Richmond Symphony

Adrian Pintea, Violin & Russell Wilson, Piano
2019-07-18 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse, 612 East Grace Street , Richmond, 23219
The Summer Recital Series is a collaboration among the Richmond Symphony, the University of Richmond Department of Music and VCU | School of the Arts | Department of Music. The series was created as a way to showcase the talents of the professional musicians associated with these institutions. This year’s theme, Exploring America, features American composers and the diverse range of musical voices that make up the American classical music canon. These six casual concerts take place on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm in the Dominion Energy Center’s Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse; each concert is approximately an hour long. A cash bar is available both before and after the performance. These concerts often sell out, so get your tickets early!

Learn more about Adrian Pintea, Violin.
Learn more about Russell Wilson, Piano.

Berkshire Choral International with The Richmond Symphony
2019-07-13 19:30 - 20:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
In its 38th season, Berkshire Choral International provides audiences with stirring performances of the first rank. The 120-voice BCI chorus will join with The Richmond Symphony to present Morten Lauridsen’s poignant Lux Aeterna and Benjamin Britten’s dramatic Saint Nicolas, conducted by Tom Hall, Music Director Emeritus of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society. Now a radio host on WYPR, Hall also appears each year as the moderator of the Rosenberg-Blaustein Distinguished Artist Recital Series at Goucher College, and he is the co-author of “The Bach Passions in Our Time: Contending with the Legacy of Antisemitism,” published on-line by the Institute for Islamic Christian and Jewish Studies. Tenor soloist Marc Molomot will join the cast for the Saint Nicolas.This is BCI’s premiere in Richmond.
Click here to learn more about Berkshire Choral International.

Ron Crutcher, Cello & Joanne Kong, Piano
2019-07-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse, 612 East Grace Street , Richmond, 23219
The Summer Recital Series is a collaboration among the Richmond Symphony, the University of Richmond Department of Music and VCU | School of the Arts | Department of Music. The series was created as a way to showcase the talents of the professional musicians associated with these institutions.
This year’s theme, Exploring America, features American composers and the diverse range of musical voices that make up the American classical music canon. These six casual concerts take place on Thursday evenings at 6:30pm in the Dominion Energy Center’s Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse; each concert is approximately an hour long. A cash bar is available both before and after the performance. These concerts often sell out, so get your tickets early!

Learn more about Ron Crutcher, Cello.
Learn more about Joanne Kong, Pianist.

Red, White, and Lights
2019-07-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Dorey Park, 2999, Richmond, VA, 23231, United States
Celebrate this July 4th with a bang! Join us for a FREE display of fireworks and live music during the 2019 Red, White, and Lights Fourth of July Celebration at Dorey Park presented by Henrico County. The celebration will include family fun, food trucks, live entertainment and a finale featuring the Richmond Symphony along with a fireworks display. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket or chair. We hope to see you there!
More information here.

Concert Sponsor
Concert Partner

Weird Al Yankovic "Strings Attached" with the Richmond Symphony!
2019-06-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Virginia Credit Union LIVE!, 900 E Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23222, United States
“Weird Al” Yankovic
Strings Attached Tour
with the Richmond Symphony
“Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, earning four Grammys and fifteen career nominations. The legendary musical satirist follows his sold-out 2018 tour of intimate venues – where he played deep cuts for his hardcore fans – with his biggest show ever. Weird Al is back to playing the hits and classics with his Strings Attached tour, a high-energy rock and comedy production featuring his original band, costumes, props, a video wall and – for the first time – background singers and a full symphony orchestra.
“Weird Al” Yankovic is best known for sending up the biggest hits in the world with his own hit parodies, including “Eat It,” “Like A Surgeon,” “Smells Like Nirvana,” “Amish Paradise,” “White & Nerdy,” and “Word Crimes.” Yankovic’s last album, 2014’s Mandatory Fun, made history as the first comedy album ever to debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart.
Reserve Seat Tickets available at VACULIVE.com, AXS.com, or purchase in person at The National box office, located at 708 E. Broad Street in Downtown Richmond. Hours are Monday-Friday 10am to 5 pm.
This event is open to all ages.

