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  1. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart & Mendelssohn

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    Alexandria, VA – October 16, 2025 – The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) presents Mozart & Mendelssohn on November 8 and 9, 2025, featuring a dazzling mix of classical masterpieces and modern works. Under the baton of Music Director James Ross, the program opens with György Ligeti’s Concert Romanesc, an exuberant work infused with Romanian folk rhythms and lush harmonies.

    Acclaimed principal clarinetist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Michael Rusinek, who also serves on the faculties of Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and the Aspen Music Festival, joins the orchestra for Mozart’s beloved Clarinet Concerto, a cornerstone of the repertoire celebrated for its warmth, lyricism, and effortless grace.

    The concert continues with Scott Joplin’s Overture to Treemonisha, a spirited and uplifting nod to America’s early operatic tradition, and concludes with Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian,” inspired by the landscapes and dance rhythms of the Mediterranean.

    TICKET INFORMATION

    Tickets start at $22 for adults, with youth tickets (ages 18 and under) priced at just $5. Senior and Military discounts are available in certain sections. Seating is limited—early ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.

    For tickets and more information, visit alexsym.org or call (703) 548-0885.

    CONCERT DETAILS

    Saturday, November 8, 2025 • 7:30 p.m.
    Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center

    SOLD OUT Sunday, November 9, 2025 • 3:00 p.m.
    George Washington Masonic National Memorial

    Free parking is available at both venues.
    The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall is accessible via Metro bus lines 7A, 7B, 7F, 7Y, 25A, 25C, and 25E, as well as DASH bus line AT6.
    The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is accessible by the Blue and Yellow Metro lines (King Street Station), multiple Metro and DASH bus lines, and the King Street Trolley.

    About the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

    Founded in 1943, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Northern Virginia through vibrant performances, innovative programming, and community engagement. Under the artistic direction of Maestro James Ross, ASO continues to inspire audiences with performances that celebrate the past, present, and future of classical music.

  2. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s Sympatico Receives $50,000 Grant from Genesis Inspiration Foundation; Will Expand to Hammond Middle School

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    The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra’s music education initiative, Sympatico, is thrilled to announce an extraordinary gift from the Genesis Inspiration Foundation in the amount of $50,000 in support of ASO’s music education programs for children. This generous grant comes through the advocacy and support of Kevin Reilly, Owner and President of Alexandria Hyundai and Genesis of Alexandria.

    “This gift is a tremendous vote of confidence in the work we’re doing to bring high-quality out-of-school-time opportunities to our community’s children,” said ASO Board Trustee Melynda Wilcox. “We are deeply grateful to Kevin Reilly and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation for their generous investment in our mission.”

    Sympatico, an El Sistema-inspired program, provides students with high-quality music instruction at no cost, using music as a catalyst for social change. Since 2012, the program has been offered before and after school at John Adams Elementary School, engaging students through five different ensembles. Sympatico ensembles include: Cantamos (chorus), Fiddle Factory (mixed strings), Mallet Machine (intermediate mallets), Percussion Discussion (bucket band), and Basic Beats and Beyond (K-2).

    Thanks to the generous support of the Genesis Inspiration Foundation, Sympatico will expand to Francis C. Hammond Middle School starting September 2025 and will offer a mixed percussion ensemble, Rhythm and Grooves. This group will introduce full ensemble music to students in grades 6-8. This Orff-inspired program allows students to explore music from diverse cultures and genres while developing creativity, movement, and ensemble skills. Students will gain and build upon a strong foundation in music reading, rhythmic fluency, and proper playing technique.

    For more information about ASO’s Sympatico program, please visit: www.alexsym.org/education/sympatico

  3. Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Announces New Board Leadership as It Celebrates 82 Years; Maestro Ross to Transition to Music Director Laureate

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    Alexandria, VA – The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) proudly announces a new slate of Executive Board officers as the organization embarks on its 82nd season. Founded in 1943, ASO continues to build upon its artistic legacy and deepen its community impact, highlighted by expansion of their music education program, Sympatico. The upcoming season also marks the final year for Music Director James Ross, who has led the Symphony with imagination and passion since 2018. An internationally respected conductor and educator, Ross brought dynamic vision to ASO’s programming, championing cross-genre collaboration and bold artistic experimentation. His leadership helped reenergize the orchestra and broaden its reach across Alexandria and beyond. The ASO board unanimously named Ross as Music Director Laureate, beginning with the 2026-2027 season.

