Virginia Symphony

The Virginia Symphony was awesome. I will be back. Incredible talent .

This was the first live orchestra film I've attended. I have to say, hands down, it's one of the best things I've ever experienced. Don't hesitate to go yourself when the opportunity presents itself again. You will not regret it. I could tell by the audience response that I was not alone in my reaction. Lots of cheers and thunderous applause. I left the theater happy and uplifted. The quality of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra is unmatched and we are truly blessed to have such an organization in our own back yard. The inclusion of local young musicians and singers added to the joy of it all. I'm sure it was a thrill for them to be included and an inspiration to continue to persevere in their musical endeavors. Thanks for a great evening. Well done.

Love the show. The coordination with the Symphony's music was amazing. Would like to see another show of this type.

the signer did a really good job. the drummer was great. all the performers did a great job. the performance was outstanding! perfect!

Great performances by both the Symphony and the Rock Band. The Rock Band Drummer was amazing....... The weather even played it's part with the wind blowing the singers hair off his face at the appropriate times during 'The Immigrant Song"..... Those who "shouda and coulda" but didn't, missed out on a really fun show.

The show was awesome ! We had front row seats and had a perfect view. Nevertheless it wouldn't have mattered where you sat because the show was great. Kudos to Randy Jackson's voice and friendly nature. The Va Symphony is top notch ! My girlfriend and I were most impressed with the entire show.

This was my first time going to see the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and it was more than I could imagine!!!! I have never heard an Orchestra sound so amazing!!! And Randy Jackson sounded just like Led Zepplin!!!

Delightful program, beautifully played and conducted with spirit and expertise. Especially enjoyed the oboeist. Sorry the audience count was down, maybe due to predictions of bad weather; funny how the thunder rolled at the right time to add to the music!

Wow, we are lucky to have an orchestra of this quality in this area!

All of the music was breath taking in its beauty and execution but the Beethoven fed my soul . Benedetto Lupo was phenominal.

Poulenc's Gloria was awesome, as expected, but I was also pleasantly surprised by the other works on the program.

The production was outstanding. JoAnn Falletta is incredible as a conductor. I didn't care for the location. It is extremely difficult to have a good seat at St. Bede's because the pulpit is right in the middle of the church with the orchestra behind it. If sound were the only thing under consideration it would be an unbeatable performance. Would like to be able to see the conductor and all of the orchestra but you have to choose one or the other since something will always be blocked.

This was a fun event. Full of memorable songs. Gave it 4 stars because the audio of the lead singer was so loud that it overtook the orchestra and reverberated throughout the hall.

First, a bit of honesty. I saw Billy Joel in the event title and immediately bought two tickets.. I consider myself a big fan. Hearing his brilliant music played by none other than the Virginia Symphony Orchestra made it a fantastic evening and gave me a whole new appreciation for the genius of his song-writing. The front of the stage was incredibly talented as well - the pianist had no trouble with Joel's not-so-easy piano pieces, and the bass and drums brought excellent tones. The singer and backups tied the whole package in a neat little bow.

i have attended several symphonies in the past and thought this would be a fun show since it also had person signing Billy Joel's songs. Something was not arranged correctly - could barely hear symphony and singers were very loud - not balanced. I left at break.

The orchestra, choir and ballet were all simply fantastic. I feel so fortunate to have been present at this event!

VSO was great. We brought our 5 year old daughter to the Pixar show and she also stayed engaged the entire time.

Very interesting and well worth the price for 2 hours. Some symphony pieces I challenge you haven't heard before, including a few with the saxophone as the featured instrument.

The Virginia Symphony is incredible, love their music. I agree with an earlier reviewer who called the audience rude. Of course, it only takes one or two bad apples to spoil the experience. It's very disappointing that there are people that talk during the performance, or wear noisy bangle bracelets, or fumble for several minutes to unwrap cough lozenges (unwrap them in advance people!). Please folks, please, if you're going to the symphony, be considerate of others that want to listen to the music, not your noise.

Please continue this next year! Unforgetable Performance!!! My mother and I love Virginia Symphony and the Holiday Brass blew us away!

