Calendar

January - June 2008

UPDATED 5/12/2008

The Organ Swell, 2008
The Tidewater Chapter of The American Guild of Organists announces its ninth annual series of weekday pipe organ recitals, The Organ Swell, an event in the Virginia Arts Festival. This series will take place at numerous churches throughout the Hampton Roads, Virginia region, with fifty-five minute recitals at 12:15 on weekdays from Monday, April 28 through Friday May 23. All of the recitals will include compositions for organ and other instruments and will feature outstanding organists from the Hampton Roads region performing with Virginia Symphony Orchestra musicians. There is a suggested admission donation of $10.00 per recital to assist in defraying costs. The suggested recital donation for children is $5.00 per event. Due to the recording of the recitals, children under the age of 5 will not be admitted. Peggy Kelley Reinburg, Artistic Director. E-Mail: RVirginia@aol.com Patricia Spoettle, Program Production Coordinator.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Sharon Foxwell and Joanne Meyer White, Flute.
Epworth United Methodist Church, 124 W. Freemason St., Norfolk .
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Henry Faivre and Rebecca Gilmore, 'Cello.
First Presbyterian Church, 300 36th Street, Virginia Beach.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Patricia Spoettle and David Vonderheide, Trumpet.
First Presbyterian Church, 820 Colonial Ave., Norfolk.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Rachel Gragson and Stephen Carlson, Trumpet.
Monumental Methodist Church, 450 Dinwiddie St., Portsmouth.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Michael Regan and Timothy Bishop, Percussion
Larchmont Methodist Church, 1101 Jamestown Cresc., Norfolk
Friday, May 23, 2008
Martin Sunderland and Kevin Piccini, Oboe
St. John's Episcopal Church, 100 West Queen's Way, Hampton.

Virginia Arts Festival Chamber Music Coffee Concerts
What a perfect way to start the day! Hear gifted artists in chamber masterworks, performed in intimate, acoustically ideal settings, served up with coffee and convivial company.Phone 757-671-8100 or visit www.vafest.org for tickets.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 10:30 am
Coffee Concert IV: Christopher O'Riley, piano; Miami String Quartet.
$20. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Music and Theatre Hall,CNU, Newport News.
Thursday, May 22, 2008, 10:30 am
Coffee Concert V: Artists to be announced $20.Williamsburg Winery, James City County.

Monday, May 12, 7:30pm
Miami String Quartet
Praised in The New York Times as having "everything one wants in a quartet: a rich, precisely balanced sound, a broad coloristic palette, real unity of interpretive purpose and seemingly unflagging energy," the Miami String Quartet has quickly established its place among the most widely respected quartets in America. Their diversity in programming, poise in performance, keen sense of ensemble and impeccable musicality has made the Miami String Quartet one of the most sought after quartets in chamber music today. With Beverly Baker, viola and Michael Daniels, cello. Tickets: $75, $30. Visit www.virginiaartsfest.com. American Theatre, 125 Mellen St., Hampton.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 2pm
Virginia Symphony: Arts Within Reach
How long is a french horn? Why do you stick your hand in the bell? Get all your questions answered and experience this top notch Virginia Symphony Horn Quartet. David Wick, horn; Wilford Holcombe, horn. Visit www.norfolkarts.net for more information. Tickets: Free. Visit www.virginiasymphony.org or call (757) 892-6366 for more information. Brambleton Community Outreach Center, Norfolk.

Wednesday - Saturday, May 14 - 17 2008, 7:30pm
Fiddler on the Roof
"Fiddler on the Roof", one of Broadway's best and most beloved musicals, will be presented by the Fine Arts Guild of Christ and Saint Luke's Church. Produced and directed by Patricia Bernick, "Fiddler" will run for four performances. Philip Wayne Butts will portray Tevye, one of the great roles of the Broadway repertoire. A ten piece orchestra will accompany the show. Musical direction is by Kathleen Murphy and Linda Althoff. Choreography is by Danile Giesy. General admission - $15, Seniors, students and military personnel - $12. Group rates are also available. For further information, call the Church at 627-5665.Christ and Saint Luke's Church, 560 West Olney Road in the Ghent section of downtown Norfolk.

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 7:30pm
From the Top
This popular NPR program makes classical music "wild and fun and crazy" (Los Angeles Times). Hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O'Riley, the show partners gifted young classical musicians with renowned classical artists in radio broadcasts that capture their top-notch musicianship and offbeat humor. Here's your chance to see the show taped live! Co-presented with Young Audiences of Virginia and WHRO. Tickets:$35, $25, $15, no student discounts. Phone 757-671-8100 or visit www.vafest.org for tickets. Ferguson Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Newport News

Thursday, May 15, 2008, 8pm
Friday, May 16, 2008, 8pm
Virginia Symphony: Fauré's Requiem
Orchestra and voice unite for a profound performance of French composer Gabriel Fauré's ethereal Requiem. One of the most popular settings of the Requiem Mass, it is the composer's hymn to his "aspiration towards the happiness of the hereafter, rather than as a painful passing away." JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Esther Heideman, soprano; Timothy Jones, bass-baritone; Virginia Symphony Chorus; Vahn Armstrong, violin. Ravel - Mother Goose Suite, Brahms - Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn with Todd Rosenlieb Dance company performing the robust variations. Broadcast live by WHRO on TV15 or 15.1HD. Ticket Price:$25-$45. Visit www.virginiasymphony.org or call (757) 892-6366 for more information. May 15: St. Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg (Todd Rosenlieb Dance will not perform in the Williamsburg concert and the concert will not be televised). May 16: Regent University Theatre, Virginia Beach.

Schola Cantorum: Summer is i-cumen in!
Spring Series 2008: A Cappella XII. This mostly madrigal, mostly a cappella concert celebrates Spring, Nature, Love, and Renewal as expressed in French, German, and English song (including the title madrigal which is in Olde English). Tickets: $15 - General, $10 - Sr/Stu/Mil, Children 8-12 - free w/adult. available at the door, or visit www.schola-cantorum.org to pre-order tickets by mail.
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 7:30pm
St. John's Episcopal Church, 100 W. Queens Way, Hampton (Ticketed).
Sunday, May 18, 2008, 4 PM
Ocean View Presbyterian Church, 9200 Tidewater Dr., Norfolk (Ticketed).
Sunday, June 1, 2008, 5pm
Old Donation Episcopal Church, 4449 N. Witchduck Road. (Near Sentara Bayside Hospital), Virginia Beach. (Free will offering)

Virginia Symphony: Spring Outdoor Concerts
Free and Open to the Public. Visit www.virginiasymphony.org
or call (757) 892-6366 for more information.
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 7:30pm
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Suffolk
Sunday, May 18, 2008, 2pm
Community Play Along
MacArthur Mall, Norfolk
Friday, May 30, 2008, 7:30pm
La Vida Salsa
City Center at Oyster Point, Newport News. Sponsored by the City of Newport News. Matthew Kraemer, conductor Visit www.citycenteratoysterpoint.com or call (757) 926-1400 for more information.
Sunday, June 1, 2008, 7:30pm
La Vida Salsa
Gloucester. Matthew Kraemer, conductor.

Saturday, May 17, 2008, 8pm
Governor's School: 20th Anniversary Gala
Celebrating twenty years of the Governor's School for the Arts. For tickets call 385-ARTS. www.sandlercenter.org. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Town Center Virginia Beach.

Venue Change
Sunday, May 18, 2009, 3pm
Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble: A Tribute to Leroy Anderson
The Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble, Dr. Marvin Western - Artistic Director and Conductor, presents a concert featuring music composed and conducted by Leroy Anderson in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Visit our website at www.cbwe.org. Admission is $5 adults and free for students. Tickets are available at the door. (757) 898-5384. Seaford Baptist Church, 1311 Seaford Road, Yorktown VA 23696.

Sunday, May 18, 2008, 3pm
Symphonicity: Let's Go to the Movies
Symphonicity, the Symphony Orchestra of Virginia Beach, presents its fourth subscription concert of the 2007-2008 season, "Let's Go to the Movies!", conducted by David S. Kunkel. Host Virginian-Pilot critic Mal Vincent will discuss music, which will be performed by the orchestra, from "Mary Poppins", "On the Waterfront", "Exodus", "Pirates of the Caribbean-Dead Man's Chest", "Gone with the Wind", and the James Bond films, among others. Tickets are available through the Sandler Center Box Office at 385-2787, or at www.sandlercenter.org Group tickets (10+), military, and student tickets are available at the Sandler Box Office. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market Street, Town Center, Virginia Beach.

