience, we encourage you to check out the Classics section of our website or our Casual Fridays series.

Special Concert: Schubert, Roussel, Handel & more.
2018-02-23 19:00 - 21:00 | KingsWay Community Church, 14111 Sovereign Grace Drive, Midlothian, VA, 23114, United States
Join us at KingsWay Community Church for an intimate, chamber orchestra concert that allows you to get up close and personal with the musicians of the Richmond Symphony. This concert is general admission. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.
KingsWay Community Church
14111 Sovereign Grace Drive
Midlothian, VA 23114

Program Notes

Prices:
$20 Adult
$10 Child (age 3-18)
$10 College Student (with valid student ID)

Gala 2018: A Diamond Celebration of the Richmond Symphony's 60th Anniversary
2018-02-24 18:30 - 22:00 | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
Join us for a Legacy of Music Gala Event, a Diamond Celebration of The Richmond Symphony’s 60th Anniversary. We are proud to recognize Josée Covington for her extraordinary leadership & support of the Richmond Symphony for over 20 years.
Event details:
6:30 pm | Cocktails & Silent Auction
7:30 pm | Dinner, Remarks & Live Auction
9:00 pm | Post-Dinner Entertainment
Tickets are no longer available, but you can participate in our online auction! For more information click here.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Metro Collection 3
2018-02-25 15:00 - 17:00 | Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College, 204 Henry Street, Ashland, VA, 23005, United States
Join us at Randolph-Macon College for intimate, chamber orchestra concerts that allow you to get up close and personal with the musicians of the Richmond Symphony. The series takes place at Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland and features free pre-concert talks at the Dollar Tree Room in Brock Commons one hour before the concert.
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Program Notes
Concert Sponsor:

Travel the World
2018-03-01 09:45 - 10:45, 2018-03-01 11:30 - 12:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
This 50-minute performance will explore the world travels of composers and the inspirations behind some of the greatest orchestral pieces ever written. Students will be challenged to apply their knowledge of geography and world culture while they experience the world through orchestral music.
Inclement weather date: March 16

Pictures at an Exhibition
2018-03-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Take an evening off, and enjoy timeless music and cocktails with us. This Casual Fridays Concert features “Pictures from an Exhibition – A Remembrance of Viktor Hartmann”; a suite of ten pieces (plus a recurring, varied Promenade) composed for the piano by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky in 1874. In 1874 an exhibition of Hartmann’s pictures was organized in the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. Mussorgsky went to the exhibition and was inspired to compose his piano piece. The suite is Mussorgsky’s most famous piano composition and has become a showpiece for virtuoso pianists. It has become further known through various orchestrations and arrangements produced by other musicians and composers.
Casual Fridays is our series for experimentation, and we are thrilled to have two partners providing a combination of curated visual art and close-up, live video projections of this performance of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition! You will be able to experience this concert in greater detail…even down to how quickly our violinists’ hands move.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will be pairing works of art from their collection with movements from Pictures at an Exhibition to enhance this concert experience. Videography will be provided by The Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture, VCU.
Also, please join us for an exclusive post-concert after party with Symphony musicians, just across Broad Street at Vagabond!

Learn more about Danail Rachev, guest conductor
Learn more about Ian Parker, piano

THE RICHARD T. ROBERTSON SCHOOL OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Pictures at an Exhibition
2018-03-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
“Pictures from an Exhibition – A Remembrance of Viktor Hartmann”; is a suite of ten pieces (plus a recurring, varied Promenade) composed for the piano by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky in 1874. In 1874 an exhibition of Hartmann’s pictures was organized in the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg. Mussorgsky went to the exhibition and was inspired to compose his piano piece. The suite is Mussorgsky’s most famous piano composition and has become a showpiece for virtuoso pianists. It has become further known through various orchestrations and arrangements produced by other musicians and composers.
Join us an hour before each concert for a free pre-concert talk with the Richmond Symphony Music Director, Steven Smith. These talks often feature guest artists and conductors and provide you with insights for the concert you are about to hear.
Children 18 and under receive free tickets to Altria Masterworks concert (excludes Mezzanine seating, Opening Night, and Special Concerts). Click Buy Tickets to “purchase”.
Learn more about Danail Rachev, guest conductor
Learn more about Ian Parker, piano
Program Notes
Series sponsor

Guest artist sponsor

Peter and the Wolf
2018-03-15 11:30 - 12:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
As has become our tradition, this shorter 40-minute performance will focus on introducing young students to the symphony orchestra. Students will study instruments and the families of instruments in the orchestra by listening to Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. Really Inventive Stuff’s Michael Boudewyns will join us as Peter for this concert.

Inclement weather date: March 29

Peter and the Wolf
2018-03-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Boys like Peter are not afraid of wolves! Prokofiev’s timeless tale of boy vs. wolf comes to life in Really Inventive Stuff’s signature performance. This concert is a perfect introduction to music and the instruments of the orchestra.
Arrive early and join us for a free pre-concert festival, featuring our instrument petting zoo and enjoy interactive activities for the whole family that will enhance your concert experience. Pre-concert festivities begin at 10am in Rhythm Hall. LolliPops concerts are ideal for children ages 5 and up, but music lovers of all ages are welcome.
Learn more about Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor
Learn more about Michael Boudewyns
An ASL Interpreter will be available at the Pre-Concert Festival and during all LolliPops performances.

Series sponsor

LolliPops Concerts are now Sensory-Friendly!
Click here for more information.

Concert sponsor

Lucia di Lammermoor
2018-03-23 20:00 - 22:30, 2018-03-25 14:30 - 17:00, 2018-03-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Harrison Opera House, 160 W Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk , 23510, United States
High drama – at its best. The most iconic of all bel canto operas, Lucia di Lammermoor is the consummate tale of thwarted love and dashed expectations. This opera clearly paints a sensitive portrait of a woman at the breaking point, fully expressed in the most haunting and well-known mad scene ever produced.

Motown's Greatest Hits
2018-03-24 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Get ready for a performance filled with timeless Motown grooves. The Motortown All-Stars will have you dancing and singing along to the greatest hits from The Temptations, The Miracles, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.
Learn more about Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor
Learn more about the Motortown All-Stars

Concert sponsor

Lucia di Lammermoor
2018-04-07 20:00 - 22:30, 2018-04-08 14:00 - 16:30 | George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, MS2F5, Fairfax, 22030, United States

Richmond's Finest: 3 Guys and a Symphony
2018-04-11 19:00 - 21:00 | The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, 23060
Come enjoy this “moving” experience as some of Richmond’s finest theatrical performers, Richard Koch, Jason Marks & Scott Wichmann, join the Richmond Symphony to bring you an evening of song from Broadway to pop to standards and more. Come along for the ride, we think you’ll have a swell time!