Comfortable seats. Phenomenal orchestra. Cash bar.

A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE HEARING THIS GROUP OF OUTSTANDING MUSICIANS PLAY BIG BAND SWING MUSIC--THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR 20 YEARS AND ARE ALL AMAZING MUSICIANS!! THE LEADER/SINGER, SCOTTY MORRIS, HAS A VERY UNUSUAL STYLE AND VOICE WHICH IS OUTSTANDING.. THE BAND'S OVERALL STYLE AND MUSIC IS SOMETHING TO BE TREASURED IN TODAY'S WORLD OF LOUD AND OBNOXIOUS NOISE WHICH SOME CALL MUSIC--

BBVD's performance with the Virginia Symphony was incredible. BBVD's sound meshed seamlessly with they symphony to create an auditory extravaganza! BBVD was a treat to watch in person and I can't wait for the opportunity to see them again!

Even if this is not your type of music it is hard not to like this band. Any time you have good music played by great musicians you are going to have a great time. You can tell they enjoy what their are doing and the energy that flows off stage is amazing. There are plenty of songs for the audience to participate in "Minnie the Moocher", as well as many favorites from their albums played. This is one band that makes it hard for you to stay in your seat!! Most Excellent! I plan on seeing them every time they come to town! Plus having the VSO back them up made for some great music!

BBVD put on a great show. Playing with the symphony doubled the entertainment value!

Music was fantastic, but the volume was impossibly high. The result was literally painful. Left at intermission, so perhaps this was corrected for the second half. Voodoo Daddy is truly talented group, I recommend their music. If you're going to hear them live, take some unobtrusive ear plugs to be on the safe side.

It was a great night of swing music! We left with a smile.

The BBVD were best concert I have ever attended. I was concerned the venue would not allow their show to highlight the bands stage magic, but they brought the audience right into their music. The addition of the strings from the VSO was excellent. I can't wait to see them again!

BBVD was unforgettable and so was the VSO playing along with them. My family ranged in ages 28 61 and everyone was moving, bouncing and jumping around in their seats. My daughter-in-law had never heard of BBVD before I played their CD for her last year. My son saw them in 1998 in Florida, and I have seen them 4 different times to include their Christmas show, and I was in the audience watching them live when they were on Dancing with the Stars. My husband even sings some of their songs. My daughter introduced me to their music 12 years ago, and we played their Swing, Jazz, Big Band music at her wedding. They are a MUST to see and to hear, and to see them play with our local Symphony Orchestra was just unbelievable. All of the members of the group stayed late after the show and signed autographs for everyone. What a fantastic thing to do for us the fans.

BBVD is amazing! We could not keep still in our seats. Music is better live and the band is very personable. We got all of their autographs after the show!!!! Definately would see them again!!!!!!!!!!!

BBVD was incredible! The Virginia Symphony backing them up made the event even more enjoyable! An amazing night all around!

Big Bad VoodDoo Daddy is a great group of musicians.Backed up by the Va. Symphony made it even better. The group played a few recognizable songs, but many were originals. Front man Scotty is a good vocalist and makes good intros for the songs. Dressed the attire of 1930's and with some slick moves, the group is very entertaining. For those not inclined to listen to jazz, go for the enjoyment of the talented muscians. The drummer is relentess and can really roll, even while wearing a suit and tie! The addition of the Symphony was seamless and really helped with the big band sound.

I enjoyed the musical selections and this was a great venue.

The entire event was wonderful. The beginning was very uplifting. Terrence Wilson was exceptional. Being able to view his hand movements was such a bonus.

Terrence Wilson is amazing on the piano! Beautiful performance!

Gary Mauer's voice is nice enough, but all of the arrangements for Barry Manilow's songs were over-arranged, contrived and predictable. The entire show was a big disappointment and I am glad I didn't pay big bucks to attend this show.

This was a gift I gave my mom for Christmas but it turned out to be just as much as a gift for me! Gary has an amazing voice and the show was wonderful. We both bought tickets for the 2013-2014 Va. Symphony season and are looking forward to more fun nights out together!

