CW Partners With Virginia Symphony

By WYDaily Staff Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Colonial Williamsburg announced Tuesday it will be the premier sponsor for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra's upcoming season, which will feature concerts to be held at William and Mary’s Phi Beta Kappa Hall.

“Colonial Williamsburg is pleased to support the Virginia Symphony’s Williamsburg series,” said Colin Campbell, president and CEO of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “We are committed to broadening the reach and appeal of the entire destination through high-quality cultural experiences that complement our primary educational mission.”

The VSO announced earlier this year that the concert series will be held at Phi Beta Kappa Hall. In addition to offering a local venue this season, Colonial Williamsburg and the Virginia Symphony plan to expand their collaboration to include additional cultural events in the community.

“Colonial Williamsburg has been a friend and supporter of the Virginia Symphony’s mission for many years,” said Eric Borenstein, president and executive director of the Symphony. “We are pleased to partner with Colonial Williamsburg to continue the tradition of providing the greater Williamsburg area with premier cultural opportunities.

“Moving to Phi Beta Kappa Hall combines the resources of Colonial Williamsburg, the College and the Symphony to increase cultural performances and enhance educational services for community residents, students and visitors to the Historic Area,” said Borenstein.

The four-concert Symphony Classics series debuts Oct. 6 and continues in December, February and March with concerts conducted by VSO Music Director JoAnn Falletta, VSO Associate Conductor Benjamin Rous and guest conductor Robert Franz.

The opening concert, titled “Jefferson, in his Own Words,” is created by University of Virginia professor and composer Judith Shatin. The performance is co-commissioned by the Virginia Symphony, the Richmond Symphony and the Illinois Symphony and written for orchestra and narrator, and it will feature Colonial Williamsburg’s own Bill Barker as Mr. Jefferson. The piece will be a portrait of Jefferson through his political writings, letters and diaries. The opening concert repertoire also includes Beethoven’s Violin Concerto performed by VSO Concertmaster Vahn Armstrong.

The concert series will also incorporate audience favorites and popular classical composers. On Dec. 8, guest conductor Robert Franz will lead the orchestra and Virginia Symphony Chorus to play Handel’s “Messiah.” On Feb. 2, 2012, Rous will conduct a performance featuring the music of Beethoven, Dvorak and Mozart with violinist Simon LaPointe. The series will conclude March 1 with a performance of Mozart’s “Coronation Mass,” conducted by JoAnn Falletta.

Call the box office at 757-892-6366 for more information or visit the VSO website.