Support
Sound of the City Gala
Celebrate the Sound of Our City
Join the Richmond Symphony for an evening of music, community, and artistic celebration at our annual fundraising gala, hosted at the Carpenter Theatre in the Dominion Energy Center on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Richmond and jazz each hold a distinctive place America’s story. As part of Richmond Symphony’s America250 celebration, Sound of the City Gala: An Evening Where Symphony Meets Jazz brings these stories together through symphonic arrangements inspired by a century of Richmond jazz. Showcasing Richmond Symphony musicians alongside celebrated local artists, the evening honors the innovation, artistry, and cultural expression that have shaped both American music and Richmond’s creative identity.
Join us on September 10th!
Attend alongside fellow patrons, community leaders, and champions of the arts for an unforgettable evening celebrating the vibrant voices, stories, and creative spirit that define Richmond. Immerse yourself in an evening that supports the Richmond Symphony’s mission to inspire, educate, and unite our communities through the power of music
6:00 PM | Cocktail Reception
Experience Richmond’s creative spirit firsthand as 6th Street is reimagined as a vibrant outdoor gathering space for an evening of live music, connection, and celebration. Sip, mingle, and explore before the night’s main performance begins.
7:00 PM | Performance
Take your seat for a distinctive artistic experience curated by the Richmond Symphony, conducted by Naima Burrs, and featuring acclaimed guest artists Desirée Roots, Marcus Tenney, and more. The program spans jazz, swing, soul, funk, and orchestral collaboration, including Gershwin’s Fascinating Rhythm.
8:30 PM | Dinner and Program
Continue the evening with an elegant dinner in the Richmond Hilton Ballroom as we celebrate the transformative impact of music throughout our community. Hear stories of inspiration and discover how your generosity creates meaningful opportunities across our region.
Formal Attire Encouraged
The evening begins on 6th Street just outside the concert hall, continues inside the theatre, and concludes with dinner in the Richmond Hilton Ballroom directly across the street. We encourage guests to dress elegantly and comfortably for all parts of the celebration.
Gala Participation Opportunities
Celebrate Virginia’s vibrant cultural legacy while supporting the Richmond Symphony’s mission to inspire and unite our communities through music. Sponsorship opportunities for the Sound of the City gala offer exclusive access, premium hospitality, and recognition for individuals and organizations committed to playing a part in an extravagant evening to support the Symphony. Explore the benefits at each level and join us in an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and impact.
Become a Sponsor!
Sponsorship of the 2026 Gala offers a meaningful opportunity to champion Richmond Symphony’s mission to inspire, educate, and unite our communities through music while aligning your organization with one of Richmond’s signature cultural events. Sponsors receive tailored recognition, meaningful visibility, curated hospitality, and distinctive access throughout an evening that brings together civic and business leaders, patrons, and artists.
Presenting Sponsor - $50,000 (Limited Availability)
Premium VIP seating and amenities for ten (10) guests (Full Table). Includes Pre-Concert Cocktail Party, concert, and gala dinner.
- Early entry to the Pre-Concert Cocktail Party and private photo opportunity with guest artist(s).
- Option to host a Symphony musician or guest artist (as available) at your 10-person table.
- Complimentary parking for up to five (5) cars.
Twenty (20) additional tickets to the Pre-Concert Cocktail Party and gala concert (dinner not included).
VIP Private Dinner for up to twelve (12) guests with President & CEO, Lacey Huszcza and select musician(s) (as available), within 30 days of the gala event.
Premium Gala Event Recognition:
- Acknowledgement as the Presenting Sponsor on all official press and printed materials.
- Logo or name recognition alongside the Gala Event information on the marquee of the Dominion Energy Center up to 4 weeks ahead of the gala event.
- Verbal recognition as the Presenting Sponsor from the gala concert stage.
- Logo or name recognition on the gala event webpage.
- Name or logo displayed on digital screens throughout the Dominion Energy Center during the gala event.