Sunday, May 18, 2008, 3pm
Virginia Chorale: Stage and Screen Classics
The Virginia Chorale is excited to present a spectacular concert of stage and screen classics at two historic theaters in Hampton Roads. From the great jazz standards of George and Ira Gershwin to the popular music of Broadway, the Chorale will dazzle and entertain the entire family. Tickets: $10-$32. Tickets can be purchased by calling 757-627-8375 or at the door. Visit the Virginia Chorale website at www.vachorale.org. May 11: Commodore Theatre, 421 High Street, Portsmouth. May 18: Kimball Theatre, Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg.

Sunday, May 18, 2008, 4pm
Virginia Children's Chorus in Concert
Enjoy a beautiful spring concert by the Virginia Children's Chorus Concert Choir, presented by Christ Episcopal Church in Smithfield. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 357-2826. Christ Episcopal Church, 11 South Church St., Smithfield 23430

Sunday, May 18, 2008, 7pm
Liederabend
An evening recital of German art song featuring students of Karen Hoy accompanied by Charles Woodward. Music by Mozart, Medelssohn, Schubert, Strauss, Schoenberg, Ullmann, Weill, Wolf and Zemlinsky. Reception following.Free and open to the public. Larchmont United Methodist Church, 1101 Jamestown Cresc., Norfolk.

Monday, May 19, 2008, 7:30pm
JoAnn Falletta & Friends
JoAnn Falletta, guitar; Debra Wendells Cross, flute; Robert Alemany, clarinet. Acclaimed by The New York Times as one of the finest conductors of her generation, JoAnn Falletta moves Hampton Roads audiences as music director of the Virginia Symphony. Her artistry on classical guitar will captivate and delight you. "The gentle sylvan poetry of the clarinet seems a perfect complement to the intimacy of the classical guitar, and the brilliance and subtlety of the flute brings a glow and shimmer to this unique blend of timbres." - JoAnn Falletta Tickets: $25. Phone 757-671-8100 or visit www.virginiaartsfest.com. Abingdon Church, Gloucester.

May 19, 20 & 21, 2008, 4 to 6pm
Virginia Opera Announces Chorus Auditions For the 2008-2009 Season
Join us in presenting the thrill, romance and excitement that is opera! Adult auditions will be held May 19, 20 & 21 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm each day. All auditions will take place in the Rehearsal Hall at the Harrison Opera House. Virginia Opera is a professional chorus offering competitive compensation. The 2008-2009 season productions which will include an Adult Chorus are: Il Trovatore (Italian), The Elixir of Love (Italian), Tosca (Italian), The Barber of Seville (Italian) Please contact Andrew Chugg at 757-627-9545 ext. 3325 or andrew.chugg@vaopera.org to schedule an audition time or for more information.

