A Pulitzer Prize-winning concerto written for a Virginia native, a landmark American symphony recorded in Lexington, and rising stars from Staunton redefining how classical music connects with audiences. It all comes together this Wednesday at 9 p.m. on WHRO-FM with Raymond Jones and “A Local Touch – Music with a Virginia Connection.”
The program opens in Lexington with William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 1 “Afro-American,” performed by the Washington and Lee Shenandoah Symphony Orchestra under Barry Kolman.
Lexington is also the hometown of one of Virginia’s most celebrated violinists, Hilary Hahn. In recognition of Women’s History Month, we’ll hear Hahn in Jennifer Higdon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Violin Concerto, a work especially written for her. Hahn performs with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Vasily Petrenko.
From Staunton comes “Different Spaces, Different Places,” a “Heifetz on Air” episode exploring the Institute’s philosophy of “communication through performance,” as young virtuosos take classical music beyond traditional concert halls and into unexpected settings, adapting to new acoustics and atmospheres to forge deeper connections with audiences.
And recorded live at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Norfolk, we’re hearing Charles Gounod’s “Petite Symphony for Winds,” performed by the Newfound Chamber Players under Dr. Tyler Austin. This French gem is included in the album “Newfound Chamber Winds Live at Trinity Lutheran,” released by Old Dominion University’s own label, “Big Blue.”
Tune in this Wednesday evening at 9:00 on WHRO-FM 90.3, or listen online, and experience music with deep local roots and far-reaching impact.
