2016–2017 (46th Season)

Mozart: Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra
Aaron Goldman, flute; Isabelle Frouvelle, harp
Griffes: Poem for Flute and Orchestra
Aaron Goldman, flute soloist
Mozart: Symphony No. 29

On display: Works by Virginia artist Helen Power
Complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Ample free parking.

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Saturday, Mar 11, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Serenades at 1st Stage

Destiny Ann Mermagen, violin and Heather Adelsberger, piano
Henri Vieuxtemps: Souvenir d’Amérique, Variations burlesques sur “Yankee Doodle”, Op. 17
J.S. Bach: Partita No. 3 in E Major for Solo Violin, BWV 1006
Edward MacDowell: Airs for Solo Piano
Henri Vieuxtemps: Bouquet Américain, Op. 33

1. O Willie, We Have Missed You
2. St. Patrick’s Day
3. Days of Absence
4. Garry Owen
5. The Last Rose of Summer
6. Arkansas Traveller and Banjo Tune

1st Stage Theater
1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean, VA 22102

Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 8:00 p.m.
Collaborative Concert with George Mason University Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Miller, piano
Conducted by David Grandis, VCO Music Director
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 26
Bizet: Carmen Suites No. I and No. II

GMU Center for the Arts
4373 Mason Pond Dr
Fairfax, VA 22030
Directions

Tickets: Adults $12, Seniors $8, youth $5

Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.
America’s Musical Keepsakes
in collaboration with Alexandria Choral Society
Copland: “Old American Songs”
Ives: Symphony No. 3 S. 3 (K. 1A3), The Camp Meeting
Samuel Barber: Reincarnations, Op. 16 (1940)
African American Spirituals (selections TBD)
Michael Mauldin: “Petroglyph for Strings”

On display: Works by Virginia photographer Jim Steele
Complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Ample free parking.

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

2015–2016 (45th Season)

Sunday, Sep 20, 2015, at 7:00 p.m.
Serenades at 1st Stage
Featuring members of the Washington Symphonic Brass
Washington Symphonic Brass Led by Phil Snedeker in a Brass Quintet with Amy Horn who played with the VCO this past season. Both Phil and Amy are professors at GMU where both the VCO and the WSB are Ensembles in Residence.

Complimentary Champagne Reception follows the performance.
Audience members will have the opportunity to meet these outstanding musicians.

First Stage Theatre
1524 Spring Hill Rd.
McLean, VA 22102

Sunday, October 18, 2015, at 4:00 p.m.
Russian Autumn
David Grandis, Conductor

St. Petersburg in autumn Glazunov: Theme and Variations for String Orchestra
Vladimir Rebikov: “Feuilles d’Automne”
Borodin: Notturno and Scherzo from Sinfonia for Strings
based on String Quartet No. 2, arr. Lucas Drew
Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C major

The Notturno and Scherzo include familiar themes adapted for the 1953 Broadway musical Kismet: “Stranger in Paradise” and “Baubles, Bangles, and Beads.”

Artworks by a noted Virginia visual artist will be on display.
A complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Ample free parking.

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Sunday, November 15, 2015, at 7:00 p.m.
Serenades at 1st Stage
Featuring the Sunrise String Quartet
Sunrise String Quartet Complimentary Champagne Reception follows the performance.

First Stage Theatre
1524 Spring Hill Rd.
McLean, VA 22102

Sunday, February 7, 2016, at 7:00 p.m.
Serenades at 1st Stage
Featuring the Destiny Ann and the Corral Quartet

"The Orange Blossom Special", marches, and Russian classics
Complimentary Champagne Reception follows the performance.

First Stage Theatre
1524 Spring Hill Rd.
McLean, VA 22102

Monday, February 22, 2016, at 8:00 p.m.
Collaborative Concert with George Mason Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Dennis M. Layendecker
Music from Stravinsky's The Firebird

GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall
4373 Mason Pond Dr
Fairfax, VA 22030

Tickets: $12 adult; $8 seniors; $5 students to grade 12
To purchase tickets, click the links below, visit the GMU Box office in person (open Tuesday-Saturday 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.), or call 888-945-2468 to charge by telephone.

