Richmond Symphony Release of this land, First Album With Valentina Peleggi
Richmond Symphony Releases First Album in Seven Years With of this land
The Richmond Symphony has released of this land, its first album in seven years and its first under Music Director Valentina Peleggi. The recording brings together four contemporary compositions exploring Virginia’s history, cultural identity and the people who have shaped the Commonwealth.
Released August 28 through American Resonance, the album was recorded live at the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center in Richmond. It features the Richmond Symphony, Richmond Symphony Chorus and Concertmaster Daisuke Yamamoto as a violin soloist.
The project arrives during the nation’s 250th anniversary year, offering a musical examination of Virginia’s contributions to American history. Its four compositions draw inspiration from the James River, the struggle for interracial marriage rights, tennis champion Arthur Ashe and the state’s musical traditions.
The album also reflects the orchestra’s commitment to commissioning contemporary works and introducing new perspectives into classical music.
Four Compositions, Four Virginia Stories
Zachary Wadsworth’s Letter to the City opens the album with a musical portrait of Richmond. Featuring the Richmond Symphony Chorus under the direction of Richard W. Robbins, the composition incorporates text by Richmond poet Joanna Suzanne Lee. The work follows the movement of water through the city toward the James River, building from quieter passages into the force of rushing rapids.
The composition was the first commission in a Richmond Symphony initiative dedicated to exploring stories from, of and about the city.
Damien Geter’s Suite from Loving v. Virginia examines the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, whose challenge to Virginia’s interracial marriage laws resulted in a landmark 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision. Adapted from an opera jointly commissioned by Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony, the orchestral suite follows the couple’s struggle and their desire to return home.
“To me, the longing for home lies at the heart of the story,” Geter said.
Richmond native Arthur Ashe is the subject of Joe Jaxson’s Born in the Iron Grip, commissioned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ashe’s 1975 Wimbledon men’s singles championship. The composition explores Ashe’s character, the intensity of the championship match and the significance of his victory.
Jaxson also incorporates “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” connecting Ashe’s athletic achievements with his influence as a prominent voice for his community. The composition takes its title from Ashe’s autobiography, Days of Grace.
The album concludes with Mason Bates’ Bound Away, featuring Richmond Symphony Concertmaster Daisuke Yamamoto as violin soloist. Commissioned for the Menuhin Competition Richmond 2021, the composition draws inspiration from the traditional song “Shenandoah” and Virginia’s string-band traditions.
Bates, who grew up in Richmond, connects the work to his early experiences with orchestral music.
A New Chapter for the Richmond Symphony
Beyond its historical themes, of this land represents a milestone in the Richmond Symphony’s artistic partnership with Peleggi. The recording places contemporary American compositions at the center of the orchestra’s work while highlighting its connection to the community.
The album is also the inaugural release from American Resonance, an imprint of Bright Shiny Things dedicated to documenting regional American orchestras and ensembles performing music that reflects their communities.
Founded in 1957, the Richmond Symphony maintains a regular schedule of concerts, educational programs and community performances throughout the region. Its orchestra and chorus also support music education through the Richmond Symphony School of Music and its youth orchestra programs.
of this land is available for streaming and purchase. Listeners can access the complete recording, purchasing options and a digital booklet through the Richmond Symphony’s official recordings page.
