Arts Conversations: Recent Episodes
WHRO Public Media
Hear comments by those who make the arts so vibrant in Hampton Roads - conductors, musicians, singers, actors, teachers, visual artists. Learn about performances and get insight into the creative process from the artists themselves.
Renowned Broadway conductor Rob Fisher, who’s a longtime collaborator with the Virginia Arts Festival, was recently appointed its Goode Family Artistic Advisor for Broadway and American Songbook. For the Festival’s 25th Anniversary Season, he’s conducting the Virginia Symphony Orchestra for The Sound of Music, and serving as Music Director for a concert with Renee Fleming and Kristin Chenoweth. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Rob recently about these upcoming performances and the relevance of classic Broadway musicals.
Raymond Jones speaks with Scott Jackson, Director of the Virginia International Tattoo, about the Tattoo's upcoming 25th anniversary performances, which feature a triumphant return to Scope Arena, an all-new international cast, a musical tribute to “March King” John Philip Sousa, and an emotional celebration of the resilience of the human spirit.
Raymond Jones speaks with Virginia Arts Festival's Director of Chamber Music, Olga Kern, about this season’s upcoming concerts
On Sunday, April 10 at 4 PM, the Virginia Chorale presents "A Decade of Song," celebrating Chuck Woodward’s 10th anniversary as Artistic Director. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with him about what to expect.
Wayla speaks with Ormsby Wilkins, Music Director for American Ballet Theatre, about the company's upcoming performances at the Virginia Arts Festival, the relationship between music and dance, and how it felt to come back to performing after the hiatus caused by the pandemic.
On Saturday, December 4, Virginia Arts Festival presents a holiday spectacular featuring sisters Nadia and Christine DiGiallonardo with the Festival Five led by Rob Fisher. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Nadia and Christine about their musical upbringing and longtime collaboration with Fisher.
Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Norman Elton, who runs the Open Door Concert Series in Williamsburg, about what their journey has been like so far and what their plans are for the future.
As the arts remerge in person this fall, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach offers a chance to peek inside the minds of talented young women through an exhibition called “Emergence,” running through November 28. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Virginia MOCA's Curator of Education, Truly Matthews, about the project.
Opera in Williamsburg presents Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love) September 10 and 12. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with conductor Jorge Parodi and stage director Benjamin Spierman.
Last month, Christopher Newport University announced an initiative called the New Musicals Lab. The New Musicals Lab brings together writers, directors, composers, designers, and performers from all over the country to create and workshop musical theatre in the safe haven of Hampton Roads. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Artistic Producer Colin Ruffer, as well as one of the creative teams going through the lab: Ilana Ransom Toeplitz and Shoshana Shattenkirk, who are creating a musical about composer and pianist Clara Schumann.
Dwight Davis speaks with noted American conductor and cellist, Eric Jacobsen, who will step into the role of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra's new Music Director beginning July 1.
Raymond Jones speaks with Scott Jackson, Producer of the Virginia International Tattoo, about the 2021 Tattoo taking place this week at Old Dominion University’s S. B. Ballard stadium.
Raymond Jones speaks with conductor Gerard Schwarz about his upcoming concerts with the Virginia Symphony and more.
Virginia Arts Festival and Virginia Opera present Leonard Bernstein's one-act opera "Trouble in Tahiti" the weekend of May 7. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with the leads, mezzo-soprano Marissa Simmons, and bass-baritone Eric McConnell, about the show.
Wayla Chambo talks with bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green about his upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performance, how he fell in love with opera, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in classical music.
Raymond Jones speaks with Catalyst Quartet violinist Karla Donehew Perez about the group's upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performance and their Uncovered project, which celebrates works by artists who have been overlooked and sidelined in classical music.
Cellist Rebecca Gilmore and pianist Daniel Lau are featured in the final performance of this winter's WHRO virtual chamber music concert series. Wayla spoke with them about what makes playing chamber music so special, and the challenges and opportunities the pandemic has presented.
We're in the midst of WHRO's virtual chamber music concert series, featuring exclusive performances from local musicians. The next concert features soprano Anna Feucht and pianist Steve Kolb. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with Anna about the music on the program, how life has been during the pandemic, and her love of mad scenes.
We're in the midst of WHRO's virtual chamber music concert series, featuring exclusive performances from local musicians. The next concert features pianist Lee Jordan-Anders. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with her about how life has been lately, the music she’s sharing with us, and how she wants us to walk away from her performance feeling.
Wayla speaks with flutist Debra Wendells Cross and harpist Barbara Chapman, both longtime members of the Virginia Symphony and this week's featured artists in WHRO's Virtual Chamber Music Concert Series.
