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

About Galatea

Galatea Chamber Music is a vibrant organization dedicated to the art of chamber music. We bring exceptional musicians to the East Coast to perform and share their passion with our community. Our mission is to empower our community through the joy and and inspiration of chamber music, creating memorable performances that enrich and engage our audience. We are committed to fostering a love for chamber music through dynamic performances and innovative community outreach programs. These programs are designed to inspire and educate the younger generation and the broader community, making chamber music accessible and impactful for all. 

The meaning behind the name

The name Galatea holds many meanings and rich symbolism. Notably, it is the name of Neptune’s fourth closest inner moon, known for its eccentric orbit. Neptune, associated with inspiration and compassion, reflects the ideals and aspirations of Galatea Chamber Music. In mythology, Galatea was a beautiful sea nymph known for her personal freedom and genuine