Leading with Integrity.
​Creating Purpose from​ Passion.
Inspiring from Within.

About Galatea

We bring like-minded, high-caliber musicians to the Hampton Roads area to share the gift of chamber music. Performing concerts and sharing the gift of chamber music is only the surface of the depth created through Galatea. With a passion to spread light in our community, we have created programs that benefit young musicians, seniors, children, hospice patients, and others who can benefit from the genuine and therapeutic nature of chamber music.

​Our Mentors share what it means to be a musician with our next generation through private lessons and coaching. Our Artists perform for private events, house concerts, company parties, charity events, and weddings.

The meaning behind Galatea

The name Galatea holds many meanings, but is notably the name of one of Neptune’s moons with quite an eccentric orbit. Neptune is known as the planet of inspiration and compassion, embodying the ideals and dreams of Galatea Chamber Music. The name Galatea is also a tribute to our King Neptune statue located here in Virginia Beach, that stands true as a symbol of love and respect for the abundance of natural beauty in our area. The ocean has inspired the founder, Dr. Johnathan Spence, since he moved here in the summer of 1998, the same year he discovered the magic of the violin. To show his gratitude and love for the Hampton Roads area, he has chosen to share Galatea Chamber Music all over the world, with Virginia Beach, Virginia as its home.

Chamber music concerts

Galatea performs concerts each season in the Hampton Roads area focused on curating an intentional experience for our audience. Through our eclectic and classical repertoire, we strive to bring a new perspective to each individual to create a more enlightened community. Our dedicated musicians find inspiration in connecting with their community members and bringing the best of themselves to every performance.
We invite you to join us for one or all of our invigorating live events!

If you feel drawn to our mission, please consider supporting Galatea Chamber Music to help us continue our programming.

Founder and Artistic Director
Dr. Johnathan Spence

“When I was 10 years old, right after my father had passed, I found his violin under his bed. The feeling I experienced can be described only as a divine calling. From then on, I knew that the only path to walk is the one where I have a violin in my hands.

My mother, Linda, a widow and mother to five children, didn’t let our family's financial struggles inhibit my chance at becoming the musician she knew I could be. Between the help of my mother, the church, and the community, I was gifted violin lessons through scholarships that allowed me to develop the skills needed to go all the way to attending university. Through this process, I gained lifelong mentors who introduced me to what chamber music truly is, which ignited my vision for creating Galatea Chamber Music.

​After moving back to Virginia Beach in 2017, I experienced the vicissitudes of life that created pillars of integrity and purpose. Setting intention through every piece, every program created, every person I come in contact with, and every note that I play, I strive to become the best version of myself and share it with the world around me. As composer George Frideric Handel once said, “I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wish to make them better.” My true passion is chamber music as well as serving my community and I am always finding ways to intertwine the two.”
“Chamber music holds the essence of life. The communication that occurs within the ensemble and with the audience is so intimate, requiring a sense of empathy that I don’t think I would have learned through anything else. Some of the most heartfelt music lies in the chamber music repertoire. Every time I have the opportunity to bring this music to life, it is truly a gift transcending through time, allowing us to experience more than pure emotion, but the art of music. The power this music holds brings the light into the world that I wish to see.”

Where it began

One afternoon at the coffee shop where they first met in Virginia Beach, the idea for Galatea Chamber Music sparked between Johnathan and Nicolette. Within a few weeks, their vision became their mission. Conversations with great friends and loyal family helped set it all in motion. Galatea was created for the purpose of sharing the gift of what chamber music truly is with the community, while simultaneously creating a space of compassion and human connection.
Johnathan and Nicolette have two sons: Elliott Jay (2) and baby Leo Lucian. Johnathan is passionate about performing chamber music, serving his community, health and nutrition, swimming in the ocean, and time with his family. Nicolette helps manage Galatea and uses her creativity to assist with design and writing. She is also a current student of the International Human Design School and enjoys cooking, reading, and creating art. Together their synergy creates the inspiration, passion, and integrity behind Galatea.

We would love to connect with you!