We're in the midst of WHRO's virtual chamber music concert series, featuring exclusive performances from local musicians. Our second concert in the series is by guitarist Todd Holcomb. Rebecca Weinstein spoke with him about the recording process for the concert, the music he’s sharing with us, and how he gets in his performance state of mind.
This week kicks off WHRO's virtual chamber music concert series, featuring exclusive performances from local musicians. Our first concert in the series is by the New Commonwealth Quartet, and Wayla Chambo spoke with members of the group about their experiences making music over the past several months.
WHRO-FM will air "The Ballad of the Brown King," a cantata by Margaret Bonds on Saturday, December 19. Rebecca Weinstein interviewed Malcolm J. Merriweather, who directed this world premiere recording with the Dessoff Choirs.
James Blachly speaks with Wayla about his recently released premiere recording of The Prison (1930) by Dame Ethel Smyth, why he considers it a neglected masterpiece, and what particular meaning it might hold for us in 2020.
Virginia Opera was forced to cancel its production of Aida due to COVID-19, but the company is still working to stay connected with opera lovers across Virginia. This Thursday, April 30, Virginia Opera will stream a production of La Boheme from 2015 on YouTube. Rebecca interviewed Artistic Director Adam Turner about how the company is coping during these tough times.
Jae Sinnett, host of Sinnett in Session on WHRV had a few moments to speak with Randy Thomas, president and owner The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery about their mandated shutdown, their opportunity to be part of the distillery team making hand sanitizer for the U.S. government, and the creative ways they are still working to support local musicians during the shutdown. Out of bad, comes good!
Dr. Glenn Winters discusses the final Virginia Opera production of this season, Verdi's epic masterpiece Aida.
Frederick Ballentine grew up in Norfolk and attended the Governor's School for the Arts, where he fell in love with opera. This season, he made his debut at The Metropolitan Opera with the role of Sportin' Life in their new production of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Frederick talks with Wayla about his memories of Governor's School, his advice for current students, and what it was like making that Met debut.
The Peacherine Ragtime Orchestra will perform in Kill Devil Hills on Saturday, January 25. Rebecca Evans interviewed Andrew Greene, the orchestra’s conductor and founder, about the performance.
Wayla speaks with French guitarist Raphael Feuillatre, who was the First Prize Winner of the 2018 Guitar Foundation of America Competition and is currently on tour throughout North America. His recently released album on the Naxos label includes a wide range of styles and periods, encompassing both classic works for the guitar and transcriptions of works from composers such as Rameau, Rachmaninov, and Scriabin. He performs two concerts in the area this week, presented by the Tidewater Classical Guitar Society.
Virginia Musical Theatre presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein review "A Grand Night for Singing" the weekend of November 22. Rebecca Evans interviewed Director Lindsay Eure and performer Tyler Sodoma about their backgrounds, the arrangements in the show, and the moments they're most excited about.
The Norfolk Chamber Consort presents “Traversing the Americas” on Monday, November 11. Rebecca Evans interviewed Artistic Co-Directors Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshyn about their involvement with the Consort and what to expect at Monday’s concert.
Caroline Shaw, an innovative composer, violinist, and vocalist, is a guest artist with the Virginia Symphony this week. She was the youngest-ever recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2013, and has written for and collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Renee Fleming, to the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, to Ben Folds. Wayla Chambo talks with Caroline about her creative process, the many musical hats she wears, and what listeners can expect to hear at these concerts.
Shakespeare’s Macbeth opens at the Generic Theater on Friday, October 4. Rebecca Evans interviewed the director and two leads about the production.
Friday, September 13 marks the beginning of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s new season. Rebecca Evans interviewed two musicians from the VSO, flutist/piccoloist Rachel Ordaz and violinist Amanda Gates.
On Friday, August 30, the Virginia Stage Company will open a life-changing Public Works adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Rebecca Evans interviewed the Public Works team about the history of the initiative and how it’s transforming our region.
Rebecca speaks with Wayla about the quartet's history and their upcoming concert at the Jewish Museum & Cultural Center.
Bronte by Polly Teale opens at the Zeiders American Dream Theater on Friday, July 26. Rebecca Evans interviewed the creative team about their personal experiences with the Bronte novels and how Teale narrates the lives and creative processes of the famous sisters.
Rebecca Evans interviews soprano Anna Sterrett about Saltworks Opera, a company based on the Eastern Shore, and its production of Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites.
Raymond Jones speaks with conductor JoAnn Falletta about the Virginia Arts Festival / Virginia Symphony production of "Antony and Cleopatra" featuring incidental music by Florent Schmitt
Wayla speaks with violinist Domenic Salerni about the Dali Quartet's history and mission, and their upcoming Virginia Arts Festival concerts with pianist Olga Kern.
Jessie talks with Wayla about her music for the new Dance Theatre of Harlem ballet (a world premiere that takes place this weekend, commissioned by the Virginia Arts Festival and the 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution), as well as her work with the Sphinx Organization and recent developments in the American orchestral landscape.
Rebecca Evans interviews Tawnie Olson and Lori Laitman about their pieces in Virginia Choral Society's upcoming concert, jointly commissioned by VCS and the Alexandria Choral Society.
Rebecca Evans interviews Cantus member Paul Scholtz about the group’s upcoming Virginia Arts Festival performance, what it’s like being a professional singer and member of Cantus, and how he keeps his passion for singing alive.
Raymond Jones speaks with Tasmin Little, renowned British violinist and Virginia Arts Festival performer.
Rebecca Evans interviews Music Director Rob Fisher about Virginia Arts Festival's upcoming concert, working with Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, and growing up as a musician in Hampton Roads.
Jae Sinnett talks to Chris Botti, Grammy Award winning American trumpeter and composer, about his musical preferences and love of Jazz.
Raymond Jones interviews Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, author and PBS host.
Wayla Chambo speaks with choreographer Sir Richard Alston about his new work, "Arrived" (commissioned through the Virginia Arts Festival’s partnership with the 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution), and about how he sees the relationship between music and dance.
Rebecca Evans interviews Virginia Opera's Artistic Director Adam Turner about the company's "Short Works Sampler" of contemporary American opera.
Wayla Chambo talks with baritone Chris Gabbitas from the King's Singers about their 50th anniversary album GOLD, what it was like to audition for the group, and this week's Virginia Arts Festival Christmas concerts in Norfolk and Williamsburg.
Core Theatre Ensemble will perform its original adaptation of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne at the Little Theatre of Norfolk, Thursday, November 29 through Saturday, December 1. Classical Announcer and Content Producer Rebecca Evans spoke with two of Core's leaders, Emel Ertugrul and Edwin Castillo, about the group, The Scarlet Letter, and the arts in Hampton Roads and around the world.
Raymond Jones talks with Daniel Boothe, Music Director of Symphonicity, about their upcoming season, which kicks off with "Destination: Latin America" on Sunday, October 7th.
Dwight Davis talks with Virginia Opera conductor Adam Turner about Weill’s “Street Scene”
WHRO's Wayla Chambo interviews the new Assistant Conductor of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Gonzalo Farias. His first concert with the VSO is coming up on July 12th!
WHRO's Wayla Chambo interviews Joann Falletta about Bernstein at 100! Virginia Arts Festival's celebration of Leonard Bernstein's 100th birthday on April 13th and 14th.
Hear from Symphonicity's Music Director Daniel Boothe about Ode to Spring! Symphonicity's concert on March 25 featuring music of Vivaldi, Smetena, and Vaughan Williams.
Dwight Davis interviews Rachele Gilmore, who will be playing Lucia in Virginia Opera's Lucia di Lammermoor, opening March 23!
Dwight Davis talks with Rachele Gilmore, who is singing the title role in Donizetti’s masterpiece.
Hear from Symphonicity's Music Director Daniel Boothe about Ode to Hope! Symphonicity's upcoming concert on Nov 19th features Markowski's Joyride, the Haydn Cello concerto in D with cellist Steven Honigberg, and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5.
A preview of Virginia Opera's upcoming production of Puccini's The Girl of the Golden West with Dr. Glenn Winters
Wayla Chambo interviews Grammy-nominated electric harp virtuoso, singer, and composer Deborah Henson-Conant, one of the performers at the 2017 Virginia Arts Festival’s Norfolk Fringe.
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge – Red Priest performs Handel’s Messiah and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Virginia Arts Festival's Swan Lake performed by Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Roots: Folklore and Literary Heritage with resident conductor Benjamin Rous
Dwight Davis Talks with Principal Conductor Adam Turner about this first-ever Virginia Opera production of von Weber’s opera.
Dwight Davis talks with Sarah Frook Gallo, director of the Virginia Choral Society, about their season.
Dwight Davis speaks with baritone Nathan Gunn about his show with Mandy Patinkin at the Ferguson Center.
Diwght Davis talks with Symphonicity founder and conductor David Kunkel, on his retirement after 35 years with the orchestra.
MOCA film series "A Voyage on the High Seas with Mal Vincent", The Poseidon Adventure, and Mal's remembrances of Shelley Winters.
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge - Chrysler Museum’s Third Thursday.
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge – The Virginia Symphony with Zuill Bailey
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge – Virginia Stage Company – Arthur Miller’s All My Sons
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M. D. Ridge – Opening Night with Sarah Chang.
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge – Birth of an Answer at the Attucks Theater.
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge- The Virginia Chorale- A la Francaise
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge – Virginia Stage Company’s Peter and the Star Catcher
WHRV and WHRO-FM became two separate station on September 21, 1990. Join us as we look back of 25 years of great radio.
Dwight Davis speaks with with Jackie Evancho about her career and performance for the Virginia Arts Festival.
Dwight Davis speaks with Opera in Williamsburg’s founder and their conductor of “Cosi fan Tutte”
Mal Vincent gives a preview of an upcoming talk at MOCA on March 16th on Mae West, and a screening of the 1933 classic "I'm No Angel", co-starring Cary Grant – part of the “Mal Vincent presents – Virginia is for Movie Lovers” series at MOCA in Virginia Beach.
From the Other Side of the Footlights with M.D. Ridge – The Virginia Stage Company’s “K2”
One of the marks of good theater is that a play will have the substance and latitude to be interpreted differently and still remain valid. Such is the case with the opening production of the season for the Virginia Stage Company, August Wilson’s multi-award winning “Fences”. Our critic, M.D. Ridge, found the VSC presentation visually convincing and emotionally compelling.
For its first production of the new season, Virginia Opera presented a lyrical but seldom-produced early opera by Bizet – “The Pearl Fishers”. Our critic found much to like in the singing, but was less enThu,siastic about the staging.
Virginia Opera opens the 2012-2013 season with its first-ever production of “The Pearl Fishers” by George Bizet. The Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, Glenn Winters, offers this insightful preview of a tuneful and colorful early effort by the young genius composer, Bizet.
The Virginia Symphony opened its 2012 – 2013 season with a bravura program of colorful music and a exciting soloist. Our critic, M.D. Ridge attended the Chrysler Hall concert and has this report.
As its final offering of its inaugural season, Lyric Opera Virginia presented one of the greatest operas in the repertoire – Bizet’s Carmen. This jewel box production lost little in its slimmed-down version, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge.
For the past eight years, the Virginia Arts Festival and the John Duffy Composers Institute has offered an opportunity for music of promising young composers to be presented to the public. This year’s “Masterworks in the Making” program concentrated on character and structure. M.D. Ridge reports on the results.
The Virginia Arts Festival concludes with one of the largest and most emotional works in the concert repertoire, the Symphony No. 8 by Gustav Mahler. The work has never been performed in this area, in large part because of the number of musicians required. Raymond Jones spoke with Virginia Symphony conductor Joann Falletta about performing this “Symphony of a Thousand.”
The 2012 Virginia Arts Festival opened with a recital by America’s reigning diva, soprano Renee Fleming. Her appearance at the Harrison Opera House proved once again that Fleming is one of the finest singers before the public today. M.D. Ridge reports on the performance.
For its final subscription concert of the season, the Virginia symphony performed three colorful, romantic and seldom-heard pieces. The orchestra was joined by pianist William Wolfram and all were roundly cheered, including our critic, M.D. Ridge.
The American Theater in Hampton was the site of another virtuoso performance recently, this time by cellist Matt Haimovitz, who offered Bach as well as contemporary music for solo cello. M.D. Ridge reports.
The Tidewater Classical Guitar Society continued their tradition of presenting the best young guitarists in the world with the appearance of Thibault Cauvin in Williamsburg and Norfolk. Our critic, M.D. Ridge, attended the Norfolk performance and was greatly impressed.
The Virginia’s Opera’s final production of the season, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” lived up to it rollicking reputation, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge
For its final production of the season, Virginia Opera turns to the rollicking Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “The Mikado.” On just about anyone’s little list of lighthearted musical favorites, this work stands near the top. Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, Dr. Glenn Winters, gives us many reasons why this is so.
Joann Falletta and the Virginia Symphony presented a rich, romantic program for their April Classics concerts. A powerful performance of the Prokofiev Fifth Symphony was complemented by the Grieg Piano Concerto with an exciting new young talent – Natasha Paremski – as soloist. M.D. Ridge reports.
The historic Wells Theater welcomed an American classic back to its stage – ArThu,r Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” The production captured the dreams and disillusions that have made this play relevant for half a century, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge.
Music is as much a part of Valentine’s Day as are flowers and candy. The Virginia Chorale proved that premise once again with a well-Sun,g program of romantic choruses, both familiar and unfamiliar. Our critic, M.D. Ridge, was at the concert and offers these comments.
The Virginia Symphony, led by Assistant Conductor Benjamin Rouse, brightened the short, dark days of February with an concert of classical and romantic fare featuring one of their own, Principal Second Violinist SiMon, Lapointe. M.D. Ridge has this review.
