The Richmond Symphony performing at the Carpenter Theatre @ Dominion Energy Center. (Photo courtesy Richmond Symphony)

Richmond Symphony named artist-in-residence at the VCU School of Business

Share this story

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business has selected the Richmond Symphony as its artist-in-residence for the 2018-19 academic year.

Now in its third year, the VCU School of Business artist-in-residence program supports the school’s EPIC strategic plan and vision to drive the future of business through the power of creativity. The Richmond Symphony will be the first musical artist and first organization to serve in the role, following residencies by visual artist Noah Scalin and photographer Alyssa Salomon.

“The artist-in-residence program has been a catalyst to inspire creative thinking and new approaches to problem-solving among our students, faculty and staff,” said Ed Grier, dean of the School of Business. “As a national leader in orchestra innovation and a cultural icon in Central Virginia, the Richmond Symphony will be a tremendous partner as we continue to find new ways to unlock our creative potential as individuals and as an organization.” 

Richmond Symphony Director David Fiske plays piano at the VCU School of Business' start-of-the-semester faculty and staff meeting. (Photo by Megan Garrison, courtesy VCU School of Business)
Richmond Symphony Director David Fiske plays piano at the VCU School of Business' start-of-the-semester faculty and staff meeting. (Photo by Megan Garrison, courtesy VCU School of Business)

During the yearlong residency, symphony staff will conduct guest lectures on creativity and innovation, present a holiday pop-up concert in Snead Hall, host a team-building orchestral immersion experience for faculty and staff, and hold special events.

“We are honored to have been selected as the artist-in-residence with the VCU School of Business for 2018-19,” said David J.L. Fisk, executive director of the Richmond Symphony. “Listening to and performing music helps us all to think creatively, in every field of endeavor, including business. As a creative business, the orchestra can serve as a model for learning: how creativity springs from discipline, how to foster excellence in teamwork and collaborative production, and how a large and complex organization can keep evolving to stay relevant and attract new customers while remaining true to its core.”

The largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia, the Richmond Symphony performs, teaches and champions music to inspire and unite communities.

The VCU School of Business ranks in the top 5 percent of business schools worldwide due to its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. In 2017, AACSB recognized the VCU School of Business artist-in-residence program with an Innovations That Inspire award.

Richmond Symphony is VCU Business' 2018-19 artist in residence