Virginia Symphony Orchestra: Comic Concert, Virginia Beach

Pay enough attention to the career of JoAnn Falletta, and you could easily conclude she's actually twins or triplets. She's the music director of not only the Virginia Symphony Orchestra but the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and serves as principal guest conductor of the Phoenix Symphony, among other institutional ties. (She's also conducted on Grammy-winning recordings for the Naxos label.) Under her baton, the VSO rotates among Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach with traditional classical programs, pops nights, and shorter family concerts that open with craft activities and an instrument "petting zoo." A "wear-what's-comfortable" dress code and pre-concert Behind the Notes talks ensure a decidedly inviting atmosphere even for symphony newbies.