This free event embraces the community of Hampton Roads’ cultural richness and diversity, uniting people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds.
HAMPTON ROADS, VA [August 19, 2025] The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will be hosting the 8th annual CommUNITY: Play-In & Sing Along this October. This year’s concert is partnered with The City of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools, The Academy of Music, The Governor’s School for the Arts, The Norfolk Street Choir Project, Teens with a Purpose, and Music & Arts.
In line with their dedication to creating extraordinary musical experiences with and for their entire community, the VSO’s partnership with Music & Arts this year offers instrument rentals at affordable rates for those seeking to perform who no longer have an instrument of their own. “The VSO CommUNITY event celebrates music’s power to inspire and unite, inviting children, adults, beginners, and seasoned musicians to perform alongside the Virginia Symphony and be immersed in its brilliant sound,” says Director of Education Helen Martell. “Through our new partnership with Music & Arts, we hope all who want to can join us and celebrate with one another.”
Created in 2017 in the wake of the violence in Charlottesville by former Norfolk City Councilwoman and former VSO Board Member, Andria McClellan, the CommUNITY: Play-In & Sing Along has been a staple in the Norfolk community as a symbol of hope, unity, and peace. Hosted each year in Norfolk, the concert invites all to explore the heart and cultural center of the Tidewater area.
“CommUNITY Play-In & Sing Along is one of the most unifying and collaborative events within the City of Norfolk,” says Norfolk Deputy City Manager LaVoris Pace. “The partnership between the City of Norfolk and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra to provide this level of virtuosity and entertainment to our citizens and visitors alike–at no cost–is immeasurable. At a time when the country seems divided, this concert propels you to a place of peace and togetherness. This is a time to come out, play, sing, listen, and bask in the greatness of humanity, musicality, and tranquility.”
Previous concerts have had over 600 attendees annually and featured local talent, such as the Amandla Quartet, Desmond Harrison, Elbert Watson, Norfolk State University Spartan Legion, and Barbara Hamm Lee.
Learn more about the concert and how to register as a musician or audience member at https://virginiasymphony.org/community/
COMMUNITY PLAY-IN & SING ALONG SCHEDULE
Performance:
- Sunday, October 19, 4:30pm at Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk – FREE and Open to the public!
Rehearsals:
- Chorus Only: Tuesday, October 14, 7:30pm-10:00pm, Blessed Sacrament Church, Norfolk (6400 Newport Ave, Norfolk, VA 23505)
- Friday, October 17, 7:00pm-9:30pm Taste-n-See at Murray Center (455 E Brambleton Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510)
- Sunday, October 19, 2:30pm-4pm at Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk.