Photo credit: Ebbtide Photography
This show is part of our 2026 Classical Music Series!
The Barns of Rose Hill Classical Music Series is sponsored by the Classical Club, a generous group of donors who enable us to present accessible, adventurous, and artistically vibrant classical performances. Learn more »
About: Winchester Musica Viva is an independent chamber choir in its 45th season of presenting the finest choral literature from all musical periods and styles to audiences throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and neighboring states. The choir is comprised of professional level volunteer singers from different vocations and backgrounds who share a love of choral music and a commitment to excellence in performance.
This program will be a retrospective, exploring the history and highlights of Viva’s 45 years, with tributes to its former Artistic Directors, compositions written for the ensemble, and new works.
The chorus was founded in 1981 by Dr. William Averitt, Professor Emeritus of Music, and former Coordinator of Composition at Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University. Dr. Kenneth Nafziger, Professor Emeritus of Music at Eastern Mennonite University, served as music director from 1992-2002. Donald Paul Richardson of Washington, DC conducted the chorus from 2002-2005. Dr. Nafziger returned as music director in 2006 until his retirement. Dr. Bryce Hayes, Professor of Choral Music at James Madison University, was named as Artistic Director as the ensemble began its 2022-2023 concert season.
WMV enjoys a widespread reputation for fine choral music, with three successful international tours and performances by invitation at events sponsored by such organizations as the Contemporary American Theater Festival, the Contemporary Music Festival, and the American Choral Directors Association.
Date & Time: Saturday, April 11, 2026. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the concert starts at 7:00 PM.
Ticket Price: All tickets are general admission. $20 in advance until 3:00 PM on the day of the event. $25 at the door. Children 12 years and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
Ticket Information: Reserve tickets in advance online or by calling the Barns of Rose Hill Box Office at 540-955-2004 (hours). When our Box Office is closed, please leave a message. All ticket sales are final; no exceptions or exchanges.