NEWS

The Cook Foundation is pleased to announce that JoAnn Falletta, Music Director for the Virginia Symphony will be conducting the 10th Anniversary Concert for the Symphony under the Stars event on Saturday, May 28th, 8PM on “the lawn” at Main Street and Walter Reed Way. As in the past, this concert is free to all who attend and picnics will be welcome. “What better way to usher in summer on Memorial Day weekend than with a free outdoor concert for the entire family?” asked Jenny Crittenden, Executive Director for the Cook Foundation.

JoAnn Falletta is internationally celebrated as a vibrant ambassador for music, an inspiring artistic leader, and a champion of American symphonic music. An effervescent and exuberant figure on the podium, she has been praised by The Washington Post as having “Toscanini’s tight control over ensemble, Walter’s affectionate balancing of inner voices, Stokowski’s gutsy showmanship, and a controlled frenzy worthy of Bernstein.” Acclaimed by The New York Times as “one of the finest conductors of her generation”, she serves as the Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of both the Phoenix Symphony and the Brevard Music Center.

Maestro Falletta has served as the Music Director for the Virginia Symphony since 1991. Under her direction, the VSO annually performs more than 140 Classical, Pops, Family, Education and Outreach concerts in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg, reaching more than 200,000 concert goers every year. As the cornerstone of the performing arts in Southeastern Virginia, the Virginia Symphony provides the professional musicians and orchestral support for the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia Stage Company, the Ballet and the Todd Rosenlieb Dance.

Under Falletta’s direction the VSO has risen to celebrated artistic heights and is ranked in the top 10 percent of professional orchestras nationwide. “What a special treat!” said Crittenden, “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 10th Anniversary and our long term commitment to enriching lives thru music than to have Maestro Falletta conducting the concert. Plans are in the works to make this concert truly a celebration!”

For those interested in sponsoring, please contact Jenny Crittenden at (804) 824-9614 or email to director@mspt.org .

Photo Courtesy of Fred Stucker