The Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Norfolk, Virginia. Founded in 1997, the orchestra has become one of the premier orchestras in the United States, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. The orchestra was founded by Robert Cross, who served as its music director until 2018. Cross, a renowned conductor and music educator, had previously served as the music director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Winston-Salem Symphony. He envisioned the Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra as a way to bring together some of the finest musicians in the country to perform in a festival setting. The orchestra's main members are drawn from some of the top orchestras in the United States, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Many of the musicians are also faculty members at prestigious music schools, such as the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. Over the years, the Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra has performed a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque and Classical works to contemporary music and world premieres. The orchestra has collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists, including Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. The orchestra was invited to perform at the opening ceremonies, where it played a medley of American music, including "America the Beautiful" and "The Star-Spangled Banner." The performance was seen by millions of people around the world and helped to raise the profile of the orchestra. Another notable performance was the orchestra's 2010 concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The concert, which was part of the center's "Maximum India" festival, featured a program of Indian classical music and dance. The orchestra was joined by several Indian musicians and dancers, including tabla player Zakir Hussain and dancer Mallika Sarabhai. In addition to its performances, the Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra has also received numerous awards and accolades. In 2003, the orchestra was awarded the ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes orchestras that take risks and present innovative programming. The orchestra has also been praised for its educational outreach programs, which bring music education to underserved communities in Virginia. In recent years, the Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra has continued to thrive under the leadership of its current music director, JoAnn Falletta. Falletta, who is also the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, has brought her own unique vision to the orchestra, programming works by female composers and championing new music. Overall, the Virginia Arts Festival Orchestra has established itself as one of the premier orchestras in the United States, known for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. With its talented musicians and visionary leadership, the orchestra is sure to continue to delight audiences for years to come.

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