COURTLAND
Franklin-Southampton Concerts Association, formerly the Franklin-Southampton Community Concert Association, will host the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Southampton High School Auditorium. The concert, which is free to the general public thanks to the generosity of the Camp Foundation, will feature ballads from famous composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and John Williams — that of Star Wars fame.

“We’ve hosted this event ever since I can remember,” said Franklin-Southampton Concerts Association President Nancy Rowe. “At least 30 years.”

The association is midway through its 36th season, featuring acts such as The Walter Noona Trio and Masters of Soul. Though its past acts have focused solely on certain genres of music, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will play a wide array of tunes.

“They’ll play some of your standard popular hits and mix in some classical music,” Rowe said.

Resident conductor Benjamin Rous will lead the ensemble. A talented violinist in his own right, Rous has learned under the baton of some of the most influential conductors, such as Claudio Abbado and Daniel Harding.

For more information on the Franklin-Southampton Concerts Association or for a list of upcoming events, contact Nancy Rowe at 653-2498 or visit http://franklinsouthamptonconcerts.org/.