HAMPTON ROADS, VA [October 19, 2026] On Saturday, November 14, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will be joined by award-winning gospel artists, actors and entertainers Tamela and David Mann for a special one-night-only concert at CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News.
Giving back has always been central to the Manns’ mission. During their residency in Hampton Roads, Truist and the Truist Charitable Fund, together with community partners, will host a series of community engagement events featuring the Manns, including a fireside chat at Hampton University, a shoe distribution event with Samaritan’s Feet and United Way of the Virginia Peninsula at Discovery STEM Academy, and a Truist Life, Money, and Choices™ event at Heritage High School.
“We’re honored and excited to partner with Truist, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and Hampton Roads community organizations,” said Tamela and David. “It’s an opportunity to invest in students, celebrate culture, and inspire families. We hope to make a positive impact on lives through important conversation, service and music.”
On Thursday, November 12, the Manns will be the featured guests during “Living Well: Building a Life Rooted in Purpose, Community and Health,” a fireside chat at Hampton University. Students and community partners will join the Manns and leaders from Hampton University, Truist and United Way of the Virginia Peninsula for a candid conversation exploring topics including family, mental and financial health, faith and purpose in living well.
On Friday, November 13, the Manns will join Truist, United Way of The Virginia Peninsula, Samaritan’s Feet, Sentara Health, and Virginia Natural Gas to give the gift of new shoes to every student at Discovery STEM Academy in Newport News, VA. In addition to a new pair of shoes for each student, Truist volunteers will deliver age-appropriate financial education. That afternoon, the Manns will join Truist to help 11th and 12th graders understand the importance of financial wellness as part of a Truist Life, Money, and Choices™ activation at Heritage High School in Newport News, VA.
Truist Life, Money, and Choices™ is the bank’s signature financial education program designed to help high school and college students build practical money management skills. Offered at no cost to community organizations, the program is an in-person simulation featuring interactive learning stations representing common financial expenses and life choices.
“At Truist, we believe strong communities are built by creating opportunities for people to thrive,” said Jarrott Patteson, Truist’s Market President. “We’re proud to work alongside Tamela and David Mann and our community partners to bring together financial education, meaningful conversations and resources that can make a difference for students and families across Hampton Roads.”
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Gospel Night with Tamela & David Mann, in partnership with CNU’s Ferguson Center for the Arts and Truist Charitable Fund, will be presented November 14, 2026, at 7:30PM at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606. The concert will be conducted by Donald Lee III and feature Earl Bynum and the Mount Unity Choir. VIP Packages are available including premiere front row seats, an intimate Q&A, and personal photo with the Manns. Learn more at virginiasymphony.org/gospelnight
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As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational, and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be. Innovation and excellence are at the heart of the VSO’s narrative. The VSO has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia. Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and its commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and BBC Worldwide News.
As the largest performing arts organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events annually for more than 100,000 residents and visitors. Since 2019, the VSO has been recognized nationally for striving to reflect the region’s ethnic and racial diversity in its members, programming, and leadership. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Fellowship Program for up to 4 early-career, underrepresented orchestral musicians work to advance the goal of increased diversity of orchestral musicians nationwide. This initiative is a continuation of the VSO’s commitment to creating extraordinary musical experiences with and for our entire community.
Celebrating his sixth season, Music Director Eric Jacobsen, The Macon and Joan Brock Chair, continues to expand the VSO’s vision to attract wider and larger audiences with engaging concert experiences and creative and relevant programming. Rounding out the artistic leadership team is Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta and Norfolk native Thomas Wilkins in the role of Principal Guest Conductor, reflecting the VSO’s commitment to tell its community’s stories and advance the important conversations that will promote understanding and belonging among all residents.
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Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts has established itself as the premier performing arts center in Southeastern Virginia. Since opening in 2004, this acoustically superb, world-class venue designed by renowned architects I.M. Pei and Henry Cobb has welcomed nearly 3 million patrons. As a university-based community center, the Ferguson Center presents an eclectic mix of popular and traditional arts—from big Broadway hits and classical symphonies to legendary musicians. The complex features the 1,700-seat Diamonstein Concert Hall, the 500-seat Peebles Theatre, and the 250-seat Studio Theatre. Its ongoing mission is to entertain, inspire, and educate the community by providing access to the finest artists in the world.
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The Truist Charitable Fund (“TCF”) is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. TCF invests in a wide variety of local community organizations through grants that support communities driving growth across seven program areas. TCF is a corporate donor-advised fund owned and administered by Foundation for the Carolinas and advised by Truist Foundation, Inc. To learn more about our philanthropic giving, visit TruistFoundation.org.
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Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist has leading market share in many of the high-growth markets in the U.S. and offers a wide range of products and services through wholesale and consumer businesses, including consumer and small business banking, commercial and corporate banking, investment banking and capital markets, wealth management, payments, and specialized lending businesses. Truist is a top-10 commercial bank with total assets of $554 billion as of Sept. 30, 2026. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at Truist.com.