Sunday, April 3, 2016, at 7:00 p.m.
Serenades at 1st Stage
cancelled

First Stage Theatre
1524 Spring Hill Rd.
McLean, VA 22102

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 4:00 p.m.
French Reveries
David Grandis, Conductor
Featuring Isabelle Frouvelle, harp

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Sunday, June 5, 2016
Serenades at 1st Stage

Featuring the New Columbia Brass Quintet
Gary Moore, Trumpet; Michael Bellinger, Trumpet; Brian McDonald, Trombone; Mark Deal, French Horn; Blair Goins, Tuba
Washington Symphonic Brass Contrapunctus (from Art of the Fugue) J.S. Bach
Water Music, Handel
Maria (from Westside Story)A
Ragtime Suite, Scott Joplin

Complimentary Champagne Reception follows the performance.
Audience members will have the opportunity to meet these outstanding musicians.

First Stage Theatre
1524 Spring Hill Rd.
McLean, VA 22102

2014–2015 (44th Season)

This outstanding ensemble of former US Army Band members will play a selection of beloved summertime themes, light classical brass, and pops favorites the whole family will enjoy.

In celebration of the opening of the Washington Metro Silver Line In the spirit of the day, we suggest that you ride the Silver Line to the Spring Hill Station and walk up Spring Hill Road to the Theater.

A complimentary champagne reception follows.

Sunday, October 5, 2014, 4:00 p.m.
American Themes
David Grandis, Conductor
Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Randall Snyder: “Journeys”
Joseph Cunliffe, flute
Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring Suite for 13 instruments
John Corigliano: Voyage for String Orchestra
Arthur Foote: Serenade in E major for String Orchestra

Soloist for Native American flute and strings: Joseph Cunliffe, flute
On display: works by Virginia artist
A complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Ample free parking.

On display: Works by Virginia artist William Wasylyk
A complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Ample free parking.

Tickets at the door: adults $40; seniors $30; students free
Advance purchase: adults $35; seniors $30

June, July, August, 2015
Serenades at 1st Stage
Check for exciting new performances coming soon at 1st Stage in Tysons.

2013–2014 (43rd Season)

Sunday, October 20, 2013, 4:00 p.m.
“Romantics with a French Twist”
David Grandis, Conductor

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Schubert: Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major
Wagner: Siegfried Idyll
Poulenc: Deux Marches et un intermède

Instrument Petting Zoo immediately following the concert.
On display: Photographic works by George McLennan.
A complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Ample free parking.

Sunday, March 2, 2014, 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate England!
David Grandis, Conductor

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

Wood: An 18th Century Scherzo
Holst: Brook Green Suite (string version)
Warlock: Capriol Suite
Melachrino: Les Jeux
Elgar: Serenade for Strings
Britten: Simple Symphony, Op. 4

Instrument Petting Zoo immediately following the concert.
On display: Paintings by Noreene Janus.
A complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Ample free parking.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014, 8:00 p.m.
Collaborative concert with George Mason University Symphony
Conducted by Dennis M. Layendecker

Hylton Performing Arts Center
10960 George Mason Cir, Manassas, VA 20109

Mozart: Divertimento in D major, K.136/125a - Performed by the Virginia Chamber Orchestra
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 - Performed by the Virginia Chamber Orchestra and the Mason Symphony Orchestra
Mozart: Requiem - Performed by the George Mason University Singers and Mason Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Stanley Engebretson

Monday, March 31, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.
GMU Center for the Arts
4373 Mason Pond Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030

2012–2013 (42st Season)

Sunday, October 14, 2012 4:00 p.m.
“Musical Gems from France”
David Grandis, Guest Conductor

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale, Virginia 22003

Featuring:
Susan Robinson, Principal Harpist, Washington National Opera Orchestra
On display: photographs by Jim Steele

Bizet: L'Arlésienne Suite No. 1
Ravel: Prelude and Fugue, arr. Steve Jones
Ropartz: Serenade pour cordes
Fauré: Pavane
Debussy: Danse sacrée et danse profane
Susan Robinson, harp
Tansman: Variations sur un theme de Frescobaldi
Pierné: Chanson d'autrefois
Saint-Saëns: Sarabande
Bizet: Carmen Suite

Ample free parking. A complimentary reception will follow the concert.