    “This will be a season of both celebration and transition,” said Executive Director George Hanson. “We are so grateful for Jim’s transformative leadership, and we look forward to honoring his contributions while ushering in a new era of artistic and organizational growth.”

    In tandem with this transition, ASO welcomes its new Executive Board leadership team:

    Noted community leader and classically-trained soprano Laurie MacNamara has been elected Board President to lead the organization through this exciting time. As a retired government and industry IT executive, longtime Alexandrian supporter of the arts, and former president of several Alexandria-area arts organizations including the Alexandria Choral Society and First Night Alexandria, Laurie brings decades of valuable executive experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to her leadership role.

    Stepping into the role of Vice President is Peter Horst, a veteran Fortune 500 chief marketing officer and global brand strategist. With over 30 years of experience leading major campaigns for companies like Capital One and Hershey, Horst brings a keen strategic vision to ASO’s leadership during a time of growth and innovation.

    Former ASO President Melynda Dovel Wilcox will continue to serve in a new capacity as Board Secretary. A writer and editor with deep ties to Alexandria’s civic life, Wilcox has long supported the arts alongside her musically inclined family.

    Continuing in his role as Treasurer, Freeman Jelks, a Certified Financial Planner and founder of FNJ 3, brings strong financial expertise and a steadfast commitment to the Symphony’s fiscal health.

    “As we look ahead to our 82nd season, the Alexandria Symphony is poised for an exciting future,” said Executive Director George Hanson. “With this dynamic leadership team in place and continued investment in our educational programming, we are building an even more vibrant and inclusive musical community for Alexandria and beyond.”

    For more information about the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and its programs, visit www.alexsym.org.

    Media Contact:

    Sydney Watson, Director of Development and Community Partnerships

    SWatson@alexsym.org

    703-548-0885

  4. Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2 and William Tell Overture, with a Brazilian flair!

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    The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) concludes its season on April 26th and 27th, 2025, with a thrilling program blending classical masterpieces and contemporary works. The concert opens with Clarice Assad’s Brazilian Fanfare, a vibrant celebration of Brazilian musical traditions, followed by Rossini’s iconic William Tell Overture. Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances (Ring Shout and Holy Dance) pay tribute to Black American music, seamlessly blending gospel, jazz, and classical influences.

    The evening culminates with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by internationally acclaimed pianist Sofya Gulyak, the first woman to win the Leeds International Piano Competition. Don’t miss this electrifying finale of bold rhythms, lyrical beauty, and virtuosic brilliance!

    TICKET INFORMATION

    Tickets start at $22 for adults, with youth tickets (ages 18 and under) priced at just $5. Senior and Military discounts are available in certain sections. Seating is limited, so early ticket purchases are highly recommended.

    For tickets and more information, visit alexsym.org or call (703) 548-0885.

    CONCERT DETAILS

    • Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
      Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center
    • Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
      George Washington Masonic Memorial

    Tickets: Adult tickets start at $22. Youth tickets $5 (age 18 and under) with adult purchase. Discounts available for military, seniors, and groups.

    Free parking is available at both venues. The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall is accessible via Metro bus lines 7A, 7B, 7F, 7Y, 25A, 25C, and 25E, as well as DASH bus line AT6. The George Washington Masonic Memorial is accessible by the Blue and Yellow Metro lines (King Street Station), multiple Metro and DASH bus lines, and the King Street Trolley.

    • Tickets: Adult tickets start at $22. Youth tickets $5 (age 18 and under) with adult purchase. Discounts available for military, seniors, and groups.
    • Free parking available nearby. The venue is accessible via local Metro and DASH bus routes.

    About the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra

    Founded in 1943, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Northern Virginia through vibrant performances, innovative programming, and community engagement. Under the artistic direction of Maestro James Ross, ASO continues to inspire audiences with performances that celebrate the past, present, and future of classical music.

     

  5. James Ross to Step Down as Music Director of Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Following 2025/26 Season – Will assume the title of Music Director Laureate

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    ALEXANDRIA (3/5) – Music Director James Ross has let the Board of Trustees of the Alexandria Symphony know of his intention to step down as Music Director following the soon to be announced 2025-26 season.    The board immediately and unanimously named him Music Director Laureate, beginning with the following season.

    A search committee will be convened to identify the Symphony’s next Music Director.

