Doorbusters

Richmond Symphony cellist Jason McComb and University of Richmond-based pianist Joanne Kong were the box-office champions in the first Summer at CenterStage series.

Defying concerns that classical music might be a poor summertime draw at a downtown venue, the eight-program series played to mostly capacity crowds in Richmond CenterStage’s Gottwald Playhouse.

For drawing the fullest house on July 31, McComb and Kong were awarded busts of Johannes Brahms, whose sonatas were featured this summer.

A second summer season is planned for 2015. Organizers – the Richmond Symphony, University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University music departments and CenterStage – are contemplating programs of French chamber music.