Welcome to the Richmond Symphony School of Music
Founded in the summer of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Richmond Symphony School of Music (RSSoM) launched as a virtual platform to bring music learning and community connection to students across Central Virginia and beyond. Today, RSSoM has grown into the central hub for all educational and community programming under the Richmond Symphony.
Although not a traditional brick-and-mortar institution, RSSoM represents the Symphony’s commitment to providing accessible, inclusive, and meaningful music education. Its wide-ranging programs span performance, learning, and exposure for all ages and income levels—from our flagship Youth Orchestra Program and in-school Educational Ensembles, to adult enrichment opportunities and free community events. The School of Music also maintains one fully virtual offering, the Companion Course, designed to foster deep listening and engagement through guided online exploration.
Each year, RSSoM reaches thousands of students through school-based performances, Hopkins-Eggleston Discovery concerts, and after-school programs, while also supporting emerging musicians through chamber music, masterclasses, and mentorship. From second graders picking up an instrument for the first time to high schoolers preparing for conservatory auditions, RSSoM reflects our vision for a vibrant, music-connected region.
Led by a dedicated team of musicians, educators, administrators, and community partners, RSSoM is helping redefine what a community music school can be: not confined to one building, but embedded in the life of a city—changing lives through the power of music.
“As a first violinist in our chamber group, [Honors] really helped me to build leadership skills when I’m playing with other people,” said Katelyn Luu, a violinist and junior at Cosby High School. “I’ve translated that to our school orchestra and leading my section at school.“
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This April’s Spotlight Series covered the return of chamber music to our Honors Program. Originally a single-semester program, next season, the Honors Program will run for the entirety of the school year. Our Honors Program is open to members of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO), our advanced full orchestra.
To read this month’s Spotlight Series, visit the link in our bio or go to linktr.ee/rssom. Our monthly Spotlight Series is written by Anna Mitchell, Education & Social Media Coordinator.
Photos by Dave Pearson (@pearsonphoto2000).
@rvasymphony #ChamberMusic #YouthOrchestra #MusicEd
![“As a first violinist in our chamber group, [Honors] really helped me to build leadership skills when I’m playing with other people,” said Katelyn Luu, a violinist and junior at Cosby High School. “I’ve translated that to our school orchestra and leading my section at school.“
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This April’s Spotlight Series covered the return of chamber music to our Honors Program. Originally a single-semester program, next season, the Honors Program will run for the entirety of the school year. Our Honors Program is open to members of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO), our advanced full orchestra.
To read this month’s Spotlight Series, visit the link in our bio or go to linktr.ee/rssom. Our monthly Spotlight Series is written by Anna Mitchell, Education & Social Media Coordinator.
Photos by Dave Pearson (@pearsonphoto2000).
@rvasymphony #ChamberMusic #YouthOrchestra #MusicEd](https://richmondsymphonysom.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
“As a conductor, I find immense happiness in the different challenges each week brings—whether I’m channeling the vibrant energy of our talented students or collaborating with the wonderful musicians of the great Richmond Symphony,” says Hae Lee, Associate Conductor of the Richmond Symphony and conductor of RSYO. “Leading the Side-by-Side performance was, without a doubt, a highlight of my time in Richmond [so far].”
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One of the highlights of the year for RSYO, our advanced full orchestra, is their annual Side-by-Side with the musicians of the Richmond Symphony. Next season’s Side-by-Side will take place in February 2027.
Audition registration for our 2026–27 season is now open! Whether you’re interested in joining RSYO or one of our other ensembles, visit the link in our bio to register for your audition today. 🎻🪈🎺🥁
Photos by Christian Thesken of True North Productions (@truenorthprods).
@rvasymphony #YouthOrchestra #MusicEd #ClassicalMusic
Congratulations to our Youth Orchestra Program students selected to participate in this year’s prestigious All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra event! All-Virginia ensembles bring together the top student musicians from across the state, and this year’s event culminated in an afternoon of performances on Saturday, April 18. The following students participated in this year’s event:
Rosie Smith - bassoon, Symphonic Band
Minami Furukawa - oboe, Symphonic Band
Peter Yanovitch - principal double bass, Orchestra
Andrew Grogan - double bass, Orchestra
Elizabeth Mackie - assistant principal viola, Orchestra
Benjamin Kirby - voice, SATB Chorus
An additional congratulations to clarinetist Porter Clark, who was also selected to participate but was unable to attend the event.