Sunday, March 3, 2013 4:00 p.m.
“Two Symphonies and a Dance”
David Grandis, Guest Conductor

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale, Virginia 22003 Directions

Featuring
Nicolette Oppelt, Flute
On display: artwork by Rachel Collins

Mendelssohn: String Symphony No. 7 in D minor
Gluck: Dance of the Blessed Spirits
Nicolette Oppelt, flute
Mozart: Symphony No.21 K.134 in A major

Wednesday, April 3, 2013 8:00 p.m. and Friday, April 5, 2013 7:30 p.m.
Collaborative concert with George Mason University Symphony
Conducted by Dennis M. Layendecker

Featuring: Peter Haase, Violin

Mozart: Symphony No. 29 in A Major, K. 201 - Performed by the Virginia Chamber Orchestra

Ravel: Ma mère l'oye (Mother Goose) Suite - Performed by the Virginia Chamber Orchestra and the Mason Symphony Orchestra

Wieniawski: Légende, Op. 17 Peter Haase, violin soloist - Performed by the Mason Symphony Orchestra

Dukas: L'apprenti sorcier (The Sorcerer's Apprentice) - Performed by the Mason Symphony Orchestra

Chabrier: España, Rhapsody for Orchestra - Performed by the Mason Symphony Orchestra

2011–2012 (41st Season)

Sunday, October 23, 2011, 4:00 p.m.
"Bravo Mozart" All-Mozart Program
Conducted by Emil de Cou, Music Director

Featuring:
Aaron Goldman, Assistant Principal Flutist of the National Symphony Orchestra
Susan Robinson, Principal Harpist of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra

On display: Art Works by painter Cherry Baumbusch
Overture to The Magic Flute
Concerto for Flute and Harp
Aaron Goldman, flute; Susan Robinson, harp
Symphony No. 41 in C (Jupiter)

Sunday, February 19, 2012 4:00 p.m.
"Baroque to Jazz"
Conducted by Emil de Cou, Music Director

Handel: Concerto Grosso op. 6, no. 12 in B minor
Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite
Leroy Anderson: "Jazz Pizzicato"
Leroy Anderson: "Jazz Legato"
Duke Ellington: "Solitude"
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Andante cantabile from String Quartet Opus 11, No. 1
Handel: Concerto Grosso op. 6, no. 5 in D major

On display: Art Works by painter Linda Jones

Sunday, May 13, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
"Sunday in the Woods"
Conducted by Emil de Cou, Music Director

Featuring:
Emma McDermott, soprano
Mauricio Miranda, tenor
Debussy: Diane Overture (World Premiere)
arranged for orchestra by Emil de Cou
Debussy: Diane au bois Operatic scene for soprano and tenor (U.S. Premiere)
arranged for orchestra by Paul Meecham
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 in F, Op. 68 (Pastoral) Tickets

DIANE AU BOIS is an unfinished concert opera originally composed by Claude Debussy for soprano, tenor, and piano. At the "Sunday in the Woods" concert, the VCO will present premieres of the Overture and the Operatic Scene, as arranged for chamber orchestra by Emil de Cou and Paul Meecham.

The "Sunday in the Woods" program will "Celebrate Children and the Arts" on Mothers Day. MINDS WIDE OPEN: Virginia Celebrates Children and the Arts is a statewide collaboration of arts organizations in Virginia, running from March through May 2012. Children (fourth grade and up) attend all VCO concerts free.

Artwork by outstanding area elementary students will be displayed in the Art Gallery adjoining the concert hall. The paintings will illustrate references to nature in Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral) which Music Director Emil de Cou will point out prior to the performance: they include the nightingale, the cuckoo, a serene brook, and a dramatic storm.

