COURTLAND
Elementary school students in Southampton and Franklin got to travel around the world on Thursday without leaving the state. The Virginia Symphony made its annual visit to play at Southampton High School auditorium, and “A World of Music” was the theme.

Resident Conductor Benjamin Rouse led the program, explaining to the audience about the different compositions that originated in other parts of the globe.

Without an introduction, the orchestra launched into the Prelude to Act III of “Lohengrin” by Richard Wagner, a 19th century German Romantic composer known for his operas. Even before the piece ended, the children were moved to applaud.

“The Three-Cornered Hat “ by Manuel de Falla represented Spain. A meditative piece from Japan was next, followed by “Shepherd’s Hey” from 20th-century Australian composer Percy Grainger.

The travels continued to South Africa with “We are Marching,” then George Gershwin’s “Cuban Overture.” A selection from “Bachianas Brasileiras” by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos was followed by “John Henry” by Aaron Copeland.

The audience, which was attentive and appreciative, also got to participate in a music from the animated film “Happy Feet.” When Rouse pointed at them, the children shouted, “Ahhhh, go!”

The concert was sponsored by the Camp Foundation and Franklin-Southampton Charities.