Involvement with a Virginia symphony orchestra can be a great opportunity for the small business owner. It can establish a balance between work and recreation for your employees, create a good reputation for your company and strengthen ties with your community. Attending a performance by a symphony orchestra supports not only professional musicians but young, aspiring musicians, as well.

You can use tickets to a VA orchestra to entertain clients, provide rewards for employees and show your appreciation to customers. Tickets to individual performances are readily available in many cases and most orchestras also offer season tickets. Orchestras frequently offer discounts for families, students and seniors, as well.

Virginia orchestras generally fall into the following categories:

1. Virginia symphony orchestras that have professional musicians and may feature internationally known performers as guests. A full symphony or philharmonic orchestra usually consists of at least 80 players and may have more than 100.

2. Smaller community orchestras that offer free public concerts and may be available for private events. A chamber orchestra has less than 40 players.

3. Virginia youth orchestras that feature younger players. These orchestras typically require players to be within a specified age range and stage annual auditions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find professional VA symphony orchestras near you

Symphony orchestras perform a variety of classical, experimental and modern compositions in Virginia. Opera also is popular and typically has scheduled performances throughout the season.

I recommend: Join the League of American Orchestras to support symphonies not only in Virginia, but those around the country. MeettheMusic.org lists members of the League of American Orchestras in Virginia alphabetically by city.

Support Virginia youth orchestras

Young musicians can obtain stage experience and training in a youth symphony. A Virginia youth symphony orchestra is well-respected and performs many of the same pieces as professional orchestras.

I recommend: The Metropolitan Youth Symphony lists youth orchestras alphabetically by their city or geographical name and provides the state. Your business can support a Virginia youth symphony such as the American Youth Philharmonic in Annandale.

Buy tickets to a VA orchestra in your city

Most large cities in Virginia have at least one professional orchestra and several chamber orchestras. They play many different types of music, in addition to classical compositions.

I recommend: The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra performs at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria. The McClean Orchestra usually plans special events in addition to its regular concert schedule.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Listen to performances over the radio. Many major Virginia symphony orchestras broadcast live and recorded performances that allow you to enjoy world-class music from your home. The websites for the orchestra and radio stations will list the scheduled air times and performances.
• •  Become a corporate sponsor for a Virginia symphony orchestra because many frequently depend on donations. This can be a cost-effective means of promoting your company. You can also encourage your employees to volunteer to teach music classes and perform in free concerts. Many back-stage opportunities exist for volunteers, as well.