Jazzed-Up Symphony to Give Free Pops Concert in McIntire Amphitheater

Orchestra playing on stage

The free “Symphony Under the Stars” concerts began in 2009, introducing the University community to the Charlottesville Symphony.

The University Programs Council of the University of Virginia and the Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia are joining forces to present the annual “Symphony Under the Stars” on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. First launched in 2009, this free outdoor pops concert will take place in the McIntire Amphitheater at U.Va. (The rain location is Old Cabell Hall on the U.Va Grounds.)

Conducted by Music Director Kate Tamarkin, the orchestra will perform selections including “All That Jazz” from the hit film and Broadway musical, “Chicago”; a suite from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess”; Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Ain’t Got That Swing,” and more.

This year’s guest narrator is Archie Holmes, U.Va. vice provost for educational innovation and interdisciplinary studies and professor of electrical and computer engineering.

The Free Bridge Quintet – the official faculty jazz quintet of U.Va.’s McIntire Department of Music – will partner with the orchestra on “Ben’s Jazz Trumpet,” as well as perform its own set. Founded in 1997, the group features Jeff Decker on saxophones, Robert Jospé on drums, Peter Spaar on bass, John D’earth on trumpet and flugelhorn and Butch Taylor on piano.

Free parking is available in the Central Grounds Garage on Emmet Street.  Picnics are welcome, but alcohol is prohibited. 

Generous underwriting gifts have been received from Anne R. Worrell and Gerald L. and Robin D. Baliles. Additional support is provided by the McIntire Department of Music and media sponsor The Daily Progress.

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