Department of Music

The Charlottesville Symphony resumes in person youth concerts in Old Cabell Hall with a program entitled “Close Encounters of the Orchestral Kind”

Under the direction of Benjamin Rous, the Charlottesville Symphony is bringing back live, in person Youth Concerts for the first time since 2019.  Thematically designed for fourth and fifth graders from Central Virginia schools, Youth Concerts provide an introduction to the families of orchestral instruments at a time when students are making decisions about instruments they may want to play in their school bands or orchestras.

This year’s program is titled “Close Encounters of the Orchestral Kind.”  In the middle of his bath, Alvin the Alien falls out of the Big Dipper and lands on the stage of Old Cabell Hall. Hear what happens when he finds a conductor’s baton on the podium! The Charlottesville Symphony presents a tour of famous orchestral works with a science fiction theme. In addition to exploring the instrument families of the orchestra, students and teachers will discover  the expressive nature of music and learn how beautiful melodies  can be energizing.  Join Alvin as he has a “close encounter” with an orchestra for the first time, and hear how it helps Alvin find his way home.

A digital version of the program will be made available to schools unable to attend early in 2024.  Attendance at Charlottesville Symphony Youth Concerts is free for public, private and home schools by advance reservation only.  REGISTRATION CLOSED FOR 2023​