Gary Mauer did a pretty good job with the music of Barry Manilow. Although his voice does not reach the deep tones of Barry's, he is an excellent singer and entertainer. The Virginia Symphony did an outstanding job with the music. Even though we were seated in the Orchestra section, Chrysler Hall is situated where all the seats have an excellent view. The only drawback to this event was that it is situated directly next door to the Norfolk Scope and if an event is taking place there, you have to compete for limited parking. We found out the hard way. Just plan to go early and have a good time!

A lovely concert, unified in that all four pieces had strong classical elements, but varied in that they spanned the 18th to 21st centuries. Haydn's Symphony 104 simply glistened with elegance and verve.

The performance was excellent!!! The music was so moving and the dancing was great :)

Everyone should put this event on their calendar for future years. It is the perfect event to get you in the holiday spirit. Not only singing and music, but dancers and beautiful solos. The VIrginia Pops Orchestra never sounded better! This was our first year in attendance but we will definitely be there next year!

It was a wonderful evening of holiday musical fun!

I've seen all the Beatles tribute bands through the years and playing with the symphony just can't be beat. It was just fabulous. And in this band, Beatlemania, the guy who does Paul McCartney is the best I've seen. If you close your eyes, you can actually think it's McCartney singing - and that is almost impossible to do! His rendition of "Yesterday" could only be beaten by Sir Paul himself - maybe :)

Although we were not impressed with the first song or two (maybe her mic was turned down, and she seemed to be underemphasizing the last word of each phrase), it was a great show. Bernadette is a beautiful, shapely lass with a superbly-trained voice (and this from an amateur church choir bass). We loved the show tunes--may of which we remember from our own coming of age. For her encore, she sang a lullaby to her dog, which to us dog lovers was a tear-jerker.

Wow. The concert was exceptional. The Ferguson Center has great seating and atmosphere for Baroque music. I highly suggest that you book early and sit close to experience the nuances and sounds coming from the stage without amplification.

The Canadian Band that fronted the orchestra was outstanding. The guitarist and lead singer were especially awesome, as both sounded very close to the Journey musicians they were covering. My only complaint about this band was that the piano player didn't play other keyboards to achieve greater authenticity. However, I suspect that this was done purposefully to give the orchestra something to play. However, they were a poor substitute for the missing electronic keyboards. The orchestra didn't really add anything to the performance and, in fact, on many songs detracted from (and overpowered) the rock band's performance. (For example, the orchestra shouldn't play over the guitarist during his solo.) That is not to take away from the VSO - they are fantastic! However, when they choose a pop band to cover it should be one that uses more orchestral arrangements and instruments (definitely The Beatles and perhaps the Moody Blues). Saw VSO's performance covering the Beatles and they (and the pop band) were awesome!

The Virginia Symphony is one of the most creative symphonies in the country. This presentation took the audience on a musical trip from the era of swing to the era of "The King." Clarinetist David Bennett was absolutely amazing! He versatility was clearly shown as he not only played his clarinet, but also when he played the piano in an expert review of the music of Jerry Lee Lewis, played the guitar flawlessly in his tribute to Elvis, and even played a set on the drums. This is a can't miss performance and if you get a chance to see Mr. Bennett, don't miss it.

This was our fifth year of attending this concert. This year was the best ever. The VSO played new songs. The RAP dancer was fantastic. We will be attending again next year - wouldn't miss it.

Superb warmth and tonality of Nat himself, complemented with guitar and melodica. Memorable evening.

Totally enjoyed the live presentation of a great work of art that I have been listening to (on CD) for over 30 years.

Excellent performance, and the conductor made it fun as well. The Virginia Symphony is always superb, and this performance was no different. This was my first time seeing this conductor, and he was delightful. Fun and engaging for the younger crowd, and playful banter made it easy to engage with the music that we all love so much.

This was my first experience with Virginia Symphony and it absolutely did not disappoint! Benjamin Rous-the conductor, was very entertaining and engaging. I particularly liked the background information he gave before the musical pieces were played. I also liked his "quizzes" for the audience to vote which piece was written by John Williams. I will definitely be on the lookout for future concerts and I highly recommend seeing the Virginia Symphony!