@rvasymphony @virginiamusiceducators #AllVirginia #VMEA #Orchestra #SymphonicBand #SATBChorus
It’s time for another Student Showcase, featuring RSYO clarinetist Harper Nishimoto! 🎶 Harper is a junior at J.R. Tucker High School, where she serves as one of two drum majors for J.R. Tucker’s marching band, the Marching Tigers (@jrtmarchingtigers).
Earlier this year, the Marching Tigers were selected to perform at the inauguration of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, who is a Tucker alum. As drum major, Harper led the Marching Tigers as they marched at the inauguration’s parade—a performance that was broadcast live to thousands of viewers across the state.
We couldn’t imagine a better musician to lead such a high-profile performance! Congratulations to both Harper and the Marching Tigers! 🎶❤️
@jrt_bandorchestra @rvasymphony #MarchingBand #DrumMajor #ClassicalMusic #Band #Orchestra
A manifestation for every instrument (in orchestral score order) 🌀 CLAIM YOUR MANIFESTATION by visiting the link in our bio and registering for your Youth Orchestra Program audition TODAY!
@rvasymphony #YouthOrchestra #ClassicalMusic #MusicEd #ClassicalMusicMemes #RVA
This is how spring has us feeling at the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program 🥰🎻💘
@hae.conductor @rvasymphony #Tchaikovsky #ClassicalMusic #ClassicalMusicMemes #MusicEd #AprilFoolsDay
🎶 — Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture, Rick Astley: Never Gonna Give You Up
DEADLINE EXTENDED for Virginia music educators to redeem their FREE tickets to the Richmond Symphony! All RSVPs are now due by noon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. For more information, read below. 🍎🎶
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In celebration of Music in Our Schools Month this March, the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony School of Music join together in gratitude for our music educators! As part of our annual Teacher Appreciation event, Virginia music educators may enjoy two (2) complimentary concert tickets to a Richmond Symphony performance at the Carpenter Theatre on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7:30pm. ♥️🎶
The program opens with Jessie Montgomery’s Hymn for Everyone, written during the pandemic and serving as a tribute to the composer’s late mother. Then, concert pianist Angela Cheng performs Beethoven’s poetic Piano Concerto No. 4. At the intermission, music teachers are invited to the Donor Lounge to mix and mingle with other educators from around the area. To close the evening, Music Director Valentina Peleggi leads the Richmond Symphony through Aaron Copland’s Americana-inspired Symphony No. 3.
Music teachers, thank you for all YOU do, changing lives through the power of music! 🎶 Visit linktr.ee/rssom to redeem your tickets for this year’s special event. All RSVPs are due by noon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
@virginiamusiceducators #MusicEducation #VirginiaTeacher #RichmondVA #RVA #VMEA
Two of our RSYO Honors chamber groups recently performed at Pathways to Purpose and Prosperity in Virginia Schools, an event hosted at the Library of Virginia that featured prominent policy makers, employers, and education innovators discussing the importance of career-based learning. A number of Virginia state officials were in attendance, including Governor Abigail Spanberger, Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi, Secretary of Education Dr. Jeff Smith, and more.
Congratulations to the eight RSYO students who performed at this event for a beautiful performance and for representing the Richmond Symphony School of Music: Elizabeth M., Elizabeth S., Fielding, Isaac, Luke, Samantha, Thomas and Will! 🎻🍎🎶
Photos by Ovrbord Media/Parker Michels-Boyce.
