The Richmond Symphony
Seven Decades of Treating Greater Richmond to Beautiful Music
Outdoor concerts under the big tent are popular Richmond Symphony events that draw thousands of people ready to hear great music.
Racing toward its 70th anniversary, the Richmond Symphony is a dynamic organization that continues to enhance the arts in the Richmond area. With a mission to change lives through the power of music, the Richmond Symphony, under the baton of Music Director Valentina Peleggi, includes 70 professional musicians, the 150-voice Richmond Symphony Chorus, and more than 260 students in the Richmond Youth Orchestra. The Youth Orchestra was founded five years after the Symphony, making it the longest-running youth orchestra in Virginia.
Each season, the Symphony presents about 100 performances with 200,000 members of the community enjoying the music. “We have a wide variety of programs, sizes, and locations,” says Lacey Huszcza, who serves as president and CEO.
The Richmond Symphony reaches people of all ages. One very popular program brings music education to Richmond area schools. “We introduce children to instruments and the music we perform – it might be a string, brass, or woodwind quintet. Each program is different and tailored to the age group,” Lacey says.
The Discovery Program invites students through 8th grade into the concert hall. “We have the full orchestra on stage to present Carnival of the Animals or Peter and the Wolf. The Science Museum of Virginia recently partnered with us for a program about space,” Lacey says.
The Richmond Symphony’s regular season takes place from September through May in the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center with performances on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. As part of its community engagement program, the Richmond Symphony performs free concerts at outdoor venues. “We present concerts under the big tent that people naturally associate with the Symphony,” Lacey says. The orchestra regularly takes part in Henrico’s 4th of July event and this year performed as part of SailFest, working with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
The Mile of Music program features chamber music in outdoor settings, such as area parks. “It is an opportunity for people to be out in nature, to walk and listen to beautiful music,” Lacey says. A Mile of Music event took place in June at Maymont Park with performances by four different ensembles across a one-mile route around Maymont’s lawns.
Music Director Valentina Peleggi conducts the Richmond Symphony – 70 professional musicians and the 150-voice Richmond Symphony Chorus.
Lacey explains that people often call the Richmond Symphony a hidden gem. “We would like to not be hidden, to be a known gem that people are excited about and proud of. Word of mouth is so important. If you attend something at the Symphony and you love it, tell a friend or bring a friend with you to the next concert.” Ticketed events are free for children under 18 and just $10 for college students.
With contagious enthusiasm, she describes what is most rewarding about her work, “Seeing people’s faces after a performance as they share with me that they were deeply moved, that is what continues to drive the work we do. Music creates space for an emotional experience that is yours to have in the moment and yours to share with those around you. That connection can be really compelling.”
The Richmond Symphony connected with Simeon Harris, senior vice president and commercial banker. Lacey knew Simeon previously and says the relationship between the Symphony and TowneBank continues to grow. “Towne has been a supporter of the Symphony and recently committed to a multi-year sponsorship,” Lacey says. “When we meet with Simeon, we talk about banking, but he also asks questions about the Symphony. It feels like a purposeful partnership, and we are honored to have found that powerful connection in TowneBank.”
The Richmond Symphony’s Youth Orchestra is the longest running youth orchestra in Virginia.
“I really enjoy working with the Richmond Symphony,” Simeon adds. “They continue to make a tangible impact on the greater Richmond community, and we are fortunate to have this outstanding symphony in our region.”
For more information and a calendar of upcoming concerts, visit RichmondSymphony.com.