    “All of Alexandria has benefited from the creativity and vision that James has brought to the Symphony over his eight seasons.  We are fortunate that he will continue to be appearing with us in the future in his new and duly deserved role,” said Board Chair Nancy Davenport.

    James Ross stepped onto the podium as Music Director beginning with the 2018-19 season.   He swiftly reshaped the organization’s artistic profile and was instrumental in navigating the Symphony through the pandemic.   Audiences and subscribers have not only returned but grown significantly.

    “The passing of time is something that music embodies in a very palpable and singular way.  Every moment in the middle of a piece connects organically back to its beginning and sends simultaneous arrows flying towards its potential futures,” says James Ross.  “My time at the Alexandria Symphony is now at such a moment.  My upcoming eighth season as Music Director will be my last in that capacity before morphing elegantly into the role of Music Director Laureate.  I am beyond grateful to all those who have supported me and our orchestra along this musical journey….who have kept us safe and thriving and heard.   As we unveil our plans for this celebratory next season, I look back with pride at what our orchestra has become, what it has achieved in these tumultuous times.  My love for the city and community of Alexandria remains steadfast – a place I have come to know as home.  As newly minted Music Director Laureate, I will look forward to continuing to reflect on life at each very moment through the clarifying lens of phrases and sounds made by our beloved ASO.”

    James Ross is Director of Orchestral Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music and will join the conducting faculty at the Tanglewood Music Center beginning this summer.   A native of Boston, he has led the National Youth Orchestra USA as Orchestra Director since its founding in 2013. He served as Professor and Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Maryland for 16 years and was also Music Director of the Orquesta Simfònica del Vallès in Barcelona, Spain. Jim’s principal conducting teachers were Kurt Masur, Otto-Werner Mueller, Seiji Ozawa, and Leonard Bernstein.

    Founded during the Second World War, the Alexandria Symphony provides music education and performance to the western Potomac community.  It currently presents five concert pairs each season.   Saturday evenings are performed at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, and Sunday matinees at George Washington Masonic National Memorial.    The 2025-26 season, James Ross’ last as Music Director, will be announced in the coming weeks.   Subscriptions may be purchased at 703-548-0885.   Information on the Alexandria Symphony will be found at AlexSym.org.

     

  6. Celebrate the Holidays with the Alexandria Symphony and Chelsey Green!

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    A Holiday Celebration with the Alexandria Symphony and Special Guests Chelsey Green and The Green Project
    Holiday Classics, Jazz, Soul, and Classical styles to Brighten the Season

    Alexandria, VA—The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) invites you to join in the holiday festivities with a concert showcasing a blend of beloved holiday tunes and dynamic musical performances on Saturday, December 21, 2024 (7:30 p.m.) at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, and Sunday, December 22, 2024 (3:00 p.m.) at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.

    Under the direction of Music Director James Ross, ASO is proud to feature jazz violinist Chelsey Green and the Green Project, internationally acclaimed for their unique jazz style. Chelsey Green has shared the stage with legends such as Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé. Her electrifying presence and musical mastery bring a fresh and exciting dimension to this year’s holiday concert.

    The program includes Green’s interpretations of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, Gershwin’s timeless “Summertime,” alongside holiday favorites like “Silent Night” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Audiences will also be treated to the lively rhythms of Cuban Suga Salsa, and selections from Tchaikovsky’s and Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suites. Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival will round out the evening with joyful seasonal flair.

    Music Director James Ross is enthused by this special collaboration: “Chelsey Green is a jazz icon. She and The Green Project will light up our ASO Holiday program of ‘hot and cold’ favorites, including ‘Summertime’ in December!”

    Billboard-charting recording artist Dr. Chelsey Green and her ensemble, The Green Project, blend Classical and Contemporary music in electrifying performances. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Dr. Green is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and educator known for captivating live shows across the globe, including Carnegie Hall and the GRAMMYs. An Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, she is dedicated to music education and advocacy. Follow her on Instagram @drchelseygreen.

    These family-friendly concerts, presented without intermission, offer a unique opportunity to experience the holidays in a rich, multicultural way. Free parking is available at both venues.

    TICKET INFORMATION
    Tickets start at $22 for adults, with youth tickets (ages 18 and under) priced at just $5. Senior and Military and discounts are available in certain sections. Seating at the George Washington Masonic Memorial is limited, so early ticket purchases are highly recommended.

    For tickets and more information, visit alexsym.org or call (703) 548-0885.