Monday, May 19, 2008, 7:30pm
Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 7:30pm
Thursday, May 22, 2008, 7:30pm
Cantus
America's newest full-time vocal ensemble sings with one of the freshest and most engaging sounds in choral music today. From art songs to folk songs, from Smokey Robinson to Richard Strauss, Cantus' brilliant sound, innovative programming and heart-felt singing have garnered the highest praise from critics and audiences alike. "Cantus's sonic blend was so beaming and elastic that it seemed to originate as a single, gorgeous variegated voice." (The Washington Post). Tickets:$30. Phone 671-8100 or visit www.virginiaartsfest.com. May 19: Christ & St. Luke's Epsicopal Church, 560 W.Olney Rd., Norfolk. May 21: Smithfield Little Theatre, Commerce Street, Smithfield. May 22: St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 7pm
Bay Youth Orchestras: Fire
The last of 4 concerts inspired by the four classical elements; Earth, Fire, Water and Air. All the Orchestras of Bay Youth. The Junior String Orchestra, directed by Beth Argiro and Christina Morton, will begin the evening with the Gold and Silver Waltz by Lehar followed by the Anvil Chorus by Verdi. The Jr. String Orchestra will conclude their program with selections from the Royal Fireworks by G.F. Handel. The Bay Youth String Orchestra will perform Variations on the Famous 24th Caprice of Paganini and Symphonie Espagnole (Rondo) of Eduardo Lalo, both arrangements by Harry Alshin. The first half will conclude with a joint performance of Blue-Fire Fiddler by the Junior String and String Orchestras. After intermission, the Concert Orchestra will begin with one of the most acclaimed symphonic movements of all time, the first movement of Beethoven's fiery Fifth Symphony. Then, Mr. Parrish will lead the Concert Orchestra in a Symphonic Suite from The Goblet of Fire by Patrick Dole. The combined Concert and Symphony Orchestras brass section will then be featured on Canzon duodecimi toni by Giovanni Gabrieli. Helen Martell and the Symphony Orchestra will conclude the program with music from Handel's Royal Fireworks, the Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel de Falla and Stravinsky's 'Berceuse' and 'Finale' from The Firebird. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students/children and are available at the door or by contacting the Bay Youth Orchestras manager at 757-618-1800 or bayyouth@excite.com. For further information, visit our website, www.bayyouth.org or call the manager. Regent University Theater, Virginia Beach.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008, 7:30pm
Living Legacy: A Celebration of Holocaust Composers
DebraWendells Cross, flute; Michael Ludwig, violin; Beverly Kane Baker, viola; Roman Mekinulov, cello; Barbara Chapman, harp; Ya-Fei Chuang, piano; André-Michel Schub, piano; CharlesWoodward, piano. Among the millions lost in the Holocaust were the artists whose creative lights could not be extinguished by the Nazis. This concert celebrates four composers who died in concentration camps, but whose music lives on-a moving testament to the human spirit. The program includes works by Austrian composer Marcel Tyberg, whose radiant music recalls such 19th-century masters as Beethoven and Schubert; Dutch composers Leo Smit and Leo Kattenburg, and Czech composer Gideon Klein, whose vibrant scores reflect the early-twentieth century's explorations of the new. Co-presented with Holocaust Commission of United Jewish Federation. Tickets: $75, $30. Phone 757-671-8100 or visit www.virginiaartsfest.com. Kaufman Theater, Chrysler Museum of Art , 245 W. Olney Rd., Norfolk.

Sunday, May 25, 2008, 7pm
Tchaikovsky Spectacular Festival Finale
Virginia Symphony, JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Tianwa Yang, violin (US debut). The festival closes with a spectacular evening of music, featuring a new star and a beloved classic. Be the first to hear the "technically brilliant, mesmerizing, thrilling" (Badische Neueste Nachrichten) young Chinese violinist Tianwa Yang as she makes her U.S. debut performing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto. And the evening ends with a bang, as the Virginia Symphony performs Tchaikovsky's stirring 1812 Overture, complete with cannons bursting. Presented as part of Festival Williamsburg. Tickets: $50, $40, reserved covered seating; $20, lawn, bring your own chair. Rain or shine Phone 757-671-8100 or visit www.virginiaartsfest.com. Sunken Garden, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg.

Monday, May 26, 2008, 2pm
Masterworks in the Making:
A Concert of Premieres by the Fellows of The John Duffy Composers Institute
Be the first to hear scenes from exciting new works of opera and musical theater, created by some of the most promising composers of this generation, and performed for the first time as part of the renowned John Duffy Composers Institute. Gifted composers, chosen from throughout the nation, hone their works in intensive sessions with the leading masters of the opera and musical theater stage-and cap the experience with a premiere performance in Old Dominion University's Chandler Hall. Six emerging Composer Fellows will be chosen to work with this year's Institute staff, to include senior composer John Duffy, vocal coach Patrick Mason, and professional dramaturge/director, Rhoda Levine. Composers Libby Larsen, John Harbison, Robert Ashley and musicians of national prominence will be in residence as Institute clinicians. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness the birth of a new masterwork-order your tickets now for this exciting performance. Co-presented with Old Dominion University. Tickets: $15; students under 25, $10 Phone 757-671-8100 or visit www.vafest.org for tickets. Chandler Hall, Diehn Fine and Performing Arts Building, 49th St. and Elkhorn Ave., Old Dominion University, Norfolk

Friday, May 30, 2008, 7:30pm
Virginia Symphony: Outdoor Concert
Matthew Kraemer, conductor. Visit www.citycenteratoysterpoint.com or call (757) 926-1400 for more information. Tickets: Free. Visit www.virginiasymphony.org. City Center at Oyster Point - Newport News.

