Norfolk Chamber Music Festival seeks volunteer ushers and reception assistants for summer season

By Jennifer Pfaltz

As the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival prepares for its summer season, organizers are once again inviting members of the local community to become part of the festival experience by volunteering as concert ushers or assisting with post-concert receptions. In return, volunteers receive complimentary admission to Friday and Saturday evening performances featuring world-class musicians and emerging young artists.

The volunteer program was originally launched in 2019 by festival director Melvin Chen and former general manager Jim Nelson as a way to strengthen ties between the festival and the Norfolk community. The effort became especially meaningful after Yale University began housing music fellows entirely on campus in 2022. Prior to that change, many local residents hosted fellows in their homes during the summer season, creating personal connections and friendships that often lasted well beyond the festival itself.

Initially led by Tom Hodgkin of Norfolk as coordinator of volunteers, the volunteer program was designed to continue fostering these community relationships while also making festival performances more accessible to local residents. Volunteers have the opportunity not only to attend concerts free of charge, but also to interact with staff, fellows and internationally acclaimed guest artists throughout the summer season.

Over the past several years, the program has become an important part of festival operations. In 2025, more than 30 community members volunteered during the six-week season, with many returning for multiple performances. Volunteers now fill nearly all ushering needs for the festival’s Friday and Saturday evening concerts. At the same time, the role of the fellows within the festival has expanded significantly. Under Chen’s leadership, fellows are increasingly featured in the prestigious Festival Artist Concerts, where they perform alongside renowned professional musicians and receive valuable mentorship and coaching opportunities. As more fellows participate on stage, fewer are available to assist behind the scenes, making community volunteers essential to the smooth running of the festival.

Festival organizers welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Some volunteers choose to assist with only one concert, while others return week after week throughout the summer. Past participants have included local high school music students, seasonal residents and longtime Norfolk community members.

Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to support one of the region’s most celebrated cultural institutions while enjoying exceptional chamber music performances in an intimate setting. For many, it has also become a meaningful way to connect with fellow music lovers and become more involved in the life of the festival. Starting this season, Jennifer Pfaltz is the local Coordinator of Volunteersfor the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. For more information or to volunteer, email jenniferpfaltz@ yahoo.com. Concerts begin July 9.