Virginia Symphony Orchestra

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs in multiple venues throughout the Hampton Roads area, and provides education and concerts to countless students and patrons each year.

Concerts for all ages take place throughout the year including free community concerts, and concerts focusing on introducing children to musical performances, like the popular children's PB&Jam Series that provides a hands-on instrument experience before each show.

Some of the local community programs include:

• School Orchestra Artistic Residency.  Throughout the year, participating schools enjoy regular visits from symphony musicians, master classes, and private concerts.
• Masterclasses. The VSO’s internationally acclaimed guest soloists provide instruction to young musicians. Masterclasses are also open to the public to listen and learn from our Guest Soloists.
• Heartstrings. Strengthens character through string instruction for elementary students in underserved schools. The program is open to any child in grades 1-6 who would like to learn music.
• The Harmony Project fosters relationships between African-American church congregations and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra through performances, educational and social interaction in the church and in the concert hall.
• Fellows Quartet. Our VSO Fellows every year create their own quartet performances to perform in schools and teach young children about orchestral music, and how it can relate to them even at a young age. Children are introduced to the different and unique ways classical musical instruments are used in everyday films, tv shows, and media.
• The Young People’s Concert series is an integral part of the Symphony’s education program. Integrated into school music programs through Carnegie Hall’s Link Up Program, the VSO reaches over 25,000 students in fourteen different school districts as well as students in private schools and home school environments.