Friday, May 30 & Saturday, May, 31, 2008, 8pm
Governor's School: An Evening of Operetta Scenes
The Governor's School for the Arts Vocal Music Department presents an evening of scenes from operettas. Tickets $10. Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Fine Arts Building, ODU Campus, 49th St. & Elkhorn Ave.,Norfolk.

Sunday, June 1, 2008, 9 & 11:15 am
Mozart Majesty
The Peter Pelham Concert Series: Coronation Mass by W. A. Mozart. The Pelham Choir of Bruton Parish and Chancel Choir of St. John's Episcopal Church, Hampton, Virginia. Rebecca E. Davy and John Siderius, Directors For further information please call the Parish Office at 229- 2891. Bruton Parish Church, Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg.

Sunday, June 1, 2008, 3pm
Community Music Academy, Hampton Roads Youth Wind Ensemble
The Hampton Roads Youth Wind Ensemble was created in 1999 by its director, Victor Hugo, a Community Music Academy faculty member, to provide an advanced performance outlet for area high school wind and percussion students. This 50-piece ensemble closes its season with this concert in June. The ensemble provides an opportunity for talented young people to learn and work with others who share the same devotion toward music. Our enthusiastic staff mentors students through sectionals and lessons, providing quality opportunities for musical achievement.For more information call 683-4075 University Theatre, Hampton Blvd. & 45th Street, Norfolk.

Sunday, June 1, 2008, 4pm
Meet the Composer, Dr. John Leavitt
Dr. John Leavitt in concert with the Chancel choirs of Great Bridge Presbyterian Church and Providence Presbyterian Church All concerts are open to the public. A free will offering will be accepted, and a nursery will be provided. Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, 333 Cedar Road Chesapeake, VA 23322. The church is located directly across the street from the Chesapeake municipal complex. For information, please call 547-4706.

Friday, June 6, 2008, 7:30pm
Governor's School: Senior Class of 2008 Graduating Recital
The Governor's School for the Arts Vocal Music Department presents an evening of scenes from operettas. Tickets $10. Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Fine Arts Building, ODU Campus, 49th St. & Elkhorn Ave., Norfolk.

Saturday, June 7, 2008
Art Enter Cape Charles Benefit by the Bay
Support the Arts! Join us for the 12th Annual Benefit by the Bay! This year's event will be held on the Bay at Bay Shore Concrete Products, on the outskirts of Cape Charles. Your ticket includes dinner, musical entertainment, some complimentary beverages and dessert. Enjoy dancing under the stars until midnight. Mingle with friends and bid in our silent auction. Tickets:$100.00. Please check our website www.artsentercapecharles.org or call 331-2787 for additional information.

Saturday, June 7, 2008, 8pm
H. Leslie Adams Opera Egypt's Nights
A concert version of the opera by H. Leslie Adams with chamber orchestra. Egypt's Nights is the third excerpted concert performance in An African American Triptych by noted African-American composer H. Leslie Adams. The cycle includes Blake and A Bayou Legend. Iinstrumentation by Gerald Veasley. Presented by Opera North, Inc. Tickets $30. Tickets may be purchased online at www.operanorth.com or by calling 215-885-0117 or 215-732-2515. Trinity Center for Urban Life; 2212 Spruce Street; Philadelphia, PA. 19103.

Saturday, June 7, 2008, 8pm
Sunday, June 8, 2008, 3pm
York River Symphony Orchestra: Summer Solstice
York River Symphony Orchestra. Conductor, Dr. James Herbison; Assistant Conductor, Dr. Eric Reiff. Dr. James Herbison, cello. Music by Saint-Saëns, Mendelssohn, Elgar, Glinka and Gade. Reserve tickets by calling Pro Music & Sound: (757) 867-7115. Advance price $8, $10; at the door - $10 and $12. More information at www.yrso.org. < Location: TBA

Saturday, June 21, 2008, 8pm
A Tribute to Ralph Vaughan Williams
The Peter Pelham Concert Series: a tribute to Ralph Vaughan Williams on the 50th anniversary of his death. The Chancel Choir of Bruton Parish Church, Dr. JanEl B. Will, Director. Concert to be preceded by dinner in the Parish Hall. For reservations, call 229- 2891 at least one week prior to the concert. For further information please call the Parish Office at 229- 2891. Bruton Parish Church, Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg.