Joe Locke, photo by Alexandros Lambrovassilis

Joe Locke

Hear “the pre-eminent vibraphonist in jazz” (The Times, London), a virtuoso player who performed with such luminaries as Dizzy Gillespie and Mongo Santamaria before he was even out of high school. Since then he has garnered many awards, including the DownBeat Critics’ Poll #1 vibist.

Sat May 16, 8 pm
Attucks Jazz Club, Norfolk
$20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company

Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company

This extraordinary company’s lineage traces back to the beginnings of Israel’s kibbutz movement, through its founder, Yehudit Arnon, and artistic director, Rami Be’er. Their powerful, visceral performances capture the tragedy and triumph of human spirit in works that propel audiences to their feet. “Powerful…hypnotic…strong in visual imagery, intense in feeling and deep in intellectual content” (Cleveland Plain Dealer).

“The movement in “Upon Reaching the Sun” ran the gamut of contemporary dance styles and was executed throughout with astonishing brilliance. Accompanying it was an eclectic mixture of music, mostly rock… a fantasy full of hidden meanings… companies still have very far to go before they reach a level of artistry comparable to that displayed by the Kibbutz troupe” (Moscow Times).

Sat May 16, 8 pm
Sun May 17, 3:00 Pm
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Beach
$47, $37, $22
Call 1-888-3-COXTIX or visit www.vafest.org for tickets.

André-Michel Schub

Andre-Michel Schub

Described by The New York Times as “pianistically flawless…a formidable pianist with a fierce integrity,” André-Michel Schub is an award-winning artist, one of the very few who can claim the top spots in both the fabled Van Cliburn International Piano Competition as well as the Naumberg International Piano Competition.

Mendelssohn ~ Variations sérieuses
Debussy ~ Preludes from Book 2 (Brouillard, Les fées sont d’exquises danseuses, Bruyeres, Général Lavine-eccentric)
Beethoven ~ Sonata opus 57 “Appassionata”
Schumman ~ Carnaval

Sun May 17, 7 pm
Great Bridge Presbyterian, Chesapeake
$30
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Jie Chien

Coffee Concert IV

Jie Chen

Discover this astonishing young pianist in her area debut!

Haydn ~ Sonata in A-flat Major, Hob.XVI/46
Busoni ~ Chaccone, Transcription for Piano in D minor
Wang ~ Hundred Birds Paying Respect to the Phoenix
Chopin ~ Ballade No.1 in g minor, Op.23

Fri May 22, 10:30 AM
Williamsburg Winery, James City County
$20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Robert Page

Haydn’s The Creation

Robert Page, guest conductor
with Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Robert Page Festival Singers

This transcendent work stands among the great classics of sacred music. The Virginia Symphony and guest chorus is led by one of America’s most renowned conductors of choral music, Robert Page, declared a “national treasure” by the American Record Guide.

Soloists include Elisabeth Turchi, soprano; Amanda Russo, mezzo-soprano; Douglas Ahlstedt, tenor; Craig Verm, baritone; Andrew Wentzel, bass-baritone.

Thurs May 21, 7:30 pm
St. Bede Catholic Church, James City County
$30
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Tiempo Libre

Tiempo Libre

Suddenly spring is hot, hot, hot! Two-time Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre blends the irresistible styles of Cuban music, from the get-up-and-dance drive of timba to the seductive rhythms of son. Classically trained, the band infuses infectious joy into all that they perform, from dance hall favorites to their own Latin jazz arrangements of classics by Bach and Claude Bolling. Come prepared to dance—this group, “Hottest Latin Band 2008” by Miami New Times, makes it impossible to sit still!

Fri May 22, 8 pm
Williamsburg Lodge, Virginia Room, Williamsburg
$35, $25, Reserved Cabaret Seating, with Dance Floor and Afternoon Dance Lessons
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

Swing to the sounds of yesteryear with this legendary band, keepers of the flame of one of the most influential orchestras of the big band era! Famed trombonist Buddy Morrow leads the orchestra in Dorsey’s signature songs, including “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You,” “Marie,” “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Manhattan Serenade,” and many more.