Immediately following the concert children will be invited on stage to participate in an instrument petting zoo. The VCO recently previewed this new concept. As shown in the accompanying photo, children in the audience enjoyed coming up on stage, meeting the Music Director and players, plucking a few notes and taking a close look at the instruments. This innovation will be continued as part of the "Celebrate Children and the Arts" event.

All concerts will be held at:
Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale, Virginia 22003
Ample free parking. A complimentary reception will follow the concerts.

Special Events
Autumn Musicale

Sunday, September 18, 2011
In the heart of McLean at the home of Robin Phillips, 1323 Calder Road, McLean, Virginia 22101

Guests will enjoy a delightful afternoon of wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, and desserts at this Mini-Concert to benefit the VCO. The Sunrise Quartet will perform a selection from their upcoming appearance at the National Gallery of Art. The Gallery's two-season series celebrates Beethoven's String Quartets.

Winter Musicale

Sunday, Jauary 29th, 2012     3:30-5:30 pm
At the home of Dranesville Distrct Supervisor John W. Foust and Dr. Marilyn Foust
7288 Swinks Mill Court, McLean, VA 22102

Music by Jennifer Rickard, violin and Andrew Axelrad, flute

The VCO continues a delightful, centuries-old tradition of music in the home by presenting Musicales in lovely private residences. These Sunday afternoon events provide a welcome and refreshing respite from the week's activities. They include a miniconcert by a small ensemble of musicians drawn from the orchestra, who speak informally about the selections they are performing; light refreshments; and conversation. The Musicales, which are by invitation, also serve as fundraisers.

Annual Benefit Gala Dinner Dance

Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.
Grand Atrium, 2236 Gallows Rd., Vienna, VA 22182
$100.00 per person
Black Tie Optional

Back by popular demand, our fabulous dinner dance will be held April 29, 2012. "..Mostly Sinatra" our Gala Dinner Dance will highlight both live and silent auctions. Please join in the fun at the glamorous Grand Atrium conveniently located near Tysons Corner on Gallows Road between the intersections with Cedar Lane and Electric Avenue. This two-level upscale banquet facility has underground parking and elevators to take you to the cocktails, dinner, and dancing areas.

The annual Gala is a glamorous and festive evening which attracts leaders from business, government, and the arts. Proceeds provide a wonderful boost to the orchestra's artistic and outreach activities.

Reservations can be made on our Web site. If you cannot attend, please consider making an online donation to support the VCO.

2010–2011 (40th Season)

With Gary Sloan, narrator
Richard Strauss: Enoch Arden for narrator and orchestra, based on the dramatic poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The premiere of chamber orchestra arrangement by Emil de Cou

Felix Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 in A minor ("Scottish")

On display:
works by Virginia painter Diane Frykman

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, Virginia 22003
Ample free parking. A complimentary reception will follow the concert

Sunday, April 17, 2011, 5:00 p.m.
Spring Celebration
Conducted by David Grandis, Guest Conductor

Handel: Organ Concerto in B-flat, Op. 4, No. 2
Mozart: Symphony No. 29 in A major
Britten: Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings
Widor: Adagio and Toccata from Organ Symphony No. 5

Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the renowned Hopkins Organ
Featuring soloists William Neil, Organ; Michael Denham, Tenor; and Emil George, Horn
National Presbyterian Church
4101 Nebraska Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016-2735
Free parking. A complimentary reception will follow the concert.

