“Big Tent Festival: African American Voices” kicks off Richmond Symphony at Maymont Saturday

The 2020-2021 Richmond Symphony season opens tomorrow with a one-day Big Tent Festival at Maymont, supported by the City of Richmond. This will be the first time the orchestra has played together since the pandemic hit.

Music Director Valentina Peleggi will open her first season with a program theme of African American Voices, recognizing the perspectives of the Black employees of the Dooley family who originally lived at Maymont, which is represented through the new Below Stairs exhibit at the Dooley Mansion and portrayed by actors during the festival.

It all takes place Saturday, September 12th from 3:00 – 8:00 PM. Gates open at 2:00 PM. Richmond Symphony will perform at 6:30 PM alongside actors portraying African American Maymont staff members of the Dooley era. Maymont is located at 1700 Hampton Street in Richmond.

Due to COVID-19, all seating will be pod-style and groups are asked to sit at least six feet apart. Proceeds from this event support the purchase of musical instruments for elementary and middle school students in Richmond Public Schools’ 5th District. For more information about the Big Tent and to reserve tickets, click here.