We’re Saluting Hollywood

Imagine a warm spring evening, musical themes from your favorite movies floating in the air…all setting the stage for our end of season free outdoor concerts. Bring a light picnic supper and your favorite beach chair or blanket and sit on the lawn as A C Matt Kraemer and the musicians of the orchestra salute film scores in concerts Friday, May 29, at 7:30pm, City Center Oyster Point, Newport News and Saturday, May 30, 7:30pm, on the lawn of Walter Reed Hospital, Gloucester. Relive The Bridge on the River Kwai and the Colonel Bogey March. Imagine yourself flying from building to building with Spiderman, or slinking around with the Pink Panther. And there are the hot themes from Batman, Star Trek and Star Wars. Experience it all as we close out our season on a light musical note.

In case of rain, the Newport News concert will move indoors to Hampton Roads Academy. There is no rain location for the Gloucester concert.

VSO in the Community

Harmony Project Presents Concerts in Sacred Spaces

Our grant funded Harmony Project to cultivate relationships with African American church congregations, now in its third year, will present a free community concert at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Portsmouth on Saturday, May 23, at 7:00 PM. This In Harmony concert is free and open to the public.

Activities this month also include musician participation in church services on Sunday, May 24, at 8:00am at Faith Deliverance Christian Center, Norfolk and Sunday May 31, at 11am at First Baptist Church, Denbigh-Newport News.

Want to know more? Please call Marsha Staples at 757-213-1421.

Young Dreams Recognized

Shanteese Collier, William Milsap, David Oden, Brandon Parker and Jeannette Rowe walked out of the Chrysler Museum one evening in April, carrying bound scores of their musical dreams.  The five young people participated in the Compose Your Dreams composition project as part of our Education and Community Engagement program in collaboration with ForKids, Inc.

The young people were asked for the project to compose a 16 bar, 4 part composition using computer software. Shanteese Collier and Brandon Parker created and performed An Idea and William Milsap, David Oden and Jennnette Rowe created and performed Haven House at the Chrysler Museum in mid-April.

Meet Us Downtown for Dinner Tuesday Night, June 2

Symphony Bites, Tuesday Nights is happening again in June. Our friends Dr. Sture Sigfred and Ron Zoby, owners of four downtown Norfolk restaurants; Byrd & Baldwin, The Big Easy, 456 Fish and Bodega will once again provide a portion of their evening's proceeds at the restaurants to the Virginia Symphony the first Tuesday of the month.

And, as a Symphony patron, you will receive preferred seating if you call ahead and make a reservation for our next Symphony Bites, Tuesday Nights on June 2.

Part of what makes downtown Norfolk great. It's a wonderful way to enjoy an excellent meal with friends (invite several couples to join you) and support the Symphony at the same time. Hope to see you across the table.

VSSGW April in Paris Gala Sets New High for Support of Symphony

	The annual VSSGW Gala to Benefit VSO raised approximately $20,000, according to a preliminary estimate by Society President Elena Duggan. “We have about doubled last year’s benefit dinner contribution of $10,000 to the Symphony.” More than 150 patrons attended the benefit at Two Rivers Country Club. Pictured (from top left): Maureen Hall, gala chair; Carla Johnson, VSO President & Executive Director; Elena Duggan, President, VSSGW Members of the Gala Committee: Dianne Kienlen, Mary Ellen Rowe, Eileen Mitchell, Evelyn Swart, chair Maureen Hall, society president Elena Duggan and Lara Overy.
	The event also honored the founders of the VSSGW, Bertram and Gladys Aaron (pictured on far left and right, with their children). The Aarons were recognized for their leadership of the Society since 1996, for bolstering support for the VSO and preserving its presence in Williamsburg.
	The Ambrosia Quartet (from left), Rebecca Gilmore, cello, Tara- Louise Montour, violin, Simon LaPoint, viola, and Beverly Baker, viola provided entertainment for the guests. Jazz artist Bart Kuebler also entertained.

Behind the Scenes at the VSO

Virginia Symphony Receives Major Community Grant

The Symphony has received a $250,000 Community Grant from Dominion Resources. The grant will enable us to continue our work in schools, neighborhoods and concert halls and help the VSO move toward a more stable financial situation.

I Do! I Do!

Assistant Director of Development, Kaitlin Padden says "I Do" to Mr. Ray Robb. Kaitlin and Ray were married on Saturday, May 2 in Norfolk.

Other VSO Highlights

Something Special

When you subscribe to the Virginia Symphony, you will find something special to cherish. Perhaps it’s the astonishing skill and versatility of our wonderful musicians, or the passion, skill and vitality of JoAnn Falletta, one of the very few music directors of a major orchestra. There is a unique connection between you and the music and the performers. It can’t be duplicated on recordings or films. It can’t be found anywhere else except in a live performance. Be inspired again to experience this connection and subscribe to our 2009-2010 season.  Click here to subscribe.

Shop the Boutique at www.virginiasymphony.org

You don’t have to wait until September to listen to the Virginia Symphony. You can experience your favorite Symphony sounds all summer by shopping at our online boutique. There you’ll find your favorite recordings by the VSO, the Adagio Trio and JoAnn Falletta. You can relive our performance at Carnegie Hall or pick up a copy of Americana… The Dream Comes Alive and play it at your Fourth of July bash. Click here to shop.