It was my first time going to a Symphony event and I obviously went to it because they were playing John William's Star Wars songs. But I have to say, Benjamin Rous and the entire orchestra were so awesome that now I'm eager to see their next performance. Not only the quality of the performance was unbelievable, but it was fun. Benjamin interacts with the audience and gives us tidbits about their next piece. Really cool and contemporary. Love it!!

The show was amazing! The conductor did an amazing job getting the fans involved. The VSO was fantastic.

Awesome, exciting and interactive. My 16 year old son was amazed

Great family event. VS was excellent, conductor was fun, music was awesome.

Tonight I enjoyed a most thrilling and wonderful evening....I attended a magnificent performance of Verdi's Requiem by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus at the Chrysler Hall in Norfolk,Virginia. Only tonight from the program notes I discovered that this impressive piece of music based on the traditional Catholic Mass was defiantly performed 16 times in the Theresienstadt concentration camp, conducted by a Jew named Rafael Schachter and composed by a quasi-atheist and Italian Nationalist named Giuseppe Verdi. The last time I heard this piece performed was in the National Cathedral in Washington DC in the 1970's where the acoustics were perfect for this most extravagant and dramatic piece of music that requires over a hundred musicians and chorus members to do it justice. What an absolute treat it was to hear this wonderful piece of music performed so magnificently under the baton of Joann Falleta. Thank you Virginia Symphony Chorus for an unforgettable evening

We received our tickets as a Christmas present (for my fiancé) since he LOVES Vivaldi. We were beyond pleased with the performance, the venue, and the staff. Because of this performance, we are considering purchasing the Membership.

I took my wife to the Symphony for our 21 year anniversary, The performance was amazing and the process to get the tickets was so simple.

Wonderful concert! Will definitely be going agin next year!

Classy, yet not stuffy. Conductor was excellent in her work and engaging with the crowd.

Home Alone with Virginia Symphony Orchestra was fabulous. The students from The Governor's school for the Arts, and Vox Harmonia from The Visual & Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School also did a great job. Everyone enjoyed the program~!! I'm glad we went to this event. Fun night.

Great experience, performance was great. Would recommend to friends.

The symphony performed flawlessly in sync with the movie and the sound was incredible. I have seen this movie many times but everyones laughter was so infectious! A great time had by all. And you get to bring food/wine in from the concession area... Snacks and the symphony. My kind of class! The only drawback was that the symphony was so synced that you had to remember they were there below the screen.

We were rather disappointed. This was more or less an expensive movie. We left at the intermission. The movie was very loud and I couldn't really hear the musical interludes inserted by the Symphony. I think we'll stick to a little more traditional concerts. It seems to me if you are trying to go after the young, there needs to include more definitive interactions with them, in the audience, so that they understand how music is an important part of movies and life.

Amazing to see and hear the orchestra with the movie! Terrific job! Experience we will remember for a long time!

It is so incredible to hear the symphony playing the music I loved so much as a college student. Sensational!

Absolutely delightful. The singing was terrific and the symphony outstanding,as usual. It was a nice blending between pop and classical.

I had really high expectations for this show because I had seen the Queen show by the VSO a few years back and it was awesome. Unfortunately, this show fell flat. The music was good, of course it's Elton John, but the performance did not do the music justice. The singer was not powerful enough or entertaining enough to pull off Elton John.

I do not like this style of music per se, my wife does. This was for her, but I am a musician, not to the caliber as was on display for this concert, but I can appreciate all that went on this night. Musically amazing, personalities was fantastic. They played a song my wife never thought she would see live (Basin St) and she ecstatic. We were in the back of the theater but the sound was perfect and we had a great night. Would suggest for anyone who loves talented musicians to go and see.

Really enjoyed the evening. Great chorales, great music, everything went smoothly. Enjoyed the venue as well.

The combination of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the rock band was outstanding. The lead singer provided details of David Bowies musical career which were very informative. Overall, a very pleasing and entertaining event.

It was an enjoyable, relaxing evening of holiday music. The Irish dancers and the ballerinas were a nice surprise. Very nice!

