South Tidewater News

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the City of Norfolk, is set to host its seventh annual CommUNITY Play-In and Sing-Along concert. Scheduled for February 2nd at Norfolk State University’s Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall, this free event invites the Hampton Roads community to participate in music, dance, and spoken word.

VSO Music Director Eric Jacobsen expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “CommUNITY continues to be one of my absolute favorite parts of our season - it's a true encapsulation of what we strive to do at the VSO, uniting the Hampton Roads community through the power and joy of music.” He added that conducting such a diverse group is “just simply SO special and powerful...and FUN!”

This year's concert will feature Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” and performances by LaVoris Pace, Amandla Quartet, as well as Norfolk State University’s Drumline and Marching Band. The event will also include speeches from various faith leaders to promote unity among people of different ages, faiths, and backgrounds.

Community members are encouraged to participate by playing or singing along or simply enjoying the performance. Music is available for all instruments and voices at any level; however, registration is necessary for participants and audience members. Parking shuttles will facilitate access from parking lots to the venue.

For further details about participating in the CommUNITY Play-In and Sing-Along or registering for music downloads, visit virginiasymphony.org/concert/community-2025/.

Rehearsals are scheduled as follows: Chorus Only Rehearsal on January 21st at Norfolk Christian High School; All-Participant Rehearsal on January 24th at Taste-n-See at Murray Center; Day-of Check-In on February 2nd followed by Day-of Rehearsal leading up to the performance later that day.