Parking is available through Gate 4 and Gate 6, entrances on E. Laburnum and Carolina Avenues and is $10 at the gate, cash only. Uber/Lyft dropoff Gate 4.
Don’t get ripped off! AXS and The National Box Office are the only authorized sellers of tickets. Virginia Credit Union LIVE! is not responsible for tickets purchased anywhere other than through AXS or through The National Box Office and will not honor, exchange, or refund counterfeit, duplicate or invalid tickets. We cannot verify tickets purchased through third parties in advance for you.

RVA East End Festival 2019
2019-06-08 12:00 - 2019-06-09 21:00 | Chimborazo Park, 3200 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23223, United States
RVA East End Festival Sunday Update! Festivities are moving indoors to MLK Middle School (1000 Mosby St.)
12 pm yoga from Bare SOUL Yoga
1-5 pm Faith-based programming: Hill City Worship, Linda Clark, Christian Bolar, Sa’Vannah Aailyah, JHM Disciples of Praise
5:30 Richmond Symphony
Free event including Kids Zone, vendors, and food trucks
Get out of the house and have some fun on rainy afternoon while supporting Richmond Public Schools!
FREE EVENT!

SUNDAY VENDORS INCLUDE:
FOOD TRUCKS

Soul-Ice
Southern Spud
Sweet Temptations by Teresa

LOCAL BUSINESSES & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Barb’s Blooms
Carousel Skin
Dominion Energy Green Power
Handmade in RVA
Hennafy Studio
Richmond Public Schools
The Art Lounge
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Reynolds Community College
Richmond Symphony

KIDS ZONE

Face Painting by Paint Crazy
Instrument Petting Zoo by RSOL
Characters from Paw Patrol

Proceeds support Richmond Public Schools music and arts programs!
Contact Kristen Allegood, Community Partnerships Manager for the Richmond Symphony at community@richmondsymphony.com

2019 Music Marathon
2019-06-01 12:00 - 21:00 | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Richmond, 2408-2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
Join us at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery for the 2019 Richmond Symphony Music Marathon! This FREE marathon music event showcases the talents of the Symphony family (musicians, chorus members, youth orchestra students, board members, league members, etc.) who are sponsored to perform throughout the day in support of the Richmond Symphony. All proceeds raised will support the Symphony’s programs and general operations.
Participants invite friends, neighbors, colleagues and family to come hear their performance and support their efforts financially. Sponsors are encouraged to donate by credit card online but can also bring cash or checks made payable to the Richmond Symphony to the event or sent in the mail to support their performance. Sponsors should include the participants name when making payments.
Sponsors can donate online HERE.

PRIZES
Incentive prizes will be awarded for the person who brings in the most sponsors, the person who raises the most money, and runners up in each of those categories. We will award prizes in adult and youth categories. There will also be a random drawing, by lottery, of other prizes open to all participants. Prizes include:

A Two-Night Stay at The Mark Addy Inn Bed & Breakfast (donated by William H. Schwarzschild III)
Certificates for a FREE Dessert with Dinner at Old Original Bookbinder’s (donated by John Taxin, Owner of Old Original Bookbinder’s)
Gift Cards to Vagabond, Boathouse, Barnes & Noble, Pasture, Bookbinders, Flemings, Sedona Taphouse, and Starbucks (donated by David B. Robinson, CPA)
Pair of Movie Tickets at Bow Tie Cinemas (donated by David B. Robinson, CPA)
Pair of Movie Tickets at Regal Cinemas (donated by David B. Robinson, CPA)
Gift Certificates for Canal Boat Cruises (donated by Venture Richmond)
Tickets to Richmond Symphony performances (donated by Richmond Symphony)

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Gabrielle Maes, Anne O’Byrne, Emma Potts (Accompanied by David Fisk)
Anna Rogers & Samuel Hall
Jonathan Sanford (Accompanied by Russell Wilson)

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Emily Bradford & Dagny Barone
Mary Boodell, Ellen Cockerham Riccio, & Russell Wilson
Roger Novak, Anna Rogers & Russell Wilson
Pete Mathis
Russell Wilson