The Holiday Pops had the perfect mix of Holiday music with a touch of dancing and individual vocal selection.

The College theater was an intimate setting for a stunning performance of the Messiah. I've seen the Messiah in various venues, but this combination of setting, orchestra, choir and singers was the best.

The music was soulful and a lot of fun to listen to. The musicians were in sync and the conductor was amazing. His energy transferred to the orchestra and you could really feel it. I would recommend this concert to anyone who wants to learn some appreciation for the Classical style.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra On November 17, 2012 I attended a performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA. I thought it was just going to be Beethoven s 7th symphony, but that was not played until after intermission. Even though it was one of the worst traffic nights I have ever seen in Norfolk, the Symphony started promptly at 8:00pm. They symphony opened with all the members on stage, including a harp player and trombone section. All the symphony player were on stage and then the 1st chair violinist entered, followed by the conductor. Benjamin Rous was conducting, and he is a very lively conductor. I was told by friends that are season ticket holders, that the young lady that was first chair for this performance, was not normally first chair, but her husband was. They opened with Sinfonia Sevillana, op.23. At the conclusion of the opening number about ten of the symphony members left the stage, and the chairs were rearranged and flute soloist Debra Wendells Cross came on stage right beside the conductor and played facing the crowd. During her performance two screens were lowered and she was projected on to them by rear projectors. I was sitting one row from the back, in the orchestra section, and could see her fine, the projected image did not help at all, if anything; it cheapened the performance. The soloist wore a maroon dress, which set her apart even more from rest of the symphony which was in formal black. After the soloist, there was intermission. After the intermission the Symphony played Beethon s Symphony no.7 in A major, op.92. It started off slow, and on the quieter side, and then the tempo increased, and the percussions came in with the stringed instruments to the crescendo, and then the conjunct melody, went back to slower and softer and after a few more minutes, another crescendo was reacted. After the second crescendo, the performance seemed to have a few disjunct movements. . From where I was seated it was hard to see what wind instruments were present, I saw tubas and French horns, and could hear flutes and clarinets. The double basses were set up on my right, and probably because this was my first symphony, it really caught my eye, that at times in each of the songs, the double bass players were plucking the strings to for a cadence and rhythm for the rest of the instruments. I noticed speakers in the ceiling, but was not sure if the band was amplified. I did notice that there is a very full sound when all the instruments are played and a very distinct, almost lonely, sound when it was a single instrument. I watched and am still not sure what the conductor does. He was very animated from time to time, and sometimes I could tell what he was doing, but other times, the performers seemed to be looking at their music and not looking at him. This was my third concert, I saw a tenor recital, a blues performance and the symphony, and by far the symphony was the most sophisticated, with depth of sound and complexity. I did leave wondering why they instruments are on state in the arrangement they are in. For conduction purposes, I get it, but for sound, I would think that you would want the instruments more mixed together. Overall, the arrangement they had allowed for certain instruments to rise about others.

VA Symphony was okay. Parking was a nightmare and the audience was rude. (Lots of noise)

Love the idea of showing Silents with their original scores. I would go again.

Take 6 is its own symphony orchestra. Absolute perfection with precision virtuosity in the most amazing vocal collaboration. I was transported to another dimension.

Thoroughly enjoyed the upbeat Symphony selections. They were superbly performed! Take 6 was a real treat! Very engaging and extremely talented!

Nothing like Take 6. Voices of amazing talents. They are legendary and live up to their reputation.

This concert was superior to me and totally rewarding because of the composers performed. Hindemith, Rachmaninov, and Prokofiev all great favorites from my youth to this day. I loved every minute of each piece, although Mathis der Mahler could have been a bit more somber for my taste. I do wish in all pieces, more from the violin section of the orchestra. Sometimes I lose the essence of certain lines in the music which although should be played softly, are inaudible. The pianist was outstandingly accurate but not a passionate interpreter of the Rachmaninov. I appreciated the encore but would have preferred a different piece.

