Richmond Symphony, Richmond

The Richmond Symphony, a prominent regional orchestra in Richmond, is celebrated for its high-quality performances and significant impact on the local community. Established in 1957, the symphony began with a modest three concerts in its first season and has since grown to include a regular schedule of over 100 performances annually, enjoyed by more than 125,000 audience members.

Under the leadership of Music Director Steven Smith, who has been at the helm since 2010, the Richmond Symphony maintains a roster of 72-85 talented musicians. The organization supports a range of educational and outreach programs, including the Richmond Symphony Chorus and the Richmond Symphony Young Performers Program. The chorus, which was founded in 1971, first performed under the baton of the esteemed conductor Robert Shaw and has been directed by Dr. James Erb from 1971 until 2007 and by Dr. Erin R. Freeman since 2007. The Young Performers Program caters to young musicians from elementary through secondary school and comprises four ensembles.

The orchestra offers a diverse programming schedule across five main series: the Masterworks Series, featuring traditional symphonic repertoire; the Bach Festival Series, focusing on chamber orchestra pieces; the Kicked Back Classics Series, which presents selected masterworks in a relaxed, interactive environment; the Symphony Pops Series, offering a mix of lighter popular and classical music; and the Richmond Symphony Family Concert Series, designed to engage younger audiences and families in less formal settings. This broad array of offerings underscores the symphony's commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Richmond through music.