Sunday, May 1, 2011 4:00 p.m.
Grand Finale, 40th Anniversary Season
Conducted by Emil de Cou, Music Director
Featuring Elisabeth Adkins, Violin

Elisabeth Adkins, violin Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A
Beethoven: Concerto for Violin in D
On display: Artworks by Kathy Brady

Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, Virginia 22003
Ample free parking. A complimentary reception will follow the concert

Special Events
Musicales

Autumn Musicale - Sunday, October 3, 2010
at the home of Dr. Ziad and Leila Deeb, 13 Travilah Terrace, Potomac, Maryland

Winter Musicale - Sunday, February 13, 2011
at the home of The Honorable Jan Lodal and Mrs. Elizabeth Lodal, 1651 Quail Hollow Court, McLean
This icon stands for an Adobe PDF file. invitation

The VCO continues a delightful, centuries-old tradition of music in the home by presenting Musicales in lovely private residences. These Sunday afternoon events provide a welcome and refreshing respite from the week's activities. They include a miniconcert by a small ensemble of musicians drawn from the orchestra, who speak informally about the selections they are performing; light refreshments; and conversation. The Musicales, which are by invitation, also serve as fundraisers. Please contact us for an invitation.

Annual Gala Dinner Dance with Live and Silent Auctions

Sunday, April 3, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Congressional Country Club, 8500 River Road, Bethesda, MD
Honorary Chairs: Governor and Mrs. Robert F. McDonnell
Gala Chairs: Bob and Olga Ryan. (Bob is ABC Channel 7 WJLA Meteorologist)

The annual Gala is a glamorous and festive evening which attracts leaders from business, government, and the arts. Reservations include a cocktail reception, a seated three-course dinner, dancing to live music, and a silent and live auction. Proceeds provide a wonderful boost to the orchestra's artistic and outreach activities.

2009–2010 (39th Season)

Featuring Brian Ganz, "one of the leading pianists of his generation"
Brian Ganz, pianist J.S. Bach: Piano Concerto in F minor
Copland: Appalachian Spring - original version for 13 instruments
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor)

FREE and open to the public. No tickets or passes required.
This performance has been arranged through the Metropolitan Washington DC Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 161-710, and is funded, in part, by the Music Performance Fund. The sales of Compact Discs and Cassettes generate funds that make these free concerts possible.

Sunday, March 14, 2010, 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Women in the Arts!

Featuring Marissa Regni, Principal Second Violin of the National Symphony Orchestra,
Claudia Emerson, Poet Laureate of Virginia, and the Cantate Chamber Singers, directed by Gisele Becker
On display: Landscapes by Jean Schwartz
Purcell: Welcome to All the Pleasures
Cantate Chamber Singers
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons - Marissa Regni, violin; accompanying sonnets read by Claudia Emerson

Sunday, May 16, 2010 4:00 p.m.
Morning, Afternoon, and Evening

Featuring Aaron Goldman, Flute
Aaron Goldman, flute Haydn: Symphony No. 6 in D major ("Le Matin")
Debussy: "Prélude á l'aprês-midi d'un faune" (arranged de Cou for chamber orchestra)
Griffes: Three Tone-Pictures (world premiere complete version for winds and harp)
1) The Lake at Evening, 2) The Vale of Dreams, 3) The Night Winds
Griffes: Poem for Flute and Orchestra
Aaron Goldman, flute

All concerts will be held at:
Ernst Community Cultural Center, NVCC Annandale
8333 Little River Turnpike Annandale, Virginia 22003
Ample free parking. A complimentary reception will follow the concerts.
Special Events

Musicales

Autumn Musicale - Sunday, October 4, 2009
Winter Musicale - Sunday, January 17, 2010

The VCO continues a delightful, centuries-old tradition of music in the home by presenting Musicales in lovely private residences. These Sunday afternoon events provide a welcome and refreshing respite from the week's activities. They include a miniconcert by a small ensemble of musicians drawn from the orchestra, who speak informally about the selections they are performing; light refreshments; and conversation. The Musicales, which are by invitation, also serve as fundraisers. Please contact us for an invitation.

Annual Gala Dinner Dance

Sunday, April 25, 2010 6:00 p.m.
Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, MD

The annual Gala is a glamourous and festive evening which attracts leaders from business, government, and the arts. Reservations include a cocktail reception, a seated three-course dinner, dancing to live music, and a silent and live auction. Proceeds provide a wonderful boost to the orchestra's artistic and outreach activities.