    CONCERT DETAILS

    • Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
      Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center
    • Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
      George Washington Masonic Memorial

    Tickets: Adult tickets start at $22. Youth tickets $5 (age 18 and under) with adult purchase. Discounts available for military, seniors, and groups.

    Free parking is available at both venues. The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall is accessible via Metro bus lines 7A, 7B, 7F, 7Y, 25A, 25C, and 25E, as well as DASH bus line AT6. The George Washington Masonic Memorial is accessible by the Blue and Yellow Metro lines (King Street Station), multiple Metro and DASH bus lines, and the King Street Trolley.

  7. Alexandria Symphony Orchestra Renews Music Directors James Ross’ Contract through 2027

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    ALEXANDRIA, VA— April 16, 2024 —The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to announce that ASO Music Director and Conductor James Ross has been named Director of Orchestral Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music starting in the 2024-25 school year. Mr. Ross will continue to serve as Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, having recently renewed his contract with the ASO for another three years.

    ASO Executive Director George Hanson states, “Since arriving in Alexandria in 2018, Jim has infused the ASO with energy and creativity. We are thrilled that Jim is continuing his role as ASO’s Music Director and are very pleased with the opportunities that his role with the Curtis Institute of Music will bring to our orchestra.”

    James Ross is a native of Boston, Curtis alum, an improviser, a horn-blower, a dogged questioner of concert rituals, a man who likes to move, a phrase-shaper, and a firm believer in the humanizing impact of classical music on the lives of those it touches. Fueled by these traits, Mr. Ross is in his sixth season as Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, where he has created memorable concert events for ASO’s expanding audience and elevated the profile of the ASO among regional orchestras.

    Ross is well known for his expertise in orchestral training: he is the founding orchestra director of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA, where he oversees all artistic and educational activities during the orchestra’s annual summer residency and served as professor at the University of Maryland from 2001 to 2017. For the last two academic years, Mr. Ross has been helping the Cur􀆟s orchestra establish strong roots together and encouraging their artistry to grow and flourish. For three weeks this past September, Mr. Ross worked with Curtis’s students developing trust in their own ability to learn music quickly and meaningfully—skills they will rely on their entire careers.

    He has led the National Youth Orchestra of the USA as orchestra director since its founding in 2013 and taught conducting at the Juilliard School since 2011 and at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia since 2022. He served as professor and director of orchestral activities at the University of Maryland for 16 years and was also music director of the Orquesta Simfònica del Vallès in Barcelona, Spain. Mr. Ross’s principal conducting teachers were Kurt Masur, Oto-Werner Mueller, Seiji Ozawa, and Leonard Bernstein. He was artistic director of the National Orchestral Institute (NOI) at the University of Maryland from 2002 to 2012 where his leadership helped served as an impetus for change in the orchestral landscape of our country.

  8. Alexandria Symphony Presents New World Symphony – Going Home

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    Alexandria, VA—Led by Music Director James Ross, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will present the program Going Home on Saturday, November 4, 2023, and Sunday, November 5, 2023. Throughout the 2023-2024 season, ASO is celebrating its 80th anniversary season with ASO at 80 original commissioned pieces, works featuring composers and soloists from diverse backgrounds, multiple masterworks, and selections by living composers.

    Antonín Dvořák’s beloved New World Symphony anchors November’s program, conveying the sounds of Appalachia and Americana. Tscenacomoco by Native American composer Dawn Avery connects to Alexandria’s Native history and Dvořák’s exploration of Native American and African American music. The concerts will also feature excerpts from Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations, written as a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., and the performances will open with a surprise guest artist.

    Mountain dulcimer virtuoso Stephen Seifert is the featured artist on the program, performing Conni Ellisor’s Blackberry Winter. Seifert has performed with numerous orchestras and at hundreds of festivals and events in the U.S., England, and Japan. An expert on the mountain dulcimer, he has authored ten books, four CDs, and hundreds of instructional videos. Seifert has worked with Ellisor on multiple collaborations, including the recording of Blackberry Winter where he was featured with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra.

    The 2023-2024 Season is generously underwritten by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, and the Rea Charitable Trust. Dawn Avery’s Tscenacomoco has been commissioned and sponsored by Classical Movements as part of the ASO at 80 Project.

    All Saturday performances are held at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees are held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial at 3:00 p.m. Saturday concert attendees are invited to a pre-concert talk with Maestro Ross and Mr. Seifert at 6:30 p.m. in the Terrace section of the hall. Parking is free at both venues. Tickets are now on sale. Adult prices start at $20 with $5 for youth (18 and under) and $15 for students. Military, senior and group discounts are also available.

