Richmond Symphony Announces 2014-2015 Season

Music Director Steven Smith and Executive Director today announced the 2014/15 season of the Richmond Symphony (RSO). The new season features world-renowned guest artists, new partnerships and concerts designed to appeal to diverse audiences throughout the Richmond region.

This season asks the question "How Do You Listen" to our audiences - just as there is an infinite variety of music to enjoy, there is an infinite variety of ways everyone can experience and enjoy the genre. All of us experience the joy and power of live music in our own way. It's a unique and personal connection that helps define who we are to ourselves and to others. Some of us love challenge and intrigue in what we hear, others want to feel the emotion and beauty in music, still others want entertainment and fun. However you listen, join the Richmond Symphony for an extraordinary 2014-2015 season as we journey through the wonders of live music together.

Some highlights of the season include:

· An opening night concert with internationally acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell performing the Bruch Violin Concerto on September 20, 2014

· A partnership with the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the Weinstein Jewish Community Center for International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2015 commemorating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz

· A special performance of the works of Duke Ellington at both the Carpenter Theatre and The St. Paul's Baptist Church featuring the Church's chorus, the Richmond Symphony Chorus and One Voice Chorus on February 13 & 14, 2015

· Warner Bros. Presents Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II at The Altria Theatre on May 16, 2015

· An Altria Masterworks season that includes Ellington, Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony, Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, Elgar's Enigma Variations, a world premier from composer Ben Broening, and two concerts featuring the Richmond Symphony Chorus that include: Mahler's Second Symphony and Bernstein's Chichester Psalms.

· A Genworth Pops season that includes ABBA - The Music and a concert with New Orleans' own Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Richmond's own No B.S. Brass Band.

"I am confident that in looking at the 2014-2015 Richmond Symphony season you will find something familiar you would love to hear as well as something else that piques your curiosity. You won't want to miss the chance to feel the energy and hear the thrilling sound of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and our spectacular guest artists. Your energy completes the communal experience of live music that excites us all."

"Duke Ellington famously said, 'There are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind.' We bring you the best!" - Music Director Steven Smith, Lewis T. Booker Music Director Chair

"We are delighted to be announcing the Richmond Symphony's 57th Season today and want to give a special shout-out of thanks to our corporate partners - especially our main series sponsors Altria, Genworth and Union First Market Bank for renewing their generous support - and our media partners - especially WCVE and the Richmond Times-Dispatch. - David Fisk, RSO Executive Director

Mr. Fisk continues: "We should also acknowledge our partners in the community for enabling us to present a number of special events this coming season, including the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the Weinstein Jewish Community Center; One Voice Chorus and The St. Paul's Baptist Church; Dominion Auto for underwriting Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II; and especially Speaker William J. Howell and the other members of the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia leading the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission."