Richmond Symphony

Turandot
2017-03-25 20:00 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, MS2F5, Fairfax, 22030, United States
Based on an ancient fable set in China, this story of the legendary Princess Turandot, so desirable that men risked their heads for her hand in marriage, weaves the quest for love with the ultimate consequences. From the opening moments of Puccini’s extravagant and exotic score, you will be thrown into a world of suspense and horror. Featuring “Nessun dorma,” one of the most famous opera arias of all time, and sung by a stellar cast of internationally recognized singers, led by audience favorite Kelly Cae Hogan (Salome 2015) and Derek Taylor (La Boheme 2009), you will be enthralled by this epic new production, under the direction of Virginia Opera’s beloved Lillian Groag (La Traviata 2015).
Sung in Italian with English Supertitles

A Child's Guide to the Orchestra
2017-03-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Fusing the styles of a museum curator and a school librarian, Really Inventive Stuff and the Richmond Symphony present Professor Nigel Taproot. This concert will showcase the different families of instruments in the orchestra, helping your child learn how the orchestra works and makes music.
Arrive early and join us for a free pre-concert festival! Festivities begin at 10am in Rhythm Hall and include the popular instrument petting zoo plus music and arts activities provided by The Children’s Museum of Richmond, Union Bank & Trust, WCVE, Richmond Family Magazine and more. 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, actor

Sponsored By

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

A Child's Guide to the Orchestra
2017-03-24 09:45 - 23:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
For grades preK- 3rd
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 Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (and other repertoire). The concert will be narrated by Professor Nigel Taproot of Really Inventive Stuff.
*Inclement Weather Date: April 6

Musical Storytelling
2017-03-23 09:45 - 23:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
For grades 3-8
Bringing back a favorite theme from the past, this 50-minute performance will explore musical storytelling. Students will be challenged to apply their knowledge about common literary elements (such as setting, plot, character, etc.) to gain understanding about musical compositions. Concert repertoire to include pieces by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and more.
*Inclement Weather Date: April 4

Turandot
2017-03-21 19:30 - 22:30, 2017-03-19 14:30 - 17:00, 2017-03-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Harrison Opera House, 160 W Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk , 23510, United States

Ann Hampton Callaway – The Streisand Songbook
2017-03-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Join the Richmond Symphony as we celebrate the music of one of America’s most powerful and enduring musical artists. Singing timeless classics from five decades of Barbra Streisand’s multi-faceted career, Platinum Award Winning singer-songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway will show off her gorgeous voice with iconic hits like “The Way We Were,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “Cry Me a River.”
Learn more about Ann Hampton Callaway, guest artist
Learn more about Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor

Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky
2017-03-04 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Discover the power of live music with our Altria Masterworks series. Featuring orchestral classics and contemporary composers, this series will inspire you. 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.
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Learn more about Jinjoo Cho, violin
Program Notes
Artwork by: Chris Milk Hulburt / Inspired by: Stravinsky Petrushka

Stravinsky: Pétrouchka
2017-03-03 18:30 - 19:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Dominion Casual Fridays features an exciting line-up of orchestral music in a relaxed setting. Sit back in the beautiful Carpenter Theatre as your host and conductor guides you through a 60-minute journey into the stories behind the performance. After the concert, collect your exclusive composer trading card and head to the speakeasy at VAGABOND restaurant across the street for an exclusive happy-hour with Richmond Symphony musicians.
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Learn more about Todd Waldo, host
Program Notes

Side by Side with the Richmond Symphony
2017-02-26 19:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) is the top ensemble of the Youth Orchestra Program. Richmond Symphony’s flagship educational program, founded in 1962, consists of four youth orchestras providing beginning to advanced musical training. As the premier orchestral training program of central Virginia, students participate in weekly rehearsals, coaching and masterclasses by Richmond Symphony musicians, chamber music performances, mentoring and other musical and social activities. The Youth Orchestra Program is open to elementary through high school students. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday afternoon September through May.
RSYO students have the opportunity to share the stage with musicians of the Richmond Symphony once each season – a tradition that has taken place since its founding! Together they will create a 112 member orchestra.
Auditions for the Youth Orchestra Program take place in the spring for the following season – learn more!

Music of David Bowie
2017-02-25 20:00 - 22:30 | Altria Theater, 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond , VA, 23220, United States
The genius of David Bowie’s innovative range of musical styles influenced multiple generations of groundbreaking music. Now, hear his iconic music performed as never before with the Richmond Symphony featuring a guest conductor and a full rock band; taking you on a symphonic odyssey that pays tribute to the legendary musician and epic storyteller David Bowie.

Brent Havens, guest conductor bio
Tony Vincent, vocalist bio

Richmond's Finest: The Taters and the Richmond Sympony
2017-02-24 19:00 - 20:00 | The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, 23060
The Richmond’s Finest series returns with a spectacular evening of Classic American & British Pop Rock! Backed by the amazing sounds of the Richmond Symphony, the Taters will perform an eclectic mix of roots rock, pop, country, skiffle & Americana, a sound that’s been compared favorably to a mixture of Everlys, Orbison, Beatles, and Nick Lowe. Don’t miss this epic evening of live music! Plus, enjoy dinner before the show from DeFazio’s! Cost $28
Tickets: http://www.artsglenallen.com/performances-and-special-events/shows-and-performances-center-season

Fischer, Beethoven
2017-02-19 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
Learn more about James Jacobson, timpani
Program Notes

Rush Hour 3 2017
2017-02-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Richmond, 2408-2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
These one-hour informal concerts at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery return for another great season. Grab a beer, hit the food trucks and enjoy a great concert in the Hardywood tasting room.
Cover fee is $15 and seating is limited.

