Erich Stem Commissioned by Symphonicity for New Virginia Beach–Inspired Symphony

Erich Stem has been commissioned by Symphonicity, Virginia Beach’s premier orchestra, to compose a new symphony reflecting the city’s diverse cultural and geographic landscape. The four-movement work highlights the oceanfront, rural Pungo, the city’s town center, and its strong military presence, and incorporates text by Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Claudia Emerson. Stem was selected as one of six faculty members for Indiana University’s 2025 Eastman Residency at Martha’s Vineyard, where he will dedicate time to composing and refining the piece. The symphony will premiere on November 15, 2025, at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.

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