The Virginia Beach Journal

JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Brendon Elliott, violin
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Lili Boulanger: Psalm 24
Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Violin Concerto in A major, Op.5 No 2  
Camille Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3, “Organ”

As part of the Lafayette 200 celebration, Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta leads the Virginia Symphony Orchestra & Chorus in a tribute to French musical excellence with Saint-Saëns’ grand romantic symphony featuring the “king of instruments,” the organ. Its enduring melodies have made their way into pop songs and even the main theme of the film Babe. On the first half of the concert, VSO violinist Brendon Elliott will step into the spotlight as soloist in a concerto by the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a French composer and contemporary of Mozart’s who is notable as the first composer of African descent to achieve acclaim in European classical music.

In fall 2024, Virginia will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Major General Marquis de Lafayette’s return to the United States. Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer, defied his king to command the Continental Army against the British in the American Revolution. In 1824, President James Monroe invited the last living American General from the Revolutionary War on a tour to the popular cities to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary. As the “Nation’s Guest”, Lafayette was welcomed by Americans in the 24 states with parades, balls, dinners and other celebratory events. What started as a three-month tour became a 13-month expedition across the nation he helped to gain independence.