A Midsummer Night's Dream
2017-02-12 14:00 - 16:00, 2017-02-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2017-02-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2017-02-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
William Soleau’s delightful telling of Shakespeare’s popular tale of love, both lost and found, sprinkled with a clever brand of mischief, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, returns this coming season to warm up the wintery month of February. Last presented in 2008, this unique collaboration between the Ballet, the Symphony, singers, and narrators, takes audiences on a journey through the mystical, woodland court of Tatiana and Oberon and the sumptuous and regal palaces of ancient Greece as the adventures of four sets of lovers become intertwined through a series of comical events and tricks set about by the infamous sprite, Puck. Soleau’s classic and playful choreography will be brought to life as the entire Richmond Ballet Company joins together on the Carpenter Theatre’s historic stage. Paired with Felix Mendelssohn’s sparkling score, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a treat for all ages.

Rossini, Beethoven
2017-02-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Discover the power of live music with our Altria Masterworks series. Featuring orchestral classics and contemporary composers, this series will inspire you. 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.
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Learn more about Jason Vieaux, guitar
Program Notes
Purchase tickets to Saturday’s performance.
Artwork by: Alex Beck / Inspired by: Rossini Overture to Semiramide

Rossini, Beethoven
2017-02-04 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Discover the power of live music with our Altria Masterworks series. Featuring orchestral classics and contemporary composers, this series will inspire you. 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.
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Learn more about Jason Vieaux, guitar
Program Notes
Purchase tickets to Sunday’s performance.

Longwood University
2017-02-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Longwood University, 201 High St, Farmville, VA, 23909, United States
The Richmond Symphony is returning to the Jarman Auditorium stage in February for a night of soaring, powerful music.
The performance will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. on Longwood’s campus. The concert will include pieces by Rossini, Beethoven and Dan Visconti, and feature guitarist Jason Vieaux.
Tickets will be available beginning January 18 online, or at the Longwood Box Office. Reserve your tickets by phone at 434-395-2474.
Learn more about Steven Smith, conductor
Learn more about Jason Vieaux, guitar

Powhatan High School
2017-01-28 19:00 - 21:30 | Powhatan High School Auditorium, 1800 Judes Ferry Rd, Powhatan, 23139, United States
The Richmond Symphony Orchestra returns to Powhatan High School for a concert benefiting the Powhatan Education Foundation (PEF). Enjoy a wonderful night of music and help further the education of students in Powhatan County! All proceeds from this event will support PEF’s mission of supporting innovation and creativity in Powhatan County Public Schools. More info

Princesses and Pirates
2017-01-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Enjoy the music you and your children love from your favorite Disney classics including: Frozen, The Lion King, Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean and many more! Perfect for the little princesses and pirates in your life.
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
Lean more about Sterling Elliott, Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Concerto Winner

Dress up as your favorite character!

Sponsored By

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

Gluck, Purcell, Schubert
2017-01-22 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

The Genius of John Williams
2017-01-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Whether it’s the powerful soundtrack from Star Wars, the magical score from Harry Potter or the adventure and whimsy of the sounds of Indiana Jones, there is nothing comparable to the genius in John Williams’s music. Experience everything you love about the world’s best loved movie composer in this concert filled with fantasy and fun.
Learn more about Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor

Join us for a pre-concert show by the Richmond Concert Band from 7-7:30PM
The performance will feature popular music from movies including Sister Act, Shrek, 1492: Conquest of Paradise and The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Learn more about Richmond Concert Band

Rush Hour 2
2017-01-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Richmond, 2408-2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States

Wagner, Chopin, Franck
2017-01-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Discover the power of live music with our Altria Masterworks series. Featuring orchestral classics and contemporary composers, this series will inspire you. Join us an hour before the concert for a free pre-concert talk with our guest conductor, Jacques Houtmann. These talks often feature guest artists and conductors and provide you with insights for the concert you are about to hear.
Learn more about Jacques Houtmann, guest conductor
Learn more about Rémi Geniet, piano
The Florence Robertson Givens Guest Artist
Program Notes
Artwork by: Kate Magee / Inspired by: Wagner Overture to Tannhäuser

Franck: Symphony in D Minor
2017-01-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Dominion Casual Fridays returns this season with an exciting line-up of orchestral music in an informal and relaxed setting. Sit back in the beautiful Carpenter Theatre as your host and conductor guides you through a 60-minute journey into the stories behind the performance. After the concert, collect your exclusive composer trading card and head to the speakeasy at VAGABOND restaurant across the street for a post-concert happy-hour with Richmond Symphony musicians.
Learn more about Jacques Houtmann, conductor
Learn more about Todd Waldo, host
Program Notes
Concert Trivia Answer Key

The Nutcracker
2016-12-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
From the opening notes of Tchaikovsky’s famous overture, audiences are whisked into the warm, candlelit drawing room of the Silberhaus family, buzzing with celebrations of Christmas. To the delight of the family’s young daughter, Clara, Dr. Drosselmeyer, the mysterious toymaker, and his handsome nephew arrive with a special gift – a wooden nutcracker doll – that captures the girl’s imagination. As darkness falls, Dr. Drosselmeyer’s magic begins to work, setting in motion fantastical events that will fill Clara’s dreams: a battle beneath the branches of an enchanted Christmas tree, the transformation of the nutcracker doll into the young Nutcracker Prince, and a journey from a snow-covered forest to the far-off Kingdom of Sweets. Join the Russian Bear, the Chinese Dragon and the Mouse King as they celebrate the magic of the holidays with Richmond Ballet!
