Editor, Gazette-Journal:

It is almost a year since the State Corporation Commission issued Hampton Roads Philharmonic a certificate of incorporation. The Rappahannock to the James gained a new community resource, an orchestra offering somewhere for professionals and gifted amateurs to play.

Residents of Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex have been exceptionally supportive. We are (currently!) solvent and have five well-attended and performed concerts and several small group ensemble performances behind us. Since August, HRP has held weekly two-hour rehearsals and developed a sense of camaraderie. There is no joy to equal performing and sharing great music.

Without our visionary supporters in the community this would not have been possible. Thank you all.

We are now 50 strong: music teachers, talented amateur musicians of all ages (high school to seniors), and serving and retired military musicians.

This Sunday we will present a concert at the Post Theater at Fort Monroe: Tchaikovsk...