The musicians of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, as part of the Virginia Arts Festival, are presenting America Coming of Age, a benefit concert for the Muse Writers Center in Norfolk, with special guest Clay Jenkinson, a historian and narrator, all performing under conductor Benjamin Rous.
The concert commemorates America250 and will explore three extraordinary American voices: Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Henry David Thoreau. These annual benefit concerts were started by TORCH (Thanking Our Resident Community Heroes) to give back to local organizations. Tom Reel, one of the founders of TORCH, said this year’s recipient, the Muse Writers Center in Norfolk, is the perfect example of a “hero” organization.
“Muse is a perfect organization in a number of ways,” he said. “First of all, they're local, not part of a national footprint but a very important and valuable local footprint. Second of all, they're a terrific size. They're not so large that the amount of money we could raise is negligible in their budget, and they're not so small that we'd be unable to find enough support and sell enough tickets.”
Muse Writers Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The organization hosts writing classes, youth writing camps, open mic events, author book launches and readings, as well as an annual writing conference. “We have creative writing classes and workshops and seminars for writers and people interested in writing of all ages,” explained Michael Khandelwal, executive director of the Muse.
“We're very about forming a community at the Muse because it's very important that people find their people, and people find a safe space to express themselves creatively and artistically,” he said. “Expressing yourself changes everything. And that could be in yourself. It could be in society; it could be in your family, in your friend group. It could be in different community structures. But that act of expression is so important.”
Attendees will experience a unique combination of music and storytelling, Khandelwal said. “I think it's more of a major arts event where we're going to use music and words and storytelling to create this environment where we can really think about our country and what we want for the future, and Clay will help us do that.”
Regular admission tickets for the event cost $50. VIP tickets are available for $150 and include a reserved seating area, an exclusive post-concert reception, a silent auction, and the opportunity to visit with Clay Jenkinson. Visit the Muse website to learn more and purchase tickets.
America Coming of Age
Friday, November 20, 2026
Harrison Opera House, (Norfolk)
7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
WHRO Public Media is proud to be the community sponsor for the concert.