Ravi Shankar, photo Steve Ladner

Ravi Shankar

with Anoushka Shankar

George Harrison dubbed him “the godfather of world music.” Yehudi Menuhin compared his genius and his humanity to Mozart. And audiences throughout the world have claimed him as their own welcome ambassador from the rich traditions of Indian music. Weaving intricate tapestries of sound on his sitar, Ravi Shankar plays both the ancient melodies of his native India as well as his own modern compositions, mesmerizing audiences with the music that critics call, simply, “glorious” (The Independent, London). Don’t miss this chance to hear this legendary artist perform.

Tues April 28, 7:30 pm
Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
$55, $45, $38
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Louis van Amstel

Ballroom with a Twist

This brilliant new dance production is directed and choreographed by Dancing with the Stars’ Emmy nominated Louis van Amstel. Featuring a rotating roster of celebrities from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing With the Stars and High School Musical, this spectacular show is entertainment for the entire family, highlighted by stunning costumes, magnificent music and dance performances that will take your breath away!

Wed April 29, 7:30 pm
Chrysler Hall, Norfolk
$65 Gold Circle, no discounts; $55, $45, $35
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Virginia Chamber Players

Coffee Concert I

Virginia Chamber Players

What a perfect way to start the day! Hear gifted artists in chamber masterworks, performed in intimate, acoustically ideal settings, served up with convivial company. Gather music-loving friends and family and share the joy and discovery of these wonderful performances.

Foote ~  A Night Piece
Copland ~ Duo for Flute and Piano
Gershwin ~ Lullaby
Still ~ Enanga for Harp, Piano, and String Quartet

Thurs April 30, 10:30 AM
Trinity Episcopal Church, Portsmouth
$20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Virginia Chamber Players

Vahn Armstrong, violin
Amanda Gates Armstrong, violin
Beverly Kane Baker, viola
Michael Daniels, cello
Debra Wendells Cross, flute
Barbara Chapman, harp
Charles Woodward, piano
Bloch ~ Concertino for Flute, Viola and Piano
Hovahaness ~ Sonata for Flute and Harp
Copland ~ Duo for Flute and Piano
Gershwin ~ Lullaby for String Quartet
Foote ~ Night Piece for Flute and String Quartet
Still ~ Ennanga for Harp, String Quartet and Piano

Thurs April 30, 7:30 pm
Christ Episcopal Church, Smithfield
$30
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Bruce Neswick

Bruce Neswick

Director of Cathedral Music and Organist
Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City

One of the most acclaimed organists performing today, Bruce Neswick thrills audiences with his technical mastery and his intricate, beautiful improvisations.“Bruce Neswick’s talented performance rewards listeners [with] craftsmanship and flair”(Kansas City Star).

Fri May 1, 8 pm
Christ and St. Lukes, Norfolk
$25
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Virginia International Tattoo

Virginia International Tattoo

The beat of the drums, the call of the trumpets, the roar of the crowd—the mighty sounds of the Virginia International Tattoo are spectacular, and the sights are equally so! Be there as more than 850 performers from Norway, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Germany, Canada, and the United States fill Scope  Arena with the awe-inspiring power, precision, and patriotism of one of the world’s largest “tattoos.” This military musical tradition dates back centuries, and fans from around the world flock to see this acclaimed event each year—so many that the premier tourist organization the American Bus Association named it one of the Top 100 Events in North America.

Fri May 1, 7:30 pm
Sat May 2, 7:30 pm
Sun May 3, 2:30 Pm
Scope Arena, Norfolk
$100 Gold Circle, $50 VIP and Premium, no discounts; $45, $35, $20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Czech National Theatre Ballet

Czech National Theatre Ballet

Discover one of the oldest and most renowned companies in Europe! Founded in 1883, this legendary company combines brilliant technique with breathtaking energy, performing the great classics as well as works by contemporary choreographers. Prepare to be  enthralled as you witness these dancers, who “seem to fly rather than dance” (Pravo).

Petite Mort choreographed by Jiří Kylián
D.M.J. 1953 -1977 choreographed by Petr Zuska
Sinfonietta choreographed by Jiří Kylián

Sat May 2, 7:30 pm
Sun May 3, 2:30 Pm
Harrison Opera House, Norfolk
$50, $35, $20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Steve Wilson

Steve Wilson, tenor and alto sax

with Jae Sinnett, drums

Hampton native Steve Wilson has lent his distinctive sound to more than 100 recordings with such celebrated artists as Chick Corea, George Duke, Dianne Reeves, and many others. His own recordings have drawn legions of fans, and his live performances led The New York Times to proclaim him “among the best New York jazz has to offer.”

Sat May 2, 8 pm
Attucks Jazz Club, Norfolk
$20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Tokyo String Quartet

Tokyo String Quartet

The world-renowned Tokyo String Quartet has been a critical and audience favorite for
more than 30 years. Their landmark recordings of Brahms, Mozart, Dvorˇák, Haydn, and
Schubert have won awards including “Best Chaber Music Recording of the Year” from
Stereo Review and Gramophone. Don’t miss this eagerly anticipated performance of “exemplary chamber music: a passionate, richly toned discussion among intelligent, charismatic equals” (The New York Times).

Beethoven ~ Quartet in C minor, Op. 18, No. 4
Hosokawa ~ Blossoming
Brahams ~ Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 67

Come early for a 6 pm pre-concert talk with WHRO’s Dwight Davis and stained glass curator Nenette Arroyo. Included with ticket.

Sun May 3, 7 pm
Epworth United Methodist Church, Norfolk
$45
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

and Miami String Quartet

Classical music lovers, rejoice: this extraordinary event unites two of the most acclaimed ensembles for one unforgettable evening of music. The esteemed Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio “are matched gems…their trio in the first rank” (San Francisco Chronicle). The prize-winning Miami String Quartet is “everything one wants in a quartet: a rich, precisely balanced sound, a broad coloristic palette, real unity of interpretive purpose and seemingly unflagging energy” (The New York Times). They will perform Ellen Zwilich’s new Septet, fresh from its world premiere in New York just weeks before their appearance here.

Bocceherini ~ Quintet in E Major for Strings, G. 275
Zwilich ~ Piano Septet
DvoráK Quintet in A Major for Piano and Strings, Op. 81

Wed May 6, 7:30 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church, Portsmouth
$30
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

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