  9. Alexandria Symphony Presents 80th Season Opener: ASO at 80-oh!

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    Alexandria, VA—The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra presents its 80th Anniversary Season opener “ASO at 80-oh!” on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1, 2023. ASO Music Director James Ross leads performances of two beloved masterworks: Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony and Brahms’ lyrical Violin Concerto.

    “The ASO launches its 80th season with a program full of hoopla, whimsy, poise, and pathos,” says Maestro Ross. “Back-to-back toasts start things off, the first by ASO Artistic Advisor Dr. Lester Green, whose musical Toast takes a playful look at an ‘aging’ orchestra, followed by Quinn Mason’s catchy 21st-century overture Toast of the Town. Brahms in the hands of Elissa Lee Koljonen will shine, and the quasi-confessional nature of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony follows its journey through challenge to celebration.”

    Hailed for her sensual and deeply personal style, Koljonen has performed with many of the world’s greatest orchestras including Philadelphia, Minnesota, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Helsinki, Seoul and the Royal Philharmonic. She appears by arrangement with the Curtis Institute of Music.

    The 2023-2024 Season is generously underwritten by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, and the Rea Charitable Trust. Lester Green’s Toast has been commissioned and sponsored by Classical Movements as part of the ASO at 80 Project. These opening concerts are sponsored by Fran and Gant Redmon.

    Saturday’s performance will be held at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s matinee will be held at the George Washington Masonic Memorial at 3:00 p.m. Parking is free at both venues. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale. Subscription packages start at $86 for five concerts; adult prices for single tickets start at $20 with $5 for youth (18 and under) and $15 for students. Military, senior and group discounts are also available.

  10. Alexandria Symphony Announces ASO at 80 Project

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    Alexandria, VA— Four original pieces, commissioned in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will be presented as part of the ASO at 80 Project. Led by Music Director James Ross, the commissions will premiere throughout the 2023-2024 Season as introductions to four of the five performances.

    “I see in this year’s programs the diversity, the universality, and the striving human spirit embodied in music,” says Maestro Ross. “Every concert is a jewel in itself; taken together, they are a showcase of older and newer, contemporary and established works, and the richness of stories told in sound.”

    The season opens on September 30 and October 1, 2023, with “ASO at 80-oh!” The commissioned piece, Toast, is inspired by the 80th anniversary and will feature composer Lester Green at the piano. A prolific composer and performer, Dr. Green currently serves as Artistic Director for the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts and Artistic Advisor for the ASO. “The original verses span from nostalgic reflections on moments shared around music with family and friends to Dr. Seuss-inspired musings about the humorous personalities within orchestras,” says Green.

    On November 4 and 5, 2023, ASO presents “Going Home,” opening with Tscenacomoco by Native American composer Dawn Avery. The piece connects to Alexandria’s Native history encompassing the region and honoring the Powhatan Chiefdom, including six remaining tribes. “This work employs contemporary performance techniques and soaring melodies that reflect Indigenous soundscapes, decolonizing strategies in composition, the lands and peoples of the Tscenacomoco,” says Avery.

    On February 10 and 11, 2024, the program entitled” Do Not Go Gentle” opens with Milad Yousufi’s Aurora, drawn from his experience as an Afghan refugee and inspired by a poem dedicated to his mother. His works express both his pride in his country of birth and his longing to return. “I have always dreamed of writing music for the next generation of artists in Afghanistan, to do what Bartók did for his country as a composer and ethnomusicologist,” Yousufi says.

    For the season finale “Shuffle and Deal” on April 20 and 21, 2024, the final commission is inspired by Bernstein’s “Three Dance Episodes” from On the Town. Jorge Amado, Cuban-born composer and rising new star, dedicated this fourth dance, Alexandria Shuffle, to Old Town Alexandria. “I used traditional rhythms of Cuban music, such as son, mambo, and rumba,” says Amado. “I also wanted to represent American music through the influence of Leonard Bernstein.” Maestro Ross premiered one of Amado’s works with the Cuban American Youth Orchestra in 2019.

    The 2023-2024 Season is generously underwritten by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, and the Rea Charitable Trust. ASO at 80 works are commissioned by Classical Movements for the September/October, November, and April performances. February’s ASO at 80 composition is commissioned by Nancy Davenport.