"The Central Virginia Wind Symphony strives to spotlight the best young musicians in the region," says Central Virginia Wind Symphony conductor and music director Mike Goldberg in an interview with VPM. "We will give the people of central Virginia opportunities to see and hear these gifted students in live performances." One such opportunity is the 15th Annual Holiday Spectacular on VPM Music.
In order to play in The Central Virginia Wind Symphony, Virginia high school musicians must be nominated by their band director for their individual talents and overall musical ability. Mike Goldberg says, "[Operations Manager Don Talley and I] founded the wind symphony in 2005 to help bring together talented students of varied geographic and cultural backgrounds and provide them with a professional-like experience." 80 of these students makeup 2019's Central Virginia Wind Symphony and represent over 20 schools from Metro Richmond north to Stafford County and south to the Tri-Cities.
In just a few short rehearsals, these young musicians learn the music of Gershwin, Shostakovich, Balmages, Hazo, and Sousa. They present play these holiday classics alongside guest soloist Kevin Taylor on xylophone under Mike Goldberg's direction.
The Central Virginia Wind Symphony's 15th Annual Holiday Spectacular airs on VPM Music Tuesday, December 24th at 3:00 PM and on Wednesday, December 25th at 7:00 PM.
