This Wednesday at 9:00 p.m., A Local Touch: Music with a Virginia Connection will feature a special edition dedicated to the remarkable conductors who have shaped the Virginia Symphony Orchestra over the decades. Hosted by Raymond Jones, the program will take listeners on a journey through the musical legacies of Virginia Symphony conductors, past and present, showcasing their artistry both in Virginia and with other renowned orchestras.
The program begins with Russell Stanger, who served as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra's music director from 1966 to 1980. Stanger’s leadership was instrumental in elevating the orchestra to new heights, and his tenure is honored with a recording of William Mayer’s “Ouverture for an American,” with Stanger conducting the London Philharmonic.
Next, the spotlight turns to Richard Williams, who directed the Orchestra from 1980 to 1986. Williams will be represented by his rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty Suite,” performed with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Following Williams, Winston Dan Vogel, who held the baton from 1986 to 1990, left an indelible mark with his dynamic interpretations. Vogel’s work will be celebrated with his recording of the Sinfonia in D, Op. 44, conducted with the Chopin Chamber Orchestra.
The program then moves to JoAnn Falletta, whose 29-year tenure from 1991 to 2020 firmly established the Virginia Symphony as a powerhouse of American orchestras. Falletta’s exceptional career is represented by a grand performance of Reinhold Glière’s Symphony No. 3 “Il’ya Murometz,” conducted with the Buffalo Philharmonic.
Finally, the current music director, Eric Jacobsen, who has led the Virginia Symphony since 2021, will be featured with Beethoven’s Triple Concerto in C, Op. 56, performed with his ensemble, The Knights. Jacobsen’s innovative approach to classical music has reinvigorated the Virginia Symphony, and this selection captures his fresh perspective on orchestral collaboration.
This special edition of A Local Touch offers a unique opportunity to hear the voices of these distinguished conductors, each of whom has contributed significantly to the cultural fabric of Virginia and beyond. Tune in this Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM or listen online for a streaming experience. As we celebrate the legacy of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, we also invite you to support the station during our Fall Membership Drive. Your generous donations ensure that programs like A Local Touch continue to bring exceptional classical music to our community. Click here to make your contribution today.
