Eric Jacobsen, conductor Rachel Blaustein, soprano Lisa Marie Rogali, mezzo-soprano David Walton, tenor Joshua Conyers, baritone Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus George Frideric Handel: Messiah It's Southeastern Virginia's grandest Messiah! Conducted this year by Music Director Eric Jacobsen, Handel's most famous work comes to life with the full Christmas section along with selections from the second and third parts, including the iconic Hallelujah chorus! This sacred masterpiece will hearten and warm the spirit this holiday season. Celebrating his fifth season, Eric Jacobsen serves as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra's twelfth Music Director. He is also artistic director and co-founder of The Knights, the uniquely adventurous NYC-based chamber orchestra, and Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic. In addition to conducting, Eric is a dedicated chamber musician (cello) and is a member of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble. The 25/26 season marks the 36th anniversary of the Virginia Symphony Chorus, and its twenty-ninth under the direction of Chorusmaster Robert Shoup. In addition to regular appearances with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the chorus has performed to sold-out houses as far afield as Prague, Vienna, Berlin, Leipzig, Munich, Salzburg and closer to home at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.