Happy Holidays with the LSO

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theater

Don’t miss the LSO’s annual holiday concert as guest musicians join the symphony to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Well-known carols, comforting holiday traditions, and spectacular orchestral arrangements combine to create a joyous event for the whole family. We have arranged for a VERY special guest who will be arriving straight from the North Pole!

Cirque de la Symphonie

Saturday, March 1, 2025 7:30 p.m.

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theater

Experience the mesmerizing fusion of cirque spectacle and symphonic magic as Cirque de la Symphonie joins your Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra. Bring the family for a breathtaking performance of high-flying acrobatics pared with captivating classical and popular favorites. From jaw-dropping aerial feats to mind-bending contortions, this is the Symphony like never before.

Homecoming: Virgil Moore Bernstein, and the LSO

Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:30 p.m.

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theater

Join us for a soulful evening of string music, featuring Lynchburg native, LCS graduate, LSYO alum, and current Juilliard student, Virgil Moore. Be moved by the intricate beauty of Strauss’ “Metamorphosen,” a profound reflection on transformation and loss, and immerse yourself in the lively and passionate “West Side Story Suite” for violin and orchestra by Bernstein. Witness a rising star perform masterworks where it all began.

LSO Presents Rhapsody in Blue at 100

With Guest Artist Emily Yap Chua
Saturday, September 28, 2024, 7:30 p.m.

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theater

Concert sponsored by Bank of the James

Join us for a celebratory performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, as this beloved masterpiece marks its 100th birthday.  Experience Gershwin’s epic melodies as renowned local pianist Emily Yap Chua joins the LSO for an electrifying performance of this masterpiece. Also on the program are two composers who influenced Gershwin: Maurice Ravel and Duke Ellington. The program includes Ravel’s hypnotic Bolero, and Ellington’s thrilling Night Creature.

Back to the 80s

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Shenandoah Valley Music Festival

The LSO will repeat our very popular “Back to the 80s” concert as part of the famed Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. We’ll have the same fantastic guest singers and musicians for this fun concert, and this time you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful setting of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley as the backdrop!

Back to the 80s

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

Do you still have your headbands, leg-warmers, and parachute pants?  Get them out of the closet, because we’re going back to the 80s!  Sing along to all-time favorites by Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Madonna, and more.  Talented singers, a full orchestra, and great tunes will have you dancing and singing the night away.

LSO Presents Clayton Stephenson

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

Indulge in the passion and brilliance of classical music as virtuoso Clayton Stevenson, 2022 Van Cliburn Piano Competition finalist, joins forces with the LSO to perform Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, a beloved masterpiece with an iconic melody featured in the pop hit “All by Myself.” Plus, experience the LSO’s own fireworks with Tchaikovsky’s emotionally charged Fifth Symphony, his deeply personal journey through fate, struggle, and ultimately, triumph.

Love and the LSO

Saturday, February 10, 2024

The Virginian Hotel, 6:30 pm
Tickets:  LSO Office (434) 845-6604

The best Valentine’s present ever – tickets to this fun evening of great swing & big band music, a delightful 3-course dinner, and lots of fun with friends!  We have a limited number of seats available for this special event, so get your tickets soon!

Baroque Spectacular

Saturday, January 27, 2024

First Presbyterian Church, 4:00 pm

Tickets:  Available for purchase at the door on concert day

Immerse yourself in the profound beauty and emotional depth of Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Friedrich Handel’s timeless music. Featuring the poignant Cantata, Ich Habe Genug, BWV 82, the grandeur of Handel’s Organ Concerto No. 13 and the classical favorite Water Music, this soul-stirring concert will take place in the intimate setting of First Presbyterian Church. Featuring the Church’s recently refurbished organ, expertly played by organist Cory Whittier, and the beautiful baritone of Randall Scarlata, this performance will uplift your spirit as the music of Bach and Handel takes you on a transcendent journey.

Happy Holidays with the LSO

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

An annual favorite, this concert will feature favorite carols and traditional tunes to help you rejoice in the season.  Join us and our special guest vocalists for a family-friendly and uplifting evening of holiday music!  Get your tickets early – this concert sells out early each year!

