The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will return to Williamsburg this September for a free outdoor performance as part of its annual “Symphony Under the Stars” series, bringing an evening of orchestral favorites to William & Mary’s Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka.
The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2, with gates opening at 6:15 p.m. A rain date has been scheduled for Sept. 15, if needed. The event is presented by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in partnership with William & Mary, the W&M Student Assembly and the City of Williamsburg.
Although admission is free, seating is limited. Guests will need a wristband to enter the venue. Wristbands will be distributed beginning at 6 p.m. at the venue gates on a first-come, first-served basis. Entry prior to the gates opening at 6:15 p.m. will not be permitted. Wristbands cannot be obtained in advance and are not available through the VSO box office. Once all wristbands have been distributed, the event will be closed to additional guests.
A limited number of wristbands and seats have been reserved for William & Mary students, which will also be available at the venue front gate.
The program will feature a program that unites timeless composers with favorite scores, like the “Flying Theme” from the score for E.T. and tunes from Rodger & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma.
The concert highlights the close connection between the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and William & Mary’s Department of Music. Several music faculty members perform with the orchestra, including trumpet instructor David Vonderheide, bassoon instructor Laura Leisring and flute instructor Joanne White.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets, provided they do not obstruct the view of others. Personal coolers and picnic baskets are welcome, but glass containers and outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited. The clear bag policy will not be in effect; all bags and coolers will be inspected before entry. Food and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase inside the venue.
Drivers are encouraged to park in the garage at 201 Ukrop Way. It is recommended that concertgoers arrive after 5 pm to allow exiting day traffic to clear. Handicap spaces will be available in the Raymond A. Mason School of Business parking lot, and golf carts will be available beginning at 6 p.m. for those with mobility issues.
Guests should be aware that the amphitheatre is about one-third of a mile from the parking garage, with a route that includes uneven terrain, a downhill grade and several sets of steps. which may be challenging for some guests. For those who need a shorter route, accessible drop-off only is available off Garrett Way, behind the business school. From the drop-off location, guests will still need to walk a short distance to reach the audience seating area. Guests who may require mobility assistance are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Susan Corbett, Communications Specialist