Romance takes center stage as the Charlottesville Symphony presents a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend program conducted by Benjamin Rous, featuring University of Virginia Concerto Competition winner Claire Youn on violin.
The concerts take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Old Cabell Hall and Sunday, February 15 at The Paramount Theater, a switch from the traditional Sunday performances at MLK Jr. Performing Arts Center.
This Valentine’s weekend program highlights some of the most expressive music ever written, spanning classical romance, opera, and iconic film scores. A centerpiece of the program is Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, performed by Claire Youn, whose selection as UVA’s Concerto Competition winner marks a major achievement for the young violinist.
“We’ve created a program overflowing with the most romantic music we could think of. “said Benjamin Rous, music director of the Charlottesville Symphony.
The concert opens with Edward Elgar’s Salut d’Amour and the lush Adagio from Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2. Following intermission, audiences will hear Mascagni’s Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana, John Williams’ beloved “Marion’s Theme” from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Wagner’s transcendent Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde, and Tchaikovsky’s dramatic Romeo and Juliet.
Timed for Valentine’s weekend, the program draws connections between Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers and modern cinematic romance.
MINI-Subscriptions are now on sale offering flexible options for concertgoers throughout the season, starting at $54.00 - $145.00 for three concerts. To purchase a subscription, visit https://cvillesymphony.org/attend/subscriptions and complete the subscription form.
Concert Details
Saturday, February 14, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia
Tickets at the UVA Arts Box Office
Free Arts Dollars tickets for UVA Students must be reserved in advance here.
Sunday, February 15, 2026 – 3:30 PM
The Paramount Theater (venue change for Sunday patrons)
Tickets at The Paramount Theater
For questions, contact the Symphony office at 434-924-3139. Program
Elgar Salut d’Amour, Op. 12 (1888) 4′
Rachmaninoff Adagio, Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27 (1907) 14′
UVA Concerto Competition Winner: Claire Youn, violin
Saint-Saëns Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor, Op. 28 (1863) 10′
– Intermission –
Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana (1890) 3′30″
Williams “Marion’s Theme” from Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 4′
Wagner “Liebestod” from Tristan and Isolde WWV 90 (1859) 10′
Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet (1880) 19′
“know before you go”
Never been to a Symphony concert before? Want to brush up on what to expect? We have answers to your questions here!
Program:
In-depth program notes by Program Annotator Laurie Shulman are posted on the orchestra’s website, www.cvillesymphony.org, two weeks prior to each Masterworks concert.
Free parking is available in the UVA Central Grounds Parking Garage, located on Emmet Street South on Saturday nights. The Charlottesville Free Trolley stops at McCormick Road near the UVA Amphitheater, in close proximity to Old Cabell Hall. Both venues are wheelchair accessible. For more information regarding parking and directions to Old Cabell Hall...
Tickets: Single tickets range from $10-$53 for adults and $10 for students. UVA students may request one complimentary ticket in advance.
All University of Virginia employees (faculty and staff of all UVA departments and professional schools) are entitled to a 20% discount on tickets to individual performances. This offer does not apply to subscriptions, the December Family Holiday Concerts, “Pops at the Paramount” or previously purchased tickets.
All programs are subject to change.
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