Maestro Falletta has served as Music Director of the Virginia Symphony since 1991. Under her direction, the VSO annually performs more than 140 Classical, Pops, Family, Education and Outreach concerts in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg, reaching more than 200,000 concert goers every year. As the cornerstone of the performing arts in Southeastern Virginia, the Virginia Symphony provides the professional musicians and orchestral support for the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Arts Festival, the Ballet and the Todd Rosenlieb Dance.
 
Under Falletta’s direction the VSO has risen to celebrated artistic heights and is ranked in the top 10 percent of professional orchestras nationwide In 2010, the VSO won an ASCAP award for adventurous programming in recognition of its performance of new works and world premieres by contemporary composers. The Virginia Symphony’s 2012-13 season will be highlighted by the Orchestra’s Stravinsky Festival with a performance by the VSO and the Richmond Ballet of the Rite of Spring, on the exact date of the 100th anniversary of its world premiere, and a recording of Stravinsky’s Les Noces. In 2012, the VSO recorded its first CD for the NAXOS label of two world premieres by composer Adolphus Hailstork. Other highlights under Falletta’s baton include the release of thirteen recordings, a performance of Peter and the Wolf which was aired on National Public Radio, new audience development through residences in Newport News, Virginia Beach and the College of William and Mary, and critically acclaimed performances at the Kennedy Center and New York’s Carnegie Hall.
 
JoAnn has a star on Norfolk’s Legends of Music Walk of Fame in recognition of her effect on the appreciation of classical music in Hampton Roads and Virginia and was named Norfolk’s Downtowner of the Year for 2011. Her contributions to the arts in the State were previously recognized with the National Education Association Award and the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award.