HAMPTON ROADS — The Virginia Symphony Orchestra announced it is bringing six festive and unique concerts to the region for the 2025 holiday season.
From traditions such as Holiday POPs! and Handel’s Messiah, to new events like A Very Merry Musical Market, VSO said there is something for everyone to enjoy at over thirteen unique venues across the Hampton Roads area.
“Holidays at the VSO really are my favorite time of year,” said music director Eric Jacobsen, the Macon and Joan Brock Chair. “There is so much happening, and there are so many ways to build musical memories with loved ones. I am particularly excited this season to conduct Handel’s Messiah — something that has become such a special tradition for so many. I look forward to celebrating with you!” he added.
Along with Jacobsen, VSO said this season’s performances of Handel’s Messiah will include special guests Rachel Blaustein; Lisa Marie Rogali, previously seen as Carmen in Virginia Opera’s 2024 production of Carmen and in the title role in their current production of Cinderella; David Walton, currently the Prince in Cinderella; and Joshua Conyers.
VSO’s Holiday POPs! program of holiday hits from today and classic carols will be conducted by Robert Shoup, chorusmaster of the VSO.
“I am thrilled to be leading this year’s Holiday Pops concerts which will feature so many of the beloved holiday melodies we treasure, as well as some unexpected surprises,” says Shoup. “This show is brimming with epic musical energy and so many talented instrumental and vocal musicians: our own incredible Orchestra and Chorus, the always charming Virginia Children’s Chorus, and the award-winning singer/actress from Broadway, film, and television, Patrice Covington. Please join us for a few hours of energetic and inspirational nostalgia as we celebrate a season of wonder and hope!”
Tickets can be found at virginiasymphony.org/holidays.
Sponsored by Elation Brewing and Voyager Coffee, A Very Merry Musical Market, a SoundBridge event, returns with early holiday shopping from arts vendors, local brews, and live chamber music from VSO Musicians. The event is on Nov. 19 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Elation Brewing.
On Dec. 7, at William & Mary’s Music & Arts Center in Williamsburg, Classical Christmas features festive and winter works by iconic classical composers, including Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Trumpets and Strings, Haydn’s Toy Symphony, and selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.
With dazzling holiday hits and cozy carols, VSO says Holiday POPs! is a “time-honored and beloved holiday tradition for all!” Featuring the Virginia Children’s Chorus and Hampton Roads Show Host Patrice Covington, VSO promises this concert has something for everyone to celebrate. Performances are Dec. 11 at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News, Dec. 13 at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, and Dec. 14 at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.
Additionally, VSO said Santa Claus will make a pit stop at the PB&J Jingle Bell Jam! Described as a relaxed afternoon of holiday cheer for all ages, the concert is a family favorite with pre-concert activities from local organizations in the lobby. Join the VSO and Patrice Covington on Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.
On Dec. 19, Holiday Brass rings in the holidays at Saint Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg with the festive sounds of the season featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Brass and Percussion sections.
Hear iconic music, including the Hallelujah chorus, at Handel’s Messiah with Eric Jacobsen this December. Performances are Dec. 18 at Regent University Theatre in Virginia Beach, Dec. 19 at Harrison Opera House in Norfolk and Dec. 20 at First Baptist Church of Newport News, featuring a matinee performance of the concert, in Newport News.