@libraryofva @theoremmedia @schoolcouldbe #YouthOrchestraProgram #ChamberMusic #ClassicalMusic #MusicEducation #MusicEd
LAST CHANCE for Virginia music educators to redeem their FREE tickets to the Richmond Symphony! The deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2026. For more information, read below. 🍎🎶
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In celebration of Music in Our Schools Month this March, the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony School of Music join together in gratitude for our music educators! As part of our annual Teacher Appreciation event, Virginia music educators may enjoy two (2) complimentary concert tickets to a Richmond Symphony performance at the Carpenter Theatre on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7:30pm. ♥️🎶
The program opens with Jessie Montgomery’s Hymn for Everyone, written during the pandemic and serving as a tribute to the composer’s late mother. Then, concert pianist Angela Cheng performs Beethoven’s poetic Piano Concerto No. 4. At the intermission, music teachers are invited to the Donor Lounge to mix and mingle with other educators from around the area. To close the evening, Music Director Valentina Peleggi leads the Richmond Symphony through Aaron Copland’s Americana-inspired Symphony No. 3.
Music teachers, thank you for all YOU do, changing lives through the power of music! 🎶 Visit linktr.ee/rssom to redeem your tickets for this year’s special event. All RSVPs are due by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
@virginiamusiceducators #MusicEducation #VirginiaTeacher #RichmondVA #RVA #VMEA
In celebration of Music in Our Schools Month this March, the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony School of Music join together in gratitude for our music educators! As part of our annual Teacher Appreciation event, Virginia music educators may enjoy two (2) complimentary concert tickets to a Richmond Symphony performance at the Carpenter Theatre on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7:30pm. ♥️🎶
The program opens with Jessie Montgomery’s Hymn for Everyone, written during the pandemic and serving as a tribute to the composer’s late mother. Then, concert pianist Angela Cheng performs Beethoven’s poetic Piano Concerto No. 4. At the intermission, music teachers are invited to the Donor Lounge to mix and mingle with other educators from around the area. To close the evening, Music Director Valentina Peleggi leads the Richmond Symphony through Aaron Copland’s Americana-inspired Symphony No. 3.
Music teachers, thank you for all YOU do, changing lives through the power of music! 🎶 Visit linktr.ee/rssom to redeem your tickets for this year’s special event. All RSVPs are due by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
@virginiamusiceducators #MusicEducation #VirginiaTeacher #RichmondVA #RVA #Virginia
“Working on the Senate floor for 8 hours a day, I’ve come to appreciate the art of a well thought out speech,” Qian said. “Of course, I have my own political convictions, but it was still refreshing to hear all the arguments coming from our very own leaders. Often, these speeches would spark intense political debates among our own group [of pages], which allowed me to practice live debate and argumentation.”
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This month’s Spotlight Series highlights Chris Qian, violinist in RSYO and junior at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies. This fall, Qian was selected as one of just thirty students to participate in the U.S. Senate Page Program, in which juniors and seniors spend a semester working as staff members in the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C.
To read this month’s Spotlight Series, visit the link in our bio. Our monthly Spotlight Series is written by Anna Mitchell, Education & Social Media Coordinator.
#musiceducation #youthorchestra #senatepage
In celebration of Music in Our Schools Month this March, the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony School of Music join together in gratitude for our music educators! As part of our annual Teacher Appreciation event, Virginia music educators may enjoy two (2) complimentary concert tickets to a Richmond Symphony performance at the Carpenter Theatre on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7:30pm. ♥️🎶
The program opens with Jessie Montgomery’s Hymn for Everyone, written during the pandemic and serving as a tribute to the composer’s late mother. Then, concert pianist Angela Cheng performs Beethoven’s poetic Piano Concerto No. 4. At the intermission, music teachers are invited to the Donor Lounge to mix and mingle with other educators from around the area. To close the evening, Music Director Valentina Peleggi leads the Richmond Symphony through Aaron Copland’s Americana-inspired Symphony No. 3.
Music teachers, thank you for all YOU do, changing lives through the power of music! 🎶 Visit linktr.ee/rssom to redeem your tickets for this year’s special event. All RSVPs are due by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
@virginiamusiceducators #MusicEducation #VirginiaTeacher #RichmondVA #RVA #Virginia
RICHMOND SYMPHONY VISION STATEMENT:
We change lives through the power of music.
RICHMOND SYMPHONY MISSION STATEMENT:
The Richmond Symphony performs,
teaches, and champions music to inspire and
unite our communities.
