The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is set to present a special benefit concert titled America Coming of Age on November 20, 2026. Taking place at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, the event is part of the Virginia Arts Festival and aims to support the local Muse Writers Center. The performance will be conducted by Benjamin Rous and features historian and narrator Clay Jenkinson as a special guest.
The concert is designed to commemorate the America250 initiative, which marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. The program will explore the legacies and voices of three significant American figures: Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Henry David Thoreau. This annual benefit series was initiated by TORCH, an acronym for Thanking Our Resident Community Heroes, with the specific goal of providing financial support to local organizations that make a difference in the community.
Tom Reel, one of the founders of the TORCH initiative, described the Muse Writers Center as an ideal candidate for this year's benefit. He noted that the organization possesses a strong local identity rather than a national footprint, which allows for a meaningful impact from the funds raised. Reel emphasized that the center is of an appropriate size for such an effort. It is large enough to generate sufficient ticket sales and community support, yet small enough that the proceeds will represent a significant portion of its budget.
The Muse Writers Center is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. The organization serves as a hub for literary arts, hosting a variety of programs including writing classes, youth camps, open mic nights, and author book launches. It also organizes an annual writing conference. Michael Khandelwal, the executive director of the Muse, explained that the center offers workshops and seminars for individuals of all ages who are interested in creative writing and the craft of storytelling.
Khandelwal highlighted the importance of community building within the literary world. He stated that the organization is dedicated to helping people find safe spaces where they can express themselves artistically. According to Khandelwal, the act of expression has the power to change perspectives on a personal level as well as within society, families, and friend groups. He believes that fostering this sense of connection is a core mission of the center.
The upcoming event is expected to be a major arts experience that blends musical performance with narrative storytelling. Khandelwal described the concert as an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the nation's history and its future. With Clay Jenkinson leading the storytelling segments, the audience will be guided through a thought-provoking exploration of American identity and values.
Tickets for the concert are available for purchase on the Muse website. Regular admission is priced at $50 per person. A VIP option is also available for $150, which includes reserved seating, access to an exclusive post-concert reception, and participation in a silent auction. VIP ticket holders will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with Clay Jenkinson following the performance.
Doors for the event will open at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2026, with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Harrison Opera House will serve as the venue for this celebration of American culture and local literary arts. WHRO Public Media has been named the community sponsor for the concert, supporting the collaboration between the orchestra, the writers center, and the local community.
