Richmond Petersburg, VA, September 18, 2026 — The Richmond Symphony is preparing to commence its highly anticipated “Symphony Series” season this coming weekend. The season premiere is scheduled to take place at the historic Carpenter Theatre, marking the beginning of a new slate of performances for the local orchestra.

The opening program promises a rich musical experience, featuring a selection of celebrated works. Audiences can anticipate hearing compositions by the iconic Leonard Bernstein, a titan of 20th-century music, alongside the influential William Grant Still, often referred to as the “Dean of Afro-American Composers.” This pairing highlights a commitment to both established classical repertoire and significant contributions from American composers.

A notable element of the opening weekend’s performance will be the inclusion of guest soloist Xavier Foley. Foley is set to perform his own composition, titled “Soul Bass.” This performance offers the audience a chance to experience a contemporary work by a respected artist within the classical music landscape.

The Richmond Symphony orchestra will be under the baton of conductor Kedrick Armstrong for this season opener. Armstrong’s leadership is expected to bring a dynamic interpretation to the chosen pieces. The precise dates and times for the performances this weekend were not detailed in the summary provided, but the venue remains the Carpenter Theatre.

This season opening signifies the commencement of the Symphony Series, suggesting a broader program of concerts throughout the year. The selection of Bernstein and Still, coupled with a premiere performance by Foley, indicates a season designed to offer variety and depth in its programming. Further details regarding the full season schedule or specific performance times are expected to be made available by the Richmond Symphony organization.


Story summarized from the original created by Mike Goldberg on www.vpm.org, see more information here.

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