The St. Olaf Choir, from Northfield Minnesota, is the pioneer a cappella choir in the United States. For nearly a century, the choir has set a standard of choral excellence and remained at the forefront of choral artistry. Their performance at the Ferguson Center in Newport News was everything a lover of choral music could have asked for, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge.
The three virtuoso Russian musicians known as Trio Voronesz have been enchanting audiences for several years with engaging concerts of music ranging from tradition Russian folksongs to tangos and rags. Their appearance at the American Theater left the audience, including our critic, M.D. Ridge, on the feet and smiling broadly.
Virginia opera moved boldly into contemporary opera with its production of “Orphee” by Philip Glass. The imaginative staging and fine singing told the ancient story using a 20th century libretto set to appropriately dramatic and passionate music by one of this country’s most important composers.
Virginia Stage Company’s production of “Black Pearl Sings” is replete with old spirituals and folk songs, beautifully performed within the context of a story of relationships and freedom.
For it second production of its inaugural season, Lyric Opera Virginia presented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical “The King and I.” Dwight Davis spoke with the directors and lead singers of the show.
Ballet is usually not usually though of intentionally hilarious, but the “Trocks,” as their fans call them, are. And the more one knows about serious dance, the funnier this all-male troupe is. Their return engagement at the American Theater in Hampton did not disappoint, according to our critic-at-large.
The Virginia Symphony and Joann Falletta welcomed violin virtuoso Gil Shaham for a concert of American music in January. Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Dvorak’s New World Symphony, and Barber’s Violin Concerto, a specialty of Mr. Shaham’s, were performed. Our reviewer, M. D. Ridge, comments on the concert.
Virginia Opera’s third offering of the season is a fascinating re-telling of the legend of Orpheus, with the libretto from the screenplay of Jean Cocteau’s film and music by contemporary composer Philip Glass. Dr. Glenn Winters, Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, previews Glass’s opera “Orphee,” deMon,strating how the music is perfectly matched to the story.
For its second outing, the new Lyric Opera Virginia presented a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “The King and I.” The production boasted outstanding performers, staging and direction, according to our critic.
Another View’s host Barbara Hamm Lee intervieWed, the Muscarelle Museum’s John T Spike and director Aaron De Groft regarding the Seeing Colors: Secrets of the Impressionists exhibit.
Rene’s Feret’s costume drama about Mozart’s talented older sister, Nanerl, comes to the Naro Explanded Cinema in Norfolk. Our critic, M.D. Ridge, offers her impressions of this French film which examines life and musical talent in pre-revolutionary France.
For its performances of Handel’s “Messiah” this season, the Virginia Symphony invited Robert Franz to conduct. He is currently Music Director of the Boise PhilharMon,ic and Associate Conductor of the Houston Symphony. He spoke with Dwight Davis about his approach to Handel’s masterpiece.
As it has for years, Virginia Stage Company, brings to life on the stage of the Wells Theater “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens. This season’s Production has much to recommend it, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge.
Virginia Opera’s second production of the season is a beloved favorite in a new setting. Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” is updated and transplanted, but still retains its charm and features a fine young cast. Our reviewer, M.D. Ridge, explains.
The next offering from Virginia Opera is Humperdinck’s beloved “Hansel and Gretel.” Dr. Glenn Winters, the Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, examines the opera and the fairy tale it is based on, presenting musical excerpts and offering insight into the plot.
The Virginia Opera’s 2011-2012 season opens with the grandest of all grand operas, “Aida.” This will be the first production of the Verdi masterpiece by the company. The story centers on a love triangle, set against the splendor and pageantry of ancient Egypt. Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, Dr. Glenn Winters, tells the story and present musical excerpts in this preview.
On Sat,urday, the Virginia Opera presents its 3rd annual "Opera in the Park," a fun-filled and music-filled family festival. Dwight Davis spoke with Virginia Opera’s Producing Director John Kennelly about the event.
The Virginia Arts Festival concludes its 15th season with a concert by the world-renowned MorMon, Tabernacle Choir, their first in Virginia in 50 years. Dwight Davis spoke with the Choir’s General Manager, Scott Barrick, about the group and their music.
Virginia has a new opera company, designed to bring opera and music drama to audience in the 21st century. LOV has announced its 2011 – 2012 season of three productions, to be presented in Virginia Beach and Newport News. Dwight Davis spoke with Maestro Peter Mark about Lyric Opera Virginia.
In its 15th season, the Virginia Arts Festival welcomes the acclaimed Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio back to Hampton Roads. Their concert will offer music of Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Richard Danielpour. The Danielpour piece, titled "Inventions on a Marriage," receives its world premiere at the American Theatre concert. It was written especially for two members of the KLR Trio, cellist Sharon Robinson and violinist Jaime Laredo. Dwight Davis spoke with Mr. Danielpour about the work.