The Virginia Symphony performed a fabulous rendition of Mussorgsky's "Picture's at an Exhibition." This was the first concert I had attended in over a decade, but it was well worth it. Pianist Jon Kimura Parker followed the opening piece of the show with his moving performance of Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, op. 43." He even treated the audience to a little Billy Joel and worked the ivories with "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" and jokingly mentioned that it was his high school "anthem." But overall, a great night at Chrysler Hall.

I would fire the sound mixer and the drummer, and then this would have been perfect!

At age 65 still has the voice he had in his prime. Hasn't lost a thing! Would love to see him back with Styx. His current band is cool and very good. Nothing like the real thing though. Chrysler Hall is a great place to see a concert. Not many places like this give you leg room anymore like Chrysler does.

By far the best musical event of the year (This includes already seeing Elton John, REO, Pat Benatar, Chicago, and Rock of Ages) Dennis DeYoung has not lost one note over the years and his back-up band may as well be the original memebers of Styx....it sounded that good! I've been going to Styx concerts since the 70s and this was by far one of the most enjoyable shows.

Dennis DeYoung seemed a bit on the ADHD side of things, but the performance was very good. I was really glad to see that he could still sing the songs and make them seem as it we were back in time. A wonderful experience. I would love to see the Moody Blues with the VA Symphony.

This event was even better than we hoped. Dennis' voice is incredible - if you close your eyes, he sounds just like he did in the 70s and 80s - amazing! The band rocked (loved seeing his wife - and what a voice she has too) and the symphony backing was perfect - really gave the songs a full, rich sound. But, no mistake, this was a rock concert and it was wonderful!

The best concert Ive ever been to and Dennis Deyoung was way before my time.

So enjoyed my evening with Dennis DeYound and the Virginia Symphony playing and singing STYX hits. Fabulous. STYX trademark of intertwining their own magic with the masters of Debussy and Mozart. was amazing and the Virginia Symphony kept in step going from STYX to classics beautifully. I believe the venue was the only thing I would say that was not fabulous for this particular concert. Just being in Chrysler Hall made for a more formal atmosphere. Dennis DeYoung worked the crowd and by the end of the evening there was much clapping in the seats! Most of the audience wanted to stand up and dance. Great, Great time! Thank you for including this concert with the Festival.

VSO helped make this performance rich and absolutely wonderful. The group's drummer was great to watch...true artist!

Dennis DeYoung was amazing, and the Virginia Symphony was a real treat. DeYoung's guitar players were great, and they all looked like they were having a wonderful time together. Can't believe Dennis DeYoung is 65 and still sounds like he did when he was with Styx. Great music, fun and a wonderful experience.

It was a great concert. Dennis at the age of 65, still has his high voice. He is very audience friendly. He and his band appear to be having a great time through the entire concert. The second lead singer, August, who sings the Tommy Shaw Styx songs is also tremendous. If you close your eyes, you'd think you were at a Styx concert.

I TELL YOU DENNIS DE YOUNG SOUNDED AS GOOD THIS NIGHT AS EVER. WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN HE IS 65YRS OLD ABSOLUTELY NAILED THIS SHOW. THE BAND MEMBERS HE HAS PUT TOGETHER YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER GUESSED THEY WEREN'T THE ORIGINAL BAND MEMBERS. ALSO THE TOP OFF OF THE EVENING WAS HOW AMAZING THE VA SYMPHONY MIXED IN WITH DE YOUNG . WISH I WERE CLOSER TO THE STAGE.

This concert was fabulous! Dennis DeYoung sounds just like he did when Styx was in its heyday. The musical arrangements with the VSO were also really nice, and fit together seamlessly with the music of Styx. Phenomenal job!!!

Great performance by both the Orchestra and Dennis. I really enjoyed.

Good integration of the orchestra with Dennis De Young's band

Tchaikovsky concert was special. Wonderful performance!

We bought tickets to hear the Tango with Guitars. We were more impressed with the first movement by our beloved Symphony "The Fall of Cuzco" which actually put tears in my eyes. The guest guitar players had a difficult piece by Binelli which left most of the audience less than overly impressed. Their encore pleased the audience more since it was more "familiar". They have two very different styles of playing. They were very gracious to Norfolk and it was, once again, a stunning performance by the Symphony. David Miller as conductor was emergetic and delightful.