Who We Are

What is your favorite piece of classical music? OR Who is your favorite artist?

What aspect of your role at the Richmond Symphony do you love the most?

Barber’s Adagio for Strings is my favorite classical piece, but my first love in music is, of course, Bruce Springsteen (so very many songs to choose from, but I think Rosalita is my favorite!).

I want to be known around town for providing unparalleled accuracy in our financial reporting.  I love giving people what they want, quickly, when it comes to all sorts of financial matters. The best part is while I could practice accounting anywhere, I get to do so with an amazing group of people as we all work together to bring world class music to this great city.

I’d say my favorite composer would be Prokofiev. And Beethoven. But ooooh, Bach. Yes, Bach. Wait. Mozart. Final answer, Mozart. Oh, but Bartok is such a genius. And Stravinsky! Yeah, of course! How long do I get to decide?

This orchestra is a force of some of the world’s most highly skilled musicians, who dedicate their lives to seeing that every performance, no matter what the venue, is up to the highest artistic standard imaginable. They do all this to deliver our crowd exactly what it is about this music that we love so much. Anyone who walks through our doors leaves each show a different person than who walked in.

It’s hard to choose just one. I really enjoy Barber, Copland, Respighi and Mahler but I would have to say Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite”.

For me after all the hard work to prepare for a concert, be it in the concert hall or outside at the Big Tent, to step back and see the audience truly enjoying the show. That makes it worth the effort and brings meaning to what we do.

Advancement & Patron Communications

My favorite composer is Hans Zimmer. I love all his film scores.

I love working with a great group of people. Everyone here is hardworking, dedicated and super fun to be around. That atmosphere makes for a great work environment.

César Franck ,Violin Sonata in A major: Allegro

The best part about role at the Richmond Symphony is talking to patrons about our programming, and helping them find concerts that fit their preferences!

Black Sabbath. Iommi brought back the tritone or the “devil’s interval” in a big way.

Erykah Badu, hands down!

The best part of my role is having the opportunity to create and implement a strong visual identity that represents a great organization comprised of many amazing artists.

I am a sucker for movie soundtracks, my favorite being from Pride and Prejudice (2005), which also ties in nicely with my love of books!

My favorite aspect is chatting with our patrons, especially when I get to meet them in person.

My favorite classical artist would be George Frideric Handel, who got me through many long studying sessions in college. However, my first introduction to classical music, or what I called “pancake music” as a child, was listening to Pachelbel’s Canon with my family while they would make pancakes on Saturday, so that piece will always be special to me.

Music has the ability to both move and connect people, so I love having the opportunity to create events in which people celebrate music and support the Symphony’s programs.

I have too many favorite classical works and artists to name just one in each category – my taste in music is very eclectic!”

“Regarding my favorite part of working at the Richmond Symphony? The music and the people – that says it all!

Education & Community Engagement

I have so many favorites, but Rachmaninoff and Brahms always seem to find a top spot on my playlists. As does Prince. And I love any performance by Martha Argerich – but especially the middle movement of the Ravel piano concerto. Heaven. OK, I can’t name a favorite, obviously.

The best part of my job is working with the amazing musicians, teachers, conductors, staff and students in our programs.  Whether I’m at a performance in Carpenter, a rehearsal at MLK Middle, or a class at Summer Hill Preschool, I am always inspired and proud to be part of this great organization.

 Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 and Barber’s Violin Concerto are two pieces that never fail to give me goosebumps, but ask me in a couple of weeks, and I’m sure I’ll say something else.

Helping RSO host such a world-renowned competition like Menuhin, alongside a local and international team, is extremely exciting. As an added bonus, hearing the Richmond Symphony regularly and getting to know the incredibly talented musicians who make up this orchestra is an honor.

My favorite composer is Vivaldi.

I love that I have the opportunity to work with the best students in the region and to be a part of their early years in their musical career.

Wynton Marsalis.

The opportunity to work with the students and to see the reactions of the students, parents, and supporters after a wonderful performance.

Debussy Monet Degas.

Working with students who really want to be better performers.

Richmond Symphony Chorus

Whatever piece we’re currently learning!

Getting to know the individuals who sing in the Chorus.  We have an interesting mix of people of all ages, from high school to mid-80s, and a variety of occupations, backgrounds and interests.