Dr. Glenn Winters, the Community Outreach Musical Director of Virginia Opera, offers background and insight into Richard Wagner’s exciting music drama “The Valkyrie,” the second production of the season for Virginia Opera.

Schola Cantorum will present a special concert commemorating the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. The concert feature songs from the North and the South, songs both light-hearted and poignant, all Sun,g a capella. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Director Agnes Wynn about the music.

Of the many fine offerings of holiday music in Hampton Roads, the concert by the Virginia Chorale is aMon,g the best for putting people in the holiday spirit. This year’s concert is titled “Alleluia! Carols Around the World.” Dwight Davis spoke to the Chorale’s Director, Scott Williamson, about the program.

Virginia Opera’s second production of the season is the sparkling comedy “Cosi fan Tutte” by Mozart. Dr. Glenn Winters, the Opera’s Community Outreach Music Director, offers a preview of this delightful Mozart masterpiece, with music and insightful commentary.

The Virginia Symphony, directed by Joann Falletta, presented the world premiere of the Symphony No. 3 by American composer Lowell Liebermann in a series of concerts in November. WHRO-FM’s Anthony McSpadden spoke with Mr. Liebermann about this work.

The Virginia Chorale opens its season with a series of concerts featuring music old and new. Dwight Davis spoke with the Chorale’s Director, Scott Williamson about the program, which will be presented on October 22 at 8 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach; October 23 at 8 PM at the Chrysler Museum; and October 24 at 4 PM at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.

In celebration of its 15th Anniversary season, the Virginia Arts Festival presents a concert by cellist Yo Yo Ma and pianist Katheryn Stott. These world-class artists have performed together for many years. Anthony McSpadden spoke with Katheryn Stott about her Fri,endship with Yo Yo Ma and their concert, which includes a special musical birthday present.

On Sat,urday, October 16th, the Peter Pelham Concert at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg will present an evening of music by Dan Locklair, Composer-in-Residence and Professor of Music at Wake Forest University. The concert will feature the world premiere of “Arise in Beauty,” commissioned by Carolyn Weekley in memory of her mother. The choral work will set a text by Angier Brock, retired University of Virginia Instructor. Dan Locklair spoke with Dwight Davis about the work.

As one of the final events of the 2010 Virginia Arts Festival, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara will present an evening of American Song in Williamsburg. She’ll be accompanied by an ensemble led by Hampton Roads native, now Broadway conductor, Rob Fisher. Dwight Davis spoke with Rob Fisher about the program, and its emphasis on songs by Harold Arlen.

The 2010 Virginia Arts Festival ends with a concert by the Virginia Symphony in Williamsburg. Joann Falletta will conduct the orchestra in the Royal Fireworks Music of Handel, Tchaikovsky’s Mozartiana and, with cellist Alisa Weilerstein, the dvorak Cello Concerto. Dwight Davis spoke with Joann Falletta about the concert.