Curtain Rises Sept. 26 for Region’s Newest Performing Arts Venue
The Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts (RFA) enters a new era this fall as it launches its 33rd annual On Stage season in the newly built Lancaster High School Auditorium and Performing Arts Center at 100 Visionary Way in Irvington.
The auditorium—large, professionally equipped, and designed to welcome world‑class artists—represents a milestone for both RFA and the region. It is the result of years of collaboration between the foundation, the Lancaster County Public Schools, and a community that believes deeply in the power of the arts.
“This new stage marks the beginning of a new chapter for the arts in our region,” said RFA president Jamie Tucker. “It’s a space built for possibility—more artists, more experiences for students and the general public, and more moments that bring our community together.”
The On Stage Season features five performances, spanning genres from classical and Celtic folk to jazz fusion, country, and brass. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
On September 26, the first major performance on the region's newest performing arts stage features the Virginia Symphony Orchestra—celebrated for its world‑class musicianship and artistic excellence—which will feature Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, and Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Audiences may also hear a portion of a newly commissioned work by American composer Philip Glass, marking a rare opportunity to experience a contemporary master’s voice alongside timeless classics. A pre-concert talk by conductor Eric Jacobsen will be presented at 6:30 pm with doors opening at 6 pm.
Hailed as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” Solas brings its signature blend of Irish traditional music, virtuosic instrumentalism, and Americana‑infused original compositions to town October 17. Led by Irish champion flautist and multi‑instrumentalist Séamus Egan, the group’s lineup of renowned performers has earned Solas a reputation as a true Celtic supergroup.
On December 12, Saxophonist Eddie Barbash, one of the most influential voices in contemporary American music, joins forces with the KASA Quartet to reimagine the intersection of jazz and classical traditions. Their program spans American roots, global rhythms, jazz standards, and improvisations that bridge centuries of musical storytelling.
March 13, 2027, RFA presents the Six One Five Collective. Straight from Nashville, the Grammy‑nominated group brings an electric mix of original music, chart‑topping hits written for artists such as Kelly Clarkson, George Strait, and Luke Bryan, and high‑energy covers. Having graced the Grand Ole Opry stage and toured internationally, the group delivers a dynamic, all‑American sound shaped by some of the industry’s most accomplished singer‑songwriters.
The season closes April 10, 2027, with the Dallas Brass, one of the country’s premier brass ensembles, complemented by drums and percussion. They will perform an “American Musical Journey” through the nation’s history. From the era of George Washington to the present day, the program spans Dixieland, Swing, Broadway, Folk, Patriotic, and Pop—an exuberant celebration of American musical heritage.
Season subscriptions for reserved seating for all five performances are available for $200 online or by calling 804-438-5555. Once you subscribe, RFA will assign your priority seating at our new venue. After the September 26th show, contact the RFA office if you wish to select new seats from available options; otherwise, you will keep your initially assigned seats for the 2026-2027 season.
For single event tickets at $45 each, go to rappahannockfoundation.org after August 10, or call 804-438-5555. Students under 15 attend free with a paying adult but must reserve seats by contacting Donna McGrath at admin@rfaonstage.com or calling 804-438-5555.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra performance is funded in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The season sponsor of the RFA 2026-2027 season is Chesapeake Bank & Chesapeake Wealth Management. Series sponsors are Lighthouse Real Estate & Susan G. Moenssens, J.D. Attorney at Law.