LSO Presents Charles Billingsley

Friday & Saturday, September 22-23, 2023

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

The LSO is thrilled to welcome back Charles Billingsley, Lynchburg’s very own superstar, to the stage for TWO nights! With a lineup of fresh new arrangements and beloved old favorites, Charles’ unmatched talent and magnetic stage presence will take you on a journey through the Great American Songbook, Broadway classics, and more.  Don’t wait until it’s too late – Charles’ last appearance with the LSO sold out in record time, so be sure to grab your tickets!

Broadway Comes to the ‘Burg

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

You will want to sing along with our superstar Broadway talent as we perform hits from Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, Les Miserables, Hairspray, The Wizard of Oz, Frozen, and many, many more.  Hugh Panaro, best known for performing the title role in Phantom on Broadway over 2,000 times, and two-time Olivier award nominee Scarlett Strallen will join maestro Glover and the orchestra for this unforgettable evening.

Two For One!

Opera and Orchestra

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

Together on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY, a thrilling evening of orchestral splendor and songful melody brought to you by Opera on the James and the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra.  Double the excitement as TWO organizations and TWO conductors share the performance!

First, orchestral fireworks with Peter Leonard leading the Lynchburg Symphony in famous melodies from Carmen and more.  Then the fun increases with David Glover leading the LSO and Opera on the James in Puccini’s hilarious Gianni Schicchi, featuring the beloved aria, O Mio Babbino Caro. It’s TWO SHOWS IN ONE for two hours of music and joy!

Don’t miss this unique, one-time event: two of Central Virginia’s largest performing groups join forces to bring you a double delight!

Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony

Saturday, March 11, 2023

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

You will want to dance right out of your seat during this concert of dance-inspired classical favorites. Beethoven’s seventh symphony was once called “the apotheosis of the dance“, and remains one of the most joyous, exuberant, and rhythmically vital pieces of orchestral music. In addition, the orchestra plays William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama and a suite from Igor Stravinsky’s humorously bouyant ballet, Pulcinella. This will be a ride you don’t want to miss!

SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST!  We are pleased to announce that this concert will also include a performance of Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate, featuring guest artist Ava Pakiam.  This 13 year-old violin prodigy made her solo debut at Carnegie Hall at the age of 8, and has performed with numerous orchestras throughout the U.S.  She is currently a student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Love and the LSO

Saturday, February 11, 2023

The Virginian Hotel

Party with the LSO’s Big Band on Valentine’s Weekend.  Join in the dancing, singing, and overall merriment at the Virginian Hotel with swing music and great food.

Happy Holidays with the LSO

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

Rejoice in the season with the LSO’s Happy Holidays concert.  There’s snow other place than the LSO to kick off your holiday season in the right mood with favorite carols, familiar traditions, and festive tunes. Join us and our special guest vocalists for a family friendly and uplifting evening of holiday favorites.

LSO Celebrates 40 Years

Saturday, October 8, 2022

Academy Center of the Arts – Historic Theatre

Celebrate the opening of our 40th season in style with a concert celebrating our orchestra’s roots.  40 years ago, the LSO began its first season with Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, narrated by Senator John Warner.  Now 40 years later, we once again open our season with this piece, narrated by Astronaut Leland Melvin.  The program also includes Dances in the Canebreaks by Florence Price and concludes with one of maestro Glover’s favorite works, the second symphony of Johannes Brahms.

LSO Big Band Outdoor Concert

Thursday, August 25 at 7 pm

Schewel Hall – University of Lynchburg campus

Our annual end-of-summer concert has a couple of new wrinkles this year! First – it will feature the LSO Big Band, which debuted last February to tremendous acclaim, in their first outdoor concert! Second- the concert will be held on the patio in front of Schewel Hall on the campus of the University of Lynchburg!

The concert will take place on Thursday, August 25, at 7:00 pm, outside
Schewel Hall at the University of Lynchburg, on College Street in Lynchburg.

Attendees will be treated to a fun and lively evening listening to the LSO Big Band, under the direction of Maestro David Glover, along with individually packed hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Dress is casual, with tables and chairs provided.

Tickets are $75 each/$150 per couple. Special reserved tables are $500 and seat up to six. Purchase your tickets by calling the LSO office at 434-845-6604 or email info@lynchburgsymphony.org

Patriotic Pops at Poplar Forest

Saturday, July 9, 2022 @ 7:30 pm

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

The LSO presents a exciting new addition to its concert series, “Patriotic Pops”, on the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Bedford County.