- Name or company recognition as a Presenting Sponsor in the gala event program.
- Full-page corporate ad or tribute message in the gala event program.
Season-Long Recognition as a Richmond Symphony Supporter:
- Half-Page ad in the 2026/27 Playbill (print and digital).
- Acknowledgement on Annual Fund Support list in the 2026/27 Playbill (print and digital).
Platinum Sponsor - $25,000
Priority seating and amenities for ten (10) guests (Full Table). Includes Pre-Concert Cocktail Party, concert, and gala dinner.
- Option to include a Symphony musician at your 10-person table.
- Complimentary parking for up to five (5) cars.
Ten (10) additional tickets to the Pre-Concert Cocktail Party and gala concert (dinner not included).
Upgraded Gala Event Recognition:
- Acknowledgement as a Platinum Sponsor on all official press and printed materials.
- Logo or name recognition on the event webpage.
- Logo or name recognition as a Platinum Sponsor in the gala event program.
- Half-page corporate ad or tribute message in the gala event program.
- Name or logo displayed on digital screens throughout the Dominion Energy Center during the gala event.
Season-Long Recognition as a Richmond Symphony Supporter:
- Half-Page ad in the 2026/27 Playbill (print and digital).
- Acknowledgement on Annual Fund Support list in the 2026/27 Playbill (print and digital).
Gold Sponsor - $10,000
Upgraded gala event access for ten (10) guests (Full Table). Includes Pre-Concert Cocktail Party, concert, and gala dinner.
- Option to include a Symphony musician at your 10-person table.
- Upgraded complimentary parking for up to five (5) cars.
Gala Event Recognition:
- Logo or name recognition on the event webpage.
- Quarter-page corporate ad or tribute message in the gala event program.
- Name or company recognition as a Gold Sponsor in the gala event program.
- Name or logo displayed on digital screens throughout the Dominion Energy Center during the event.
Season-Long Recognition as a Richmond Symphony Supporter:
- Acknowledgement on Annual Fund Support list in the 2026/27 Playbill (print and digital).
Silver Sponsor - $5,000
Gala event access for five (5) guests (Half Table). Includes Pre-Concert Cocktail Party, concert, and gala dinner.
Complimentary parking for up to three (3) cars.
Gala Event Recognition:
- Recognition on the gala event webpage.
- Name or company recognition as a Silver Sponsor in the gala event program.
Season-Long Recognition as a Richmond Symphony Supporter:
- Acknowledgement on the Annual Fund Support list in the 2026/27 Playbill (print and digital).
Individual Gala Tickets
Gala Ticket - $1,000
Gala event access for one (1) guest. Includes Pre-Concert Cocktail Party, concert, and gala dinner.
Complimentary parking in a nearby lot for one (1) car.
Acknowledgement on the Annual Fund Support list in the 2026/27 Season Playbill (print and digital).
Upgrade Your Concert Experience
Cocktail Hour + Concert - $350
Gala event access for one (1) guest. Includes Pre-Concert Cocktail Party & Concert
Acknowledgement on the Annual Fund Support list in the 2026/27 Season Playbill (print and digital).
Additional Ways to Support
Sponsor-a-Musician
By sponsoring a musician, you make it possible for a Symphony musician to attend the gala dinner.
- Musician Sponsors will be recognized in gala print materials.
- Acknowledgement on the Annual Fund Support list in the 2026/27 Playbill (print and digital).
Gala Donation
- By making a meaningful gift in lieu of your attendance, you further demonstrate your commitment to the Richmond Symphony and its mission.
- Your donation will be recognized in gala print materials.
- Acknowledgement on the Annual Fund Support list in the 2026/27 season Playbill (print and digital).
For more information regarding the gala event itself, contact:
Allison Demand, Stewardship & Special Events Manager
804.788.4717 ext. 114 | ademand@richmondsymphony.com
Meet the Artists!
