Our Mission
The mission of the Richmond Philharmonic is to promote the art and appreciation of classical orchestral music for audiences of all ages and backgrounds while providing musicians in the Richmond community with the opportunity to display and develop their talents for performance and enjoyment of orchestral music.
Our History
The Richmond Philharmonic has been presenting concerts to Richmond, Virginia audiences since 1972. It was organized by Milton Cherry, professor of music at Virginia Commonwealth University, and violinist Cornelia Henderson as The Richmond Community Symphony Orchestra. In 1989 the name was officially changed to the Richmond Philharmonic, Inc. It is a registered nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible.
The orchestra conducts national searches to hire a professional music director. Directors have included:
Richmond Philharmonic presents five public concerts with the full orchestra each season. In addition, ensembles are available to perform at special events.
Musicians may choose to pay annual dues to become members of the orchestra who vote on board leadership, music director selection, and bylaw adoption.
The orchestra conducts national searches to hire a professional music director. Directors have included:
- Peter Wilson, 2013 – current
- Robert Mirakian, 2007 – 2012
- Erin Freeman, 2004 – 2007
- Alexander Kordzaia, 1999 – 2003
Richmond Philharmonic presents five public concerts with the full orchestra each season. In addition, ensembles are available to perform at special events.
Musicians may choose to pay annual dues to become members of the orchestra who vote on board leadership, music director selection, and bylaw adoption.