The orchestra will perform a collection of patriotic tunes and classic American music by John Philip Sousa, John Williams, and many other favorites. The concert will take place outside on the South Lawn of Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat in Bedford County.  Also participating will be Thomas Jefferson himself, as portrayed by renowned interpreter Bill Barker, courtesy of The Thomas Jefferson Foundation.

This event will be “lawn seating”. Patrons should bring their own chairs or blankets to place in the general seating area, on the South Lawn.  Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be allowed onto the grounds, though concessions will also be offered for purchase.

That’s Entertainment!

Sounds from the Cinema

Saturday, May 21, 2022 @ 7:30 pm

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theatre

The LSO performs the music of movies and video games with some of the most familiar symphonic compositions of the past 100 years. Be transported to a galaxy far, far away with the iconic themes of Star Wars, escape danger with Indiana Jones, and battle with Assassin’s Creed, all from the comfort of your seat, watching the energy unfold on stage as our musicians bring these amazing soundtracks to life!

Charles Billingsley with the LSO

Friday, May 13, 2022 @ 7:30 pm

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theatre

* SOLD OUT ! *

Popular crossover vocalist Charles Billingsley will perform the Debut Concert of his new CD titled “The Shadow of Your Smile”, in partnership with the Lynchburg Symphony.  The program features American standards and classic songs accompanied by full orchestra, along with the “LSO Big Band”.  In addition to the title song, selections will include “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, “Time to Say Goodbye”, “Bring Him Home”, “Danny Boy”, and many others.

Beautiful Blue Ridge

Saturday, April 9, 2022 @ 7:30 pm

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theatre

The LSO will celebrate Lynchburg’s natural beauty in a concert that features spectacular artwork, synchronized to music inspired by nature. In collaboration with the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College and Blue Ridge Photographic Arts Society, artwork and photography will be projected behind the orchestra as the musicians perform Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with Concertmaster Yevgeniy Dovgalyuk, Copland’s Appalachian Spring, and Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst.

Love and the LSO

Saturday, February 12, 2022 @ 7:30 pm

The Virginian Hotel Grand Ballroom
712 Church Street, Lynchburg 24504

* SOLD OUT ! *

Join us for a night of swingin’ music, featuring the LSO’s own big band. Come for a special dinner and stay for dancing. Have a romantic Valentine’s weekend with your sweetheart in style, at downtown Lynchburg’s historic Virginian Hotel.

Ticketholders will receive an email prior to the event with important reminders.

Happy Holidays with the LSO

Saturday, December 4, 2021 @ 7:30 pm

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theatre

A favorite Lynchburg tradition, the 4th annual LSO holiday concert features guest musicians and vocalists, who will join the symphony to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Well known carols, comforting holiday traditions, and spectacular orchestral arrangements combine to create a joyous event for the whole family.

Lynchburg’s Finest

Saturday, October 2, 2021 @ 7:30 pm

Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theatre

The LSO celebrates homegrown talent with this spectacular concert, featuring the virtuosic violin playing of Lynchburg native Emily Rist Glover, wife of our current Music Director, David Glover and a violinist with the North Carolina Symphony. In addition, the stars of tomorrow will appear as the Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra joins the LSO in a special side-by-side performance. Also performing will be Lynchburg-based composer and pianist, Susan Morris, premiering new orchestral arrangements of her own compositions, and the concert will conclude with the LSO performing a symphonic blockbuster.

Summer Twilight Concert

Thursday, August 19, 2021 @ 7:00 pm

HumanKind campus, 150 Linden Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503

Back by popular demand, this special outdoor concert will feature an LSO chamber ensemble, performing light classical and popular selections, hosted by Maestro David Glover. Tickets include individually-packaged hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and top-quality live music. Dress is casual, with tables and chairs provided. Guest should plan to arrive between 6:30 and 6:45pm.

Tickets are $75 each/$150 per couple. A limited number of special reserved tables are available for $500 and seat up to six. Purchase your tickets by calling the LSO office at 434-845-6604 or e-mail info@lynchburgsymphony.org

Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra &

Time for Three

Saturday, May 1, 2021 @ 7:30 pm

Historic Academy Theatre

Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three stands at the busy intersection of Americana, modern pop, and classical music. The LSO is excited to perform with these guest artists, and you’ll to hear the various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music fold in on themselves and emerge anew. Bonded by an uncommon blend of their instruments fused together with their voices, Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), have found a unique voice of expression to share with the world.