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The Arts at VWU: Spring 2023
Enjoy an entertaining spring season of inspiring art, music and theatre
University News | February 9, 2023
From an impressive student art showcase exhibited at the Sandler Center for Performing Arts in Virginia Beach’s Town Center and an art faculty exhibit in the Neil Britton Gallery on campus, to a robust theatre production and vocal and instrumental concerts in the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, the Arts at VWU will stimulate the senses and broaden the liberal arts experience this spring.
Mark your calendars for this exciting lineup of events:
2023 VWU Student Art Showcase Opening Reception
February 13 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Sandler Center, Virginia Beach
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Sandler Center Foundation and the Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department will host an opening reception for “The 2023 Virginia Wesleyan University Student Art Showcase" in the Sandler Center Art Gallery mezzanine lobby, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach. The showcase, curated by VWU Curator of Exhibitions for the Neil Britton Art Gallery and Professor of Art John Rudel, presents artwork by students of various academic majors but all share an essential artistic spark that is a hallmark of the academic experience at VWU. Featured artwork from beginning drawing and painting courses show various depictions on the theme of campus life. Artwork in this exhibition will be on display until mid-April 2023.
Through May 2023
2023 VWU Art Faculty Exhibition
Neil Britton Art Gallery in Hofheimer Library
From paintings and digital drawings to stoneware, the works of talented VWU Professors Phil Guilfoyle, Joyce Howell, John Rudel, and Sharon Swift are on exhibit in the Neil Britton Gallery this semester.
February 17 | 7:30 p.m.
Tidewater Classical Guitar: Rene Izquierdo
Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
Cuban-born René Izquierdo is a unique artist and passionate educator whose career has been dedicated to inspiring individuals and connecting communities. Whether passionately performing on stage, devotedly mentoring his students, fundraising, or leading community outreach, René’s multi-faceted approach endeavors to continue creating experiences that enrich people’s lives and add beauty to our world. Through his “unforgettable versatility, sensitivity and sublime musicianship” (Classical Guitar Magazine), René has firmly established himself as one of the world’s classical guitar virtuosos. He is celebrated for his ability to weave an unparalleled technical command of his instrument with his gift of storytelling, accomplishing an intimate musical experience with his audience. This event is free for the VWU community. Tickets
February 24 | 6 p.m.
A Capella Festival with Deke Sharon
Susan S. Goode Fine & Performing Arts Center
Deke Sharon, the father of contemporary a capella, vocal producer for “The Sing Off” and all three of Universal’s hit films “Pitch Perfect” comes to Virginia Wesleyan to work with a ten different capella and choral groups, high schools, and colleges in southeast Virginia. The final concert will feature performances by each group and numbers by all 100+ combined voices. Admission is free.
March 30, 31, April 1 | 7:30 p.m.
April 2 | 2 p.m.
VWU Theatre Department Presents “Airness” by Chelsea Marcantal
Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
VWU Theatre Department Presents "Airness," by Chelsea Marcantel, a comedy about competition, completion, and finding the airness inside yourself. When Nina enters her first air guitar competition, she thinks winning will be easy. But as she befriends a group of charismatic nerds all committed to becoming the next champion, she discovers that there's more to this art form than playing pretend; it's about finding yourself in your favorite songs, and performing with raw joy. Will Nina be able to let go and set herself free onstage? Following her mission to shred or be shredded, “Airness” is an exuberant reminder that everything we need to rock is already inside us. Admission is free for the VWU community.
April 6 | 7:30 p.m.
Carnegie Hall Homecoming Concert
Susan S. Goode Fine & Performing Arts Center
Celebrate the Virginia Wesleyan Choirs’ third performance in Carnegie Hall and the Vocal and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School’s Carnegie Hall debut as they present Ola Gjeilo’s "Sunrise Mass" two weeks after they performed it at the famed concert hall in New York City. Admission is free.
April 14 & 15 | 7:30 p.m.
VWU Music Department Presents JukeVox!
Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
Wesleyan Vox Vera presents their annual JukeVox concert, featuring songs by James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Chicago, Otis Redding, and more. Admission is free.
April 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Wesleyan Orchestra Concert
Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
The Virginia Wesleyan Orchestra, under the direction of Justin Stanley, presents works by Mozart, Beethoven, and more! Admission is free.
April 21 | 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble Concert
Susan S. Goode Fine & Performing Arts Center
The Virginia Wesleyan Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Cory Franklin presents works by Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, and more. Admission is free.
May 5 | 7:30 p.m.
TCG Showcase Concert Featuring Tidewater Guitar Orchestra and Guests
Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center
The Tidewater Guitar Orchestra, along with guests, will be performing a night of commissioned works. Join them as they explore a rich repertoire ranging from Andrew York and Thea Musgrave, to Adolphus Hailstork, and a newly commissioned work by Andrew Zohn.Enjoy the majestic sounds of traditional classical guitars supplemented by requintos (soprano guitars) and bajas (baritone guitars). Admission is free for the VWU community. Tickets
For tickets and reservations, visit buytickets.at/goodecenter or call 757.455.3381.
Learn more about The Arts at VWU.