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Kathryn Pullam (Caitlin DiBenedetto- Clarinet & Marcey Leonard-Flute)
Marcey Leonard & Kathryn Pullam (Anne Kelly Newman-Flute)
Anne Kelly Newman (Marcey Leonard & Kathryn Pullam)
Scott Dodson & Kathryn Pullam

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM

Reina Palencia
Rich Serpa & David Fisk
Low Brass Quartet: Roger Comley, Zach Evans, Barry Wisner and Larry Haake

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

VILLAGES: Stephen Lecky, Justin Paciocco, Stephen Kuester
Anna Rogers and David Fisk

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Chris Leggett & Matt Elgin
Colin MacLeod, The Celtic Fiddle Guru
Matt & Treesa Gold

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

GLAD HEARTS: Nancy Orr, Dan O’Neal, Marianna Wolpert
Anne O’Byrne

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Thomas Schneider
FLASHLIGHT TAG: Brian Phelps, Justin Laughter, Sam Bennett, Brian Durrett , Lee Brooks

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Zack Artis

Chesterfield LIVE! Music Festival
2019-05-25 15:00 - 21:00 | Chesterfield Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Rd, Chesterfield, VA, 23832, United States
Main Stage Performers:
3 pm 392nd Army Rock Band
4 pm RVA’s Dance Candy
5:30 pm The Richmond Symphony
7:00 pm The Deloreans
Information on Kids Zone activities, food trucks, and vendors coming soon!

Become at a volunteer!
Gates open at 2:30 pm
Free event parking

This event is brought to you by the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce and the Chesterfield Parks and Recreation
**Rain date – Sunday May 26th
For questions or more information, please email Kristen Allegood,
Community Partnerships Manager at kallegood@richmondsymphony.com

Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
2019-05-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
The Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra performs masterworks of the orchestral repertoire, as students hold themselves to a high level of discipline, preparation and musicianship. Nearly all members of RSYO study with private instructors and all are leaders in their school programs.
This performance will include the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto featuring violinist Kerson Leong, Junior First Prize Winner of the Menuhin Competition Oslo 2010. This is a preview of what is to come when Richmond hosts the Menuhin Competition in 2020!

Concert is free and open to the public.

Youth Orchestra Program Spring Concert 2019
2019-05-19 15:00 - 17:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
The Richmond Symphony’s flagship educational program, founded in 1962, consists of four youth orchestras and a wind ensemble 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.

Concert is free and open to the public.

Carmen in Concert with Denyce Graves
2019-05-18 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Join the Richmond Symphony for a spectacular final event of their Altria Masterworks series, featuring Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves in a concert performance of Bizet’s Carmen (un-staged), in partnership with Virginia Opera.
Recognized worldwide as one of today’s most exciting vocal stars, Denyce Graves continues to gather unparalleled popular and critical acclaim in performances on four continents. USA Today identifies her as “an operatic superstar of the 21st century,” and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution exclaims, “If the human voice has the power to move you, you will be touched by Denyce Graves.”
Bizet’s Carmen was the most famous of the composer’s operas, introducing an unfamiliar element of realism to the form. Audiences were taken aback by the female protagonist’s unscrupulous behavior. Displays of crude femininity are augmented by staged knife fights and choruses of smoking cigarette-factory girls. Set in 19th century Spain, the opera presents themes of love, jealousy, and free will, as Carmen operates on her own agenda: seductive and intimate on one note, sardonic and hedonistic the next. Though she meets an untimely death at the hands of a discarded lover, this powerful character is immortalized in the operatic cannon; defined by her passionate nature, respected for strong will, and remembered for the music that carries her story.
Learn more about Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano.
Learn more about Steven Smith, Conductor.
Slatten-MacDonald Fund of The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia

Series Sponsor
Media Sponsor

Hanover's Sounds Festival
2019-05-11 16:00 - 20:00 | Hanover High School, 10307 Chamberlayne Rd, Mechanicsville, VA, 23116, United States
Main Stage Performers: The Hanover Concert Band, The Remnants Rock-n-Soul, Hanover All-County Jazz Band, the Richmond Symphony featuring the No BS Brass Band, & more.
Side Stage Performers: Mako Music
Family Zone: Kids can make a gift for Mom with Art on Wheels. Try playing instruments yourself at the Music & Arts Instrument Petting Zoo. More activities to come!
Food trucks and vendor information coming soon!
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
4:00 The Hanover Concert Band
4:50 The Remnants Rock-n-Soul
5:35 Hanover All-County Jazz Band
6:30 The Richmond Symphony featuring No BS Brass Band
Free event parking

This event is brought to you by Hanover County Parks & Recreation, Hanover County Public Schools, and is a benefit for the Hanover Education Foundation.
**Rain location – Hanover High School

Star Wars: A New Hope
2019-05-04 19:30 | Altria Theater, 6 North Laurel Street, Richmond , VA, 23220, United States
The Richmond Symphony will present the Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert featuring screenings of the complete film with Oscar®-winning composer John Williams’ musical score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by acclaimed conductor Keitaro Harada.
Since the release of the first Star Wars movie nearly 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams.
Fans will be able to experience the scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert experience, when the Star Wars: A New Hope debuts on May 4, 2019.
Learn more about Keitaro Harada, Conductor.
© 2018 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY.

Metro Collection 4
2019-04-28 15:00 - 17:00 | Blackwell Auditorium at Randolph-Macon College, 204 Henry Street, Ashland, VA, 23005, United States
The Metro Collection offers audiences fantastic classical music in an intimate setting. Concerts feature smaller scale works from the classical repertoire and newer pieces by contemporary composers. This performance will feature David Lemelin, clarinet.
With works like Music for the Theatre, Aaron Copland paved the way for a truly American “classical” music. In the piece, you can hear the budding nationalism that comes to fruition in Copland’s later works. For the national element Copland turned to jazz, “I was preoccupied with the idea of adding to the great history of serious music something with an American accent, and jazz seemed to be a comparatively simple way of introducing the American note in an authentic way . . . It was an easy way to be an American.”
Schubert began work on his Symphony in C Major when he was only nineteen. The music of Gioacchino Rossini was currently the rage in Vienna and it seems that Schubert modeled much of this symphony on the light-hearted and almost facile style of that Italian composer. The slow introduction to the first movement begins dramatically enough, but soon melts into pure melody. The flutes introduce the main body of the movement with a jaunty little melody and from then on, it is all good-hearted mirth. The slower second movement is as melodic as an operatic aria, and the third movement is a lilting romp. The last movement is a succession of light-hearted tunes in contrasting tempos that eventually give way to a dramatic conclusion.
When Louis Spohr wrote his first concerto for clarinet, the instrument had only five keys, compared to the seventeen of a modern clarinet. He confessed that he really didn’t know what he was doing. Aside from the obvious virtuosic aspects of Spohr’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1, the piece contains some unusual elements. It is in a minor key, and the orchestra plays a slow introduction before fingerwork begins. The slow movement confines the accompaniment to just violins and cellos. In spite of the minor key, the third movement has a jaunty quality to it. Instead of ending with a technical flourish, there is a surprising and sudden fade to nothing.
Learn more about David Lemelin, Clarinet.
Learn more about Chia-Hsuan Lin, Conductor.
Program Notes

Media Sponsor
Concert Sponsor:
Mr. Ralph R. Crosby, Jr.

Rush Hour 4
2019-04-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Richmond, 2408-2410 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA, 23220, United States
We’re teaming up with Hardywood Park Craft Brewery again this season to continue the popular THursday night Rush Hour concerts! Grab your favorite craft beer, hit the food trucks and enjoy a laid back concert at 6:30PM in Hardywood’s tasting room.
What to expect:
Hardywood’s newly renovated tasting room, now has even more space to fill with Symphony notes and audience seats for the 2018/19 Season!
Seating — The cover charge grants you access to Hardywood’s space. There are several 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 Symphony in 60 series.