Sat May 23, 8 pm
Williamsburg Lodge, Virginia Room, Williamsburg
$45, $35 Reserved Cabaret Seating, with Dance Floor and Afternoon Dance Lessons
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Afternoon Chamber Concert

André-Michel Schub

André-Michel Schub, piano
Ani Kavafian, violin
Paul Neubauer, viola
Fred Sherry, cello

The great pianist André-Michel Schub is joined by two of his fellow artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for a virtuosic Sunday afternoon of chamber music classics.

Mozart ~ Piano Quartet in G minor, K.478
Zwilich ~ String Trio
Fauré ~ Piano Quartet in G minor

Sun May 24, 3:00 Pm
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg
$25
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Patti Lupone

Patti Lupone

“Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda”
Conceived and directed by Scott Wittman
Musical Arrangements by Dick Gallagher
Musical Direction by Chris Fenwick

Tony and Olivier Award winner Patti LuPone in her new concert Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda, performs songs from musicals which she could have played, should have played, did play and will play.  The list of shows includes Hair, Bye, Bye Birdie, Funny Girl, West Side Story and Peter Pan and, of course, from her Tony Award winning performances in Evita and Gypsy.

Sun May 24, 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Williamsburg Lodge, Virginia Room, Williamsburg
$65, $45, Reserved Cabaret Seating, no discount
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

New England Conservatory Quartet

Coffee Concert V

New England Conservatory String Quartet

and Virginia Symphony

Discover stars of tomorrow as gifted young artists from this prestigious school perform!

Barber ~ String Quartet, Op. 11
Copland ~ Appalachian Spring

Thurs May 28, 10:30 AM
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Music and Theatre Hall, Newport News
$20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Emerging Masters String Quartet

and Virginia Chamber Players

As part of the Virginia Arts Festival’s Emerging Masters program, the Festival works in partnership with New England Conservatory to identify an outstanding chamber music ensemble and provide them with the opportunity to perform in a world-class environment. Hear extraordinary young artists together with our local masters, the Virginia Chamber Players.

Thurs May 28, 7:30 pm
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hampton
$30
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org for tickets.

Richmond Ballet

Richmond Ballet

Celebrating its 25th anniversary season, this critically acclaimed company is the pride of Virginia—and a hit on tour. The New York Times gave a “highly recommended” thumbs up to their 2005 New York debut; and The Washington Post calls them “a company to which dance fans everywhere ought to pay attention.” The company’s repertoire spans from the classics to the hottest contemporary choreographers. Don’t miss this anniversary season performance event!

Ancient Airs and Dances choreography by Stoner Winslett
Jardin aux Lilas choreography by Antony Tudor
Vestiges choreography by Colin Connor
Djangology choreography by Val Caniparoli
To Familiar Spaces in Dream choreography by Jessica Lang

Fri May 29, 8 pm
Sat May 30, 2:30 Pm
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Music and Theatre Hall, Newport News
$35, $20
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin and Buddy Miller

“Three Girls and Their Buddy”

Four great singers and musicians—one great show! These superb artists draw on their long friendships and shared careers to create an intimate evening of songs, stories, and memories. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear twelve-time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris, irresistible singer-songwriter Patty Griffin, and three-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin together with their favorite musician and bandleader Buddy Miller.

Sat May 30, 8 pm
Ferguson Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Newport News
$62, $52, $39
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

US Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus

From Boston to Bombay, Tokyo to Toronto, the United States Army Field Band has been thrilling audiences of all ages for more than half a century—in all 50 states and 25 countries around the world. Through these concerts, the Field Band keeps the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supports diplomatic efforts throughout the globe. Don’t miss this virtuoso band with the mighty massed voices of the Soldier’s Chorus—a stirring concert for the whole family to enjoy!

Sun May 31, 4:00 Pm
n’Telos Pavillion, Portsmouth
FREE
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

Masterworks in the Making

A Concert of Premieres by the Fellows of The John Duffy Composers Institute

Be the first to hear scenes from new works of opera and musical theater, created by some of the most promising composers of this generation, and performed for the first time as part of the renowned John Duffy Composers Institute.

Sat May 31, 2 Pm
Chandler Hall, Old Dominion University, Norfolk
$15
Call 800-982-ARTS or visit www.vafest.org to purchase tickets.

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