The Virginia Arts Festival presented a new program in its 15th anniversary year – the Flying Proms. This symphonic air show offered vintage aircraft flying to live music performed by the Virginia Symphony. WHRO-FM’s Jonathan Lichtenstein served as co-host and worked to co-ordinate the music with the flights. He spoke with Virginia Symphony Associate Conductor Benjamin Rous about the musical selections for the concert.
The Virginia Arts festival opens its 15th season with an exciting world premiere. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, the Festival co-commissioned a new music theater piece titled "Rappahannock County." Renowned composer Ricky Ian Gordon set words by lyricist Mark Campbell in the form of 20 stories of the lives of Virginians at war, vignettes that are by turns poignant, powerful, humorous and ultimately very human. WHRO-FM’s Dwight Davis spoke Ricky Ian Gordon about "Rappahannock County."
This season, Joann Falletta celebrates her 20th season as Conductor and Music Director of the Virginia Symphony. In this special program, she talks about making music with the orchestra over the last twenty years.
The final production of the season for Virginia Opera is the beloved “Madama Butterfly” by Puccini. Dr. Glenn Winters, Community Outreach Musical Director for Virginia Opera, offers his unique insight into this perennial favorite, with musical examples and commentary.
The Virginia Chorale next concert if a program of English liturgical music written for performance in the great cathedrals of England. Dwight Davis spoke with the Chorale’s Director, Scott Williamson, about the concert.
Dr. Glenn Winters, the Community Outreach Musical Director of Virginia Opera, offers background and insight into Richard Wagner’s exciting music drama “The Valkyrie,” the second production of the season for Virginia Opera.
Schola Cantorum will present a special concert commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. The concert feature songs from the North and the South, songs both light-hearted and poignant, all Sun,g a capella. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Director Agnes Wynn about the music.
Of the many fine offerings of holiday music in Hampton Roads, the concert by the Virginia Chorale is aMon,g the best for putting people in the holiday spirit. This year’s concert is titled “Alleluia! Carols Around the World.” Dwight Davis spoke to the Chorale’s Director, Scott Williamson, about the program.
Virginia Opera’s second production of the season is the sparkling comedy “Cosi fan Tutte” by Mozart. Dr. Glenn Winters, the Opera’s Community Outreach Music Director, offers a preview of this delightful Mozart masterpiece, with music and insightful commentary.
The Virginia Symphony, directed by Joann Falletta, presented the world premiere of the Symphony No. 3 by American composer Lowell Liebermann in a series of concerts in November. WHRO-FM’s Anthony McSpadden spoke with Mr. Liebermann about this work.
The Virginia Chorale opens its season with a series of concerts featuring music old and new. Dwight Davis spoke with the Chorale’s Director, Scott Williamson about the program, which will be presented on October 22 at 8 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach; October 23 at 8 PM at the Chrysler Museum; and October 24 at 4 PM at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
In celebration of its 15th Anniversary season, the Virginia Arts Festival presents a concert by cellist Yo Yo Ma and pianist Katheryn Stott. These world-class artists have performed together for many years. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Katheryn Stott about her Fri,endship with Yo Yo Ma and their concert, which includes a special musical birthday present.
On Sat,urday, October 16th, the Peter Pelham Concert at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg will present an evening of music by Dan Locklair, Composer-in-Residence and Professor of Music at Wake Forest University. The concert will feature the world premiere of “Arise in Beauty,” commissioned by Carolyn Weekley in memory of her mother. The choral work will set a text by Angier Brock, retired University of Virginia Instructor. Dan Locklair spoke with Dwight Davis about the work.
As one of the final events of the 2010 Virginia Arts Festival, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara will present an evening of American Song in Williamsburg. She’ll be accompanied by an ensemble led by Hampton Roads native, now Broadway conductor, Rob Fisher. Dwight Davis spoke with Rob Fisher about the program, and its emphasis on songs by Harold Arlen.
The 2010 Virginia Arts Festival ends with a concert by the Virginia Symphony in Williamsburg. Joann Falletta will conduct the orchestra in the Royal Fireworks Music of Handel, Tchaikovsky’s Mozartiana and, with cellist Alisa Weilerstein, the dvorak Cello Concerto. Dwight Davis spoke with Joann Falletta about the concert.
The outstanding young cellist Alisa Weilerstein will perform twice in Williamsburg as part of the 2010 Virginia Arts Festival. She spoke with Dwight Davis about the pieces she will be performing, first discussing the Bach cello suites.
The Orion String Quartet returned to the Virginia Arts Festival for three performances during the 2010 season. Dwight Davis spoke with the cellist of the group, Timothy Eddy, about the music of Leon Kirchner and Robert Schumann, which the quartet performed.
