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.
Lyric Opera Virginia's "The King and I" - MP3 Download 
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.
Preview of Virginia Opera's "Orphee" - MP3 Download
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,” demonstrating how the music is perfectly matched to the story.
Seeing Colors at the Muscarelle Museum - MP3 Download
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.
The Other Side of the Footlights, with M.D. Ridge: Mozart's Sister - MP3 Download
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.
Virginia Symphony Guest Conductor, Robert Franz - MP3 Download
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 Philharmonic and Associate Conductor of the Houston Symphony. He spoke with Dwight Davis about his approach to Handel’s masterpiece.
The Other Side of the Footlights, with M.D. Ridge: Virginia Opera’s “Hansel and Gretel”- MP3 Download
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.
Preview of Virginia Opera's "Hansel and Gretel"- MP3 Download
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.
Preview of Virginia Opera's "Aida"- MP3 Download
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 Saturday, 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.
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.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir - MP3 Download
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.
Richard Danielpour discusses his world premiere - MP3 Download
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 Flying Proms - MP3 Download
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.”
Joann Falletta 20th Anniversary Program - MP3 Download
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.
Preview of "Madama Butterfly" - MP3 Download
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.
"O Be Joyful! English Cathedral Anthems" - MP3 Download
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.
"Opera Preview - The Valkyrie" - MP3 Download
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 sung a capella. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Director Agnes Wynn about the music.
"Scott Williamson on Alleluia!" - MP3 Download
Of the many fine offerings of holiday music in Hampton Roads, the concert by the Virginia Chorale is among 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 "Cosi fan Tutte"" - MP3 Download
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.
"A Discussion with Lowell Liebermann" - MP3 Download
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.
"Virginia Chorale Director Scott Williamson" - MP3 Download
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.
"Pianist Katheryn Stott" - MP3 Download
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 friendship with Yo Yo Ma and their concert, which includes a special musical birthday present.
"An Evening of Music by Dan Locklair" - MP3 Download
On Saturday, 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.
"Virginia Arts Festival: An evening of American song with Kelli O'Hara and Rob Fisher" - MP3 Download
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.
"Virginia Arts Festival: Grand Finale with the Virginia Symphony" - MP3 Download
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.
"Virginia Arts Festival: Orion Quartet" - MP3 Download
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.
"Virginia Arts Festival: Alisa Weilerstein" - MP3 Download
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 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.
"Symphonicity - Goldfingers and the Silver Screen" - MP3 Download
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.
"Virginia International Tattoo" - MP3 Download
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.
"Virginia Arts Festival" - MP3 Download
Among 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.
"Leonard Bernstein's Mass" - MP3 Download
One of the centerpieces of this year's Virginia Arts Festival is the Virginia premiere of Leonard Bernstein's monumental theater piece, Mass, presented April 25th and 26th. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Virginia Symphony conductor Joann Falletta about this exciting and unusual work.
"Organist Isabelle Demers plays at the Virginia Arts Festival" - MP3 Download
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, Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess," opening April 10 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk. Dr. Glenn Winters, Virginia Opera's Community Outreach Musical Director, offers this insight into this operatic masterpiece.
"Lisa Relaford Coston - In Memorium" - MP3 Download
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.
"Virginia Opera Preview" - MP3 Download
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.
"Colorful Music by Arial Ramirez" - MP3 Download
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's 90th Anniversary" - MP3 Download
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 monumental “Choral” Symphony, the Symphony No. 9, by Beethoven. Dwight Davis spoke with conductor JoAnn Falletta about the program.
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.
It simply would not be Christmas without Tchaikovsky’s classic confection “The Nutcracker.” This year, Hampton Roads will be treated to performances of the beloved ballet by the State Ballet of Virginia – the Richmond Ballet – joined by Todd Rosenlieb Dance, the Virginia Childrens’ Chorus and the Virginia Symphony. Stoner Winslett, Director of the Richmond Ballet and choreographer for this new production, spoke with Jonathan Lichtenstein about it the quintessential holiday ballet.
The Virginia Chorale’s holiday concert, “Sweet was 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 sings Gilbert & Sullivan - MP3 Download
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.
Williamsburg Symphonia opens its new season - MP3 Download
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 Chorale sings in the Seasons - MP3 Download
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 sung by the Chorale. Dwight Davis spoke with conductor Scott Williamson about the concert.
The Virginia Symphony Plays Led Zeppelin - MP3 Download
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Best of the Virginia Chorale. Director Scott Williamson talked to WHRO-FM’s Dwight Davis about this concert of American music.
The Virginia Choral Society - MP3 Download
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 final production of Virginia Opera’s all-Italian season is that frothy favorite “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini. Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, Dr. Glenn Winters, presents a whimsical insight into this opera and offers some reasons why it appeals to everyone from opera lovers to the man in the street.
One of the most significant battles to be fought on American soil happened here in Hampton Roads just fifty years ago. When Norfolk citizens struggled to reopen public schools that had been shut in defiance to racial integration, Virginia’s infamous policy of Massive Resistance made national headlines. To the eyes of many today, our community is still recovering from that fight. VSC Artistic Director Chris Hanna will weave excerpts from original media coverage, court documents, and recorded personal accounts with imagined scenes and characters he creates to examine the legacy Massive Resistance provides our region today. His play, "A Line in the Sand", opens February 27 th at the historic Wells Theater in Norfolk. Chris spoke to Dwight Davis about the play.
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.
Virginia Symphony Concert Previews
WHRO and the Virginia Symphony have worked closely together over the years, bringing Hampton Roads the best in classical music, both on the radio and in the area’s concert halls. Now, WHRO and the Symphony are joining forces to take advantage of technology to enhance your appreciation of great music. We are offering comments by the conductor of the Virginia Symphony, JoAnn Falletta, and others, which will provide insights into the music and artists on upcoming Virginia Symphony concerts. These previews are available to everyone at the click of a mouse.
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. Wednesday, April 16th at 8:00 PM at St. Bede Catholic Church; Thursday, April 17th at 10:30 AM at the Ferguson Center; Friday, 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 monumental Symphony No. 9 by Anton Bruckner. Saturday, April 5th at 8:00 PM at Chrysler Hall; Saturday, 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. Friday, March 7th at 8:00 PM at the Ferguson Center; Saturday, March 8th at 8:00 PM at Chrysler Hall; Sunday, March 9th at 2:30 PM at the Sandler Center. Program: Rossini: Cinderella Overture; Kodaly: Hary Janos Overture; Corigliano: Pied Piper Fantasy. For ticket information, 892-6366 or
www.virginiasymphony.org
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A romantic evening of music, dance and the spoken word, inspired by the Bard, under the direction of Assistant Conductor Matt Kraemer. Saturday, February 9th , 8:00 PM, Chrysler Hall, Norfolk. Reception at 7:00 PM. For ticket information, 892-6366 or www.virginiasymphony.org