Virginia Arts Festival to Celebrate 30th Anniversary Season
The 2027 season kicks off on March 31 with performances by Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax across the state.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Classical
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The Virginia Arts Festival will mark its 30th anniversary in 2027 with a season beginning on March 31. The festival features a diverse lineup including the London-based vocal ensemble Tenebrae and the Vienna Girls Choir.
Why it matters
To celebrate three decades of operation, the festival has curated a program featuring artists who have participated in the event throughout its history. It also continues its mission by maintaining partnerships with 12 historically Black colleges and universities.
The festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary milestone and will offer $30 tickets for selected seats to broaden access. Programming includes a 100th anniversary celebration for the Martha Graham Dance Co. as part of the season.
The players
Virginia Arts Festival
An organization dedicated to bringing world-class performing arts to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Yo-Yo Ma
A world-renowned cellist who frequently collaborates with top-tier classical musicians.
Emanuel Ax
A Grammy-winning classical pianist known for his extensive repertoire and long-standing performance partnerships.
Olga Kern
A distinguished pianist who is curating a series of chamber music and coffee concerts for the festival.
Martha Graham Dance Co.
A legendary contemporary dance company that is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The details
The festival is expanding its reach by adding new venues at The American Theatre, Virginia Peninsula Community College, and Hampton University. Organizers have also introduced a new bluegrass event in Yorktown scheduled for mid-May.
Timeline
March 31, 2027: Season opener featuring Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax
April 3, 2027: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performance in Norfolk
April 6, 2027: Tenthing brass ensemble performance in Norfolk
April 13 - June 18, 2027: Olga Kern curated chamber music and coffee concerts
Mid-May 2027: First Yorktown Bluegrass and Beyond concert
Industry Dynamics
The festival is integrating the Martha Graham Dance Co. 100th anniversary into its own 30th-anniversary celebration to elevate the season's profile. This strategy reflects a broader trend of leveraging milestone commemorations to attract audiences in an competitive arts market.
Attendees can take advantage of $30 tickets for selected seats to experience high-profile performances at a reduced cost. The addition of new venues in Hampton increases accessibility for local residents across the peninsula.
The takeaway
By expanding into new venues and offering accessible ticket pricing, the festival aims to reach a wider demographic during its milestone year. Interested patrons should monitor the organization's website for future announcements regarding the Williamsburg Live! series.
Further reading
Discover more performances and arts programming in the Virginia Classical section.
More information
View the full Virginia Arts Festival schedule and tickets on the festival's official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHRO Public Media.
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