The vocal ensemble Schola Cantorum presents a series of four concerts this spring, each featuring music by Norfolk composer Walter Marshall, the Requiem in f minor, commissioned by Schola Cantorum. Anthony McSpadden spoke with the group’s conductor, Agnes Mobley-Wynne, and composer Walter Marshall about the concerts.
Two seldom-heard requiems make up the Virginia Chorale’s spring concerts - those by Tomas Luis de Victoria and Ildebrando Pizzetti. Dwight Davis spoke with the conductor of the Virginia chorale, Scott Williamson, about these works.
The final subscription concert of the year for Virginia Beach’s orchestra, Symphonicity, is a concert of film music, including a United States premiere. Dwight Davis spoke with conductor David Kunkel and guest pianist Thomas Pandolfi about the concert.
For the past 14 years, the Virginia Arts Festival has featured a spectacle of sight and sound with bands from around the world – the Virginia International Tattoo. Dwight Davis spoke with the producer of the tattoo, Scott Jackson about this year’s version.
AMon,g the many outstanding presentations in this year’s Virginia Arts Festival, General Manager Scott Jackson singled out two of special interest. He spoke to Dwight Davis about them.
The male vocal ensemble Cantus returns to Hampton Roads as part of the Virginia Arts Festival. The group has garnered praise for impeccably singing a wide-ranging repertoire. Dwight Davis spoke with one of the singers, Aaron Humble, about Cantus.
One of the centerpieces of this year’s Virginia Arts Festival is the Virginia premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Mon,umental theater piece, Mass, presented April 25th and 26th. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Virginia Symphony conductor Joann Falletta about this exciting and unusual work.
The Virginia Arts Festival, in conjunction with the Tidewater Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, welcomes Canadian organist Isabelle Demers for a performance at Christ and St. Luke’s Church in Norfolk. Jonathan Lichtenstein spoke with Ms. Demers about her career and the concert.
For its final production of the season, Virginia Opera will present the great American opera, Porgy and Bess, opening April 10 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk. Dr. Glenn Winters, Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, offers insight into this operatic masterpiece.
Hampton Roads lost one of its premiere singing voices recently. Mezzo-soprano Lisa Relaford Coston performed extensively throughout Hampton Roads and was beloved by audiences and fellow musician alike. WHRO-FM joins with those who fondly remember this outstanding singer.
On February 13th, the Curtain goes up on the Virginia Opera production of one of the greatest operas ever written – Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The Community Outreach Musical Director of Virginia Opera, Dr. Glenn Winters, offers this preview of Mozart’s masterpiece.
Exciting and colorful music by Arial Ramirez will be presented on Jan. 17th, 21st, 23rd and 24th when Schola Cantorum joins with the Tidewated Guitar Orchestra and the ODU Percussion Ensemble for the area premiere of the Misa Criolla. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Agnes Wynn, Sam Dorsey and David Walker about this rhythmic and appealing folk mass.
The Virginia Symphony will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a musical birthday party on January 29th, 30th and 31st. The major work on the program will be the Mon,umental “Choral” Symphony, the Symphony No. 9, by Beethoven. Dwight Davis spoke with conductor JoAnn Falletta about the program.
This year, Hampton Roads will be treated to performances of the beloved ballet by the State Ballet of Virginia – the RichMon,d Ballet – joined by Todd Rosenlieb Dance, the Virginia Childrens’ Chorus and the Virginia Symphony. Stoner Winslett, Director of the RichMon,d Ballet and choreographer for this new production, spoke with Jonathan Lichtenstein about it the quintessential holiday ballet.
The American Boychoir is regarded as the United States’ premier concert boys’ choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world. It continues to dazzle audiences with its unique blend of musical sophistication, effervescent spirit and ensemble virtuosity. Its members – boys from grades 4 through 8 – come from 9 states and 4 foreign countries. Anthony McSpadden spoke with conductor, FERNANDO MALVAR-RUIZ, about the group’s performance at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach.
The Virginia Chorale’s holiday concert, “Sweet the Song,” offers both familiar and little-known music for Christmas. On the program are selections by Mendelssohn, Randall Thompson and Benjamin Britten, as well as a world premiere. Dwight Davis spoke with Chorale Director Scott Williamson about the concert.
The second subscription concert of the season for Symphonicity, the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach, features Mendelssohn for Two. Pianists Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshyn join Symphonicity for the sparkling Double Concerto in E by Felix Mendelssohn. Conductor David Kunkel has also scheduled the Tannhauser Overture and the New World Symphony on the program. Dwight Davis spoke to Andrey Kasparov and Oksana Lutsyshin about the Mendelssohn concerto.
For the first time in history, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presents the “German Requiem” by Johannes Brahms. For this very personal work, Brahms adapted texts which did not follow the traditional form of the Requiem, and in doing so, created one of the most moving choral compositions in the literature. Anthony McSpadden spoke with conductor JoAnn Falletta about performing this masterpiece.
The Virginia Chorale Society opens its new season with a rollicking program of highlights from some of the most famous Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. Dwight Davis spoke to conductor James Powers about the concert.
The Virginia Chorale offers five centuries of songs for the four seasons at their opening concert in September. Music from the Renaissance to the 21st century, in several styles, will be Sun,g by the Chorale. Dwight Davis spoke with conductor Scott Williamson about the concert.
The Williamsburg Symphonia opens its 2009-10 season with an all-Gershwin program, presented outdoors in Merchant’s Square, in conjunction with the Occassion for the Arts. Dwight Davis spoke with conductor Janna Hymes about the concert.
The Virginia Symphony performs classical music, of course, but on September 25, the orchestra played classical rock music. The Virginia Symphony welcomed conductor Brent Havens, vocalist Randy Jackson, and a full rock band for a concert of the music of Led Zeppelin. Joann Falletta, conductor of the Virginia Symphony, spoke with WHRO-FM’s Raymond Jones about this exciting concert.
The spring offering of the Virginia Chorale Society features “Music of the English Cathedral Tradition,” choral works by Elgar, Parry and others. Choral Society Director James Powers spoke with Dwight Davis about this concert.
The Best of the Virginia Chorale. Director Scott Williamson talked to WHRO-FM’s Dwight Davis about this concert of American music
Pianist Andre Michel Schub has been Music Director of the chamber music concerts of the Virginia Arts Festival since the beginning of the Festival. He spoke to WHRO-FM’s Dwight Davis about the chamber series.
This year’s Virginia Arts Festival includes a new production of a favorite balletic masterpiece, Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet”, danced by the Mark Morris Dance Group. This original version, as conceived by Prokofiev and dramatist Sergei Radlov, had a happy ending to Shakespeare’s tale. The new version is based on exclusive archival research conducted in Moscow. Associate Professor of Music at Princeton University, SiMon, Morrison. Dwight Davis spoke to him about the music.
One of the finest string quartets in the world, the Tokyo Quartet, performed in this year’s Virginia Arts Festival. Dwight Davis spoke with second violinist Kikuei Ikeda about the group’s program.
The venerable Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio is featured in two chamber concerts in this year’s Virginia Arts Festival. Dwight Davis spoke with pianist Joseph Kalichstein about the works on the concerts as well as the early days of the trio.
Award-winning composer Ellen Taafe Zwillich has written a new work for a new combination of instruments, a piece co-commissioned by the Virginia Arts Festival. She Spoke to WHRO-FM’s Dwight Davis about her Piano Septet
On February 21 and 22, the Virginia Chorale will present A Romantic Celebration, a program of choral music of Verdi, Puccini, Rheinberger, Brahms and others. Scott Williamson the new conductor of the Chorale, spoke to WHRO-FM’s Dwight Davis about the concert.
Hope Mihilap, former secretary to the Director of the Metropolitan Opera, offers a preview of the Virginia Opera production of Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” with a plot outline and musical examples.
The Virginia Symphony conductor trades her baton for her guitar to perform Vivaldi, alone and with VSO violist Beverly Baker. Program: Ravel: Pavane for a Dead Princess; Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto; Vivaldi: Concerto for Viola and Guitar; R.Strauss: Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme Suite. Wed,nesday, April 16th at 8:00 PM at St. Bede Catholic Church; Thu,rsday, April 17th at 10:30 AM at the Ferguson Center; Fri,day, April 18th at 8:oo PM at the Suffolk Center. For ticket information, 892-6366 or www.virginiasymphony.org
The young British violinist Nicola Benedetti performs the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Virginia Symphony conducted by JoAnn Falletta. Also on the program, the Mon,umental Symphony No. 9 by Anton Bruckner. Sat,urday, April 5th at 8:00 PM at Chrysler Hall; Sat,urday, April 6th at 2:30 at the Ferguson Center. For ticket information, 892-6366 or www.virginiasymphony.org
JoAnn Falletta and the Virginia Symphony welcome Sir James Galway back for a musical re-telling of the story of the Pied Piper. Fri,day, March 7th at 8:00 PM at the Ferguson Center; Sat,urday, March 8th at 8:00 PM at Chrysler Hall; Sun,day, March 9th at 2:30 PM at the Sandler Center. Program: Rossini: Cinderella Overture; Kodaly: Hary Janos Overture; Corigliano: Pied Piper Fantasy.
A romantic evening of music, dance and the spoken word, inspired by the Bard, under the direction of Assistant Conductor Matt Kraemer. Sat,urday, February 9th, 8:00 PM, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk.