Richmond Symphony Appoints Joe Jaxson as Next Composer-in-Residence
By David Salazar(Credit: Photo courtesy of Joe Jaxson)
The Richmond Symphony has announced the appointment of composer Joe Jaxson as its next Composer-in-Residence.
During his residency, Jaxson, who will succeed Damien Geter, will compose a new work for the Symphony’s 2026–2027 season, inspired by the Symphony Series finale featuring “Carmina Burana.” He will also contribute to education initiatives with the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Programs.
A Staunton native, Jaxson first collaborated with the Symphony as a commissioned guest composer during the 2024–2025 season. His orchestral work “Born in the Iron Grip,” inspired by Richmond tennis icon Arthur Ashe, premiered on March 22, 2025 at the Carpenter Theatre to a standing ovation. A portion of the piece was also featured in the Black History and Cultural Museum of Virginia exhibition “Arthur Ashe: An Enduring Legacy.”
“It is a tremendous honor to deepen my relationship with Richmond Symphony as Composer-in-Residence,” said Jaxson, per an official press release. “My experience working with the orchestra affirmed how committed this organization is to telling meaningful stories through music
and to creating connections with the community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on that work in the seasons ahead.”
During his tenure, Geter, who is also a renowned bass-baritone, premiered major works such works as “Sinfonia Americana” and “An African American Requiem” with the Richmond Symphony. In 2025, the ensemble joined Virginia Opera in co-commissioning and premiering Geter’s “Loving v. Virginia,” with a libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo.
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