As the Virginia Arts Festival continues to light up stages across Hampton Roads, “A Local Touch: Music with a Virginia Connection” celebrates the artists making it all happen. Join Raymond Jones this Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3 as he takes you from the Stage to the Studio.
Last week, Festival-goers were treated to an extraordinary evening of chamber music where cellist Joshua Roman, violinist Tessa Lark, and double bass virtuoso Edgar Meyer performed together in a concert that drew standing ovations. Their synergy, technical brilliance, and artistic depth captivated listeners and reminded us why the Virginia Arts Festival is such a cultural treasure.
To keep that energy alive, this week's program opens with Roman and Lark performing “Duet,” a luminous and expressive piece that showcases their musical dialogue. Roman is also featured in a solo performance of “In Your Hands” and “Immunity,” from his widely acclaimed genre-mixing solo album.
Later on, we hear Edgar Meyer, partnered by none other than Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma, in a sparkling rendition of Schubert's Trout Quintet. Mark the calendar now, so you don't miss the chance to see Yo-Yo Ma live here in Hampton Roads on June 8.
Cellist Nina Kotova performs Bloch’s soul-stirring “Schelomo,” the Hebraic Rhapsody for cello and orchestra. This powerful work offers listeners a preview of the emotional depth and technical mastery Kotova will bring to her upcoming live performances at the Festival.
The program also features the renowned Tallis Scholars, led by Peter Phillips, performing William Byrd’s “Mass for Four Voices.” This selection echoes their recent appearance at the Virginia Arts Festival last April.
The program wraps with soprano Renée Fleming lending her golden voice to Rachmaninoff’s “The Mellow Wedding Bells,” performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Fleming, a beloved favorite in Virginia, will be back on stage on June 1 for another unforgettable performance.
Whether you're attending performances in person or tuning in from home, this week's “A Local Touch” is your perfect companion to the excitement of the Virginia Arts Festival season. Don’t miss it! Tune in to WHRO-FM 90.3, this Wednesday at 9 p.m., or listen online through our Media Player.