Concert Sponsor

Richmond Symphony at West Creek
2019-04-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery: West Creek, 12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA, 23238, United States
More room for more fun! Join the Richmond Symphony for an exciting concert at Hardywood West Creek. The Richmond Symphony will be collecting donations in support of our music education programs in Goochland County Public Schools.This concert features works by Copland, Schubert, and Spohr, with soloist David Lemelin, Clarinet.
Copland paved the way for a truly American “classical” music, beginning with his work Music for the Theatre. Despite its title the composer admitted he “had no play or literary idea in mind. The title simply implies that at times this music has a quality which is suggestive of the theatre.” The budding nationalism that comes to fruition in Copland’s later works is evident in this piece. Copland turned to jazz to represent the American identity: “I was preoccupied with the idea of adding to the great history of serious music something with an American accent… [Jazz] was an easy way to be American.”
“Party Animal” isn’t quite the term that should be used to characterize Franz Schubert, but it is close. In his twenties, producing prodigious amounts of music, he lived the life of a “bohemian,” couch-hopping from friend’s houses and throwing the nineteenth century version of a jam session, called “Schubertiades.” The music of Gioacchino Rossini was currently the rage in Vienna and it seems that Schubert modeled much of this Symphony in C major on the light-hearted style of that Italian composer. The only performance this symphony received during Schubert’s lifetime was during one of those private house parties.
When Louis Spohr wrote his first concerto for clarinet, the instrument had only five keys, compared to the seventeen of a modern clarinet. He confessed that he really didn’t know what he was doing. Aside from the obvious virtuosic aspects of Spohr’s Clarinet Concerto No. 1, the piece contains some unusual elements. It is in a minor key, and the orchestra plays a slow introduction before fingerwork begins. The slow movement confines the accompaniment to just violins and cellos. In spite of the minor key, the third movement has a jaunty quality to it. Instead of ending with a technical flourish, there is a surprising and sudden fade to nothing.
Concert Sponsor

Influence of the World: The Tucker-Boatwright Concert
2019-04-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
As a grand finale to conclude the University of Richmond’s Tucker Boatwright Festival, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will present a concert of works inspired by non-Western traditions featuring the world premiere of a new work for chorus and orchestra by Reena Esmail, as part of our Altria Masterworks series.
Despite disliking the term “impressionism” applied to his music, Debussy describes his three Nocturnes in almost painterly terms: Nuages (Clouds) renders the immutable aspect of the sky and the slow, solemn motion of the clouds, fading away in gray tones slightly tinged with white. Fetes (Festivals) gives us the vibrating, dancing rhythm of the atmosphere with sudden flashes of light. But the background remains persistently the same: the festival with its blending of music and luminous dust participating in the rhythm. Sirenes (Sirens) depicts the sea and its innumerable rhythm. Among the waves, silvered by moonlight is heard the mysterious song of the Sirens as they laugh and pass on. Work on the Nocturnes was not easy for Debussy. His personal life was a wreck. In financial trouble and broken up from his longtime mistress, he wrote, “The three Nocturnes have been infected by my private life, first full of hope, then full of despair, and then full of nothing!”
Like Debussy, Ravel is classified as an impressionist composer. His Rapsodie espagnole, is saturated with musical color; almost as breathtaking as the color of the impressionist painters. There is a certain vagueness of form in the music that is reminiscent of Monet and Turner. “Suggestion and atmosphere” are key ideas for the musical impressionists. Ravel’s fascination with Spanish culture is heard throughout the piece, permeated with the flavors of Spanish music.
In the late 1920s, the Canadian composer Colin McPhee “quite by accident heard [a] few gramophone records that were to change [his] life completely. The clear, metallic sounds were like the stirring of a thousand bells, delicate, confused, with a sensuous charm, a mystery that was quite overpowering.” McPhee moved to Bali where he quickly absorbed the culture. He started incorporating Balinese materials into his own music. Tabuh-Tabuhan was his first large-scale orchestral work to use Balinese musical material. Interested in fusing western orchestral traditions with Balinese motifs, McPhee considers it a purely personal work.
Learn more about Joanne Kong, Keyboard.
Learn more about Paul Hanson, Piano.
Learn more about Steven Smith, Conductor.
Program Notes

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Influence of the World: The Tucker-Boatwright Concert
2019-04-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
As a grand finale to conclude the University of Richmond’s Tucker-Boatwright Festival, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will present a concert of works inspired by non-Western traditions featuring the world premiere of a new work for chorus and orchestra by Reena Esmail as part of our Altria Masterworks series.
Despite disliking the term “impressionism” applied to his music, Debussy describes his three Nocturnes in almost painterly terms: Nuages (Clouds) renders the immutable aspect of the sky and the slow, solemn motion of the clouds, fading away in gray tones slightly tinged with white. Fetes (Festivals) gives us the vibrating, dancing rhythm of the atmosphere with sudden flashes of light. But the background remains persistently the same: the festival with its blending of music and luminous dust participating in the rhythm. Sirenes (Sirens) depicts the sea and its innumerable rhythm. Among the waves, silvered by moonlight is heard the mysterious song of the Sirens as they laugh and pass on. Work on the Nocturnes was not easy for Debussy. His personal life was a wreck. In financial trouble and broken up from his longtime mistress, he wrote, “The three Nocturnes have been infected by my private life, first full of hope, then full of despair, and then full of nothing!”
Like Debussy, Ravel is classified as an impressionist composer. His Rapsodie espagnole, is saturated with musical color; almost as breathtaking as the color of the impressionist painters. There is a certain vagueness of form in the music that is reminiscent of Monet and Turner. “Suggestion and atmosphere” are key ideas for the musical impressionists. Ravel’s fascination with Spanish culture is heard throughout the piece, permeated with the flavors of Spanish music.
In the late 1920s, the Canadian composer Colin McPhee “quite by accident heard [a] few gramophone records that were to change [his] life completely. The clear, metallic sounds were like the stirring of a thousand bells, delicate, confused, with a sensuous charm, a mystery that was quite overpowering.” McPhee moved to Bali where he quickly absorbed the culture. He started incorporating Balinese materials into his own music. Tabuh-Tabuhan was his first large-scale orchestral work to use Balinese musical material. Interested in fusing western orchestral traditions with Balinese motifs, McPhee considers it a purely personal work.
Learn more about Joanne Kong, Keyboard.
Learn more about Paul Hanson, Piano.
Learn more about Reena Esmail, Guest Composer.
Learn more about Steven Smith, Conductor.
Program Notes

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Madama Butterfly
2019-03-31 14:30, 2019-03-29 20:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Puccini’s timeless masterpiece takes the Virginia Opera stage rendering this heartbreaking drama and mesmerizing score, featuring the poignant aria “Un bel di”. A tale of love and sacrifice set against a clash of cultures, Puccini’s use of authentic Japanese themes and soaring Italian lyricism creates a powerful emotional experience.

Madama Butterfly
2019-03-24 14:00, 2019-03-23 20:00 | George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, MS2F5, Fairfax, 22030, United States

Richmond's Finest: Susan Greenbaum and The Richmond Symphony
2019-03-22 19:00 | The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, 23060
One night only! Join us this year as The Center pairs Richmond favorites Susan Greenbaum and the Richmond Symphony on the Sara Belle November Stage in this popular annual concert series! Enjoy listening to some of Susan’s favorite originals and covers, including a few of her favorite Carpenters and Carole King tunes, all accompanied by the Richmond Symphony. A Fine time will be had by all at this Center exclusive.

Madama Butterfly
2019-03-19 19:30, 2019-03-17 14:30, 2019-03-15 20:00 | Harrison Opera House, 160 W Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk , 23510, United States

Classical Mystery Tour
2019-03-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Imagine the Beatles playing their timeless hits live before your eyes. Well little darling, have we got news for you! The Beatles are back, this time accompanied by the Richmond Symphony in the Symphony Pops: Classical Mystery Tour – Saturday, March 16 at 8 pm at the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring outstanding cover artists who capture the essence of this iconic group, this performance will take you on the musical tour of a lifetime. All you need is love – and a ticket!
Learn more about Chia-Hsuan Lin, Conductor.

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Rachmaninoff 1 & Tchaikovsky 6
2019-03-09 20:00 - 22:00 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Experience the power of exceptional music with the Richmond Symphony and Guest Artist Adam Neiman, piano. This Altria Masterworks concert will feature Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.1 in F-sharp Minor, Op.1, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74, and Music Director Steven Smith’s Kataklysmos.
Grammy Award-nominee Adam Neiman has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike since his Los Angeles debut at age 11 at Royce Hall. He is hailed as one of the foremost pianists of his generation, with a distinguished international career and an encyclopedic repertoire that spans more than sixty concerti. Having performed with a number of leading orchestras and ensembles, Neiman is celebrated for his commanding musicianship and exceptional technique.
Rachmaninoff wrote and performed his First Piano Concerto while he was still a student at the Moscow Conservatory. After a disappointing initial reception, the composer eventually reworked the piece, refining its orchestral design, while maintaining its characteristically youthful enthusiasm. The piano’s dominant role in the piece was a clear vehicle to show off Rachmaninoff’s talent as a pianist. With effusive piano passages and sumptuous orchestral accompaniment, the listener will hear the emergence of all the musical skills the composer has become known and reputed for.
After he finished writing Symphony No. 6, “Pathetique,” Tchaikovsky confessed, “I consider this symphony the best thing I have ever done. In any case, it is the most deeply felt. And I love it as I have never loved any of my compositions.” In this piece, Tchaikovsky attempted to capture the essence of life and the fullness of human feeling. The first movement is characterized by an initial theme that is full of impulsive passion, followed by a second theme that is slow and hushed. The second and third movements divert from a traditional symphony, with a distorted waltz and an unexpected march, both based on descending melodic motives, giving it a brooding and sorrowful character. The symphony ends with the same gloominess with which it begins.
Richmond Symphony audiences know of Steven Smith as their Music Director. However, he is also an award-winning composer. Steven Smith says through his music, he attempts to convey the magnificence, breadth and life force of the natural world, “I believe in the inter-connectedness of all things. Through my compositions I hope to raise overall awareness of the importance of our environment, its residents, human and otherwise, and foster an appreciation and reverence for the world we all share.” Smith’s Kataklysmos was inspired by the ancient and continuing effects of geologic forces upon the earth’s landscape. Moving through volcanic eruption, stillness, evolution, and re-formation, the piece ends with boisterous rhythmic activity, reflecting emotions akin to childhood feelings of awe at being surrounded by such a magical natural realm.
Learn more about Steven Smith, Conductor.
Learn more about Adam Neiman, Piano.
Program Notes

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Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6
2019-03-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Carpenter Theatre, 612 East Grace Street, Richmond , VA, 23219, United States
Join Steven Smith and special guests as they take you on a 60 minute behind the scenes tour of some great orchestral works. Afterwards, head to an exclusive happy hour with Symphony musicians at Maya!
After he finished writing Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74, “Pathetique,” Tchaikovsky confessed, “I consider this symphony the best thing I have ever done. In any case, it is the most deeply felt. And I love it as I have never loved any of my compositions.” In this piece, Tchaikovsky attempted to capture the essence of life and the fullness of human feeling. The first movement is characterized by an initial theme that is full of impulsive passion, followed by a second theme that is slow and hushed. The second and third movements divert from a traditional symphony, with a distorted waltz and an unexpected march, both based on descending melodic motives, giving it a brooding and sorrowful character. The symphony ends with the same gloominess with which it begins.
Richmond Symphony audiences know of Steven Smith as their Music Director. However, he is also an award-winning composer. Steven Smith says through his music, he attempts to convey the magnificence, breadth and life force of the natural world, “I believe in the inter-connectedness of all things. Through my compositions I hope to raise overall awareness of the importance of our environment, its residents, human and otherwise, and foster an appreciation and reverence for the world we all share.” Smith’s Kataklysmos was inspired by the ancient and continuing effects of geologic forces upon the earth’s landscape. Moving through volcanic eruption, stillness, evolution, and re-formation, the piece ends with boisterous rhythmic activity, reflecting emotions akin to childhood: feelings of awe at being surrounded by such a magical natural realm.
Learn more about Steven Smith, Conductor.
Program Notes

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The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant
2019-03-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Paramount Theater, 215 E Main S, Charlottesville, VA, 22902, United States
Pack your trunks! You’re invited to Babar’s coronation! Jean de Brunhoff’s popular children’s story of one little elephant’s epic rise from rags to riches is eloquently set to music by Francis Poulenc, and expressively re-imagined by Really Inventive Stuff with all the enthusiasm and pomp worthy of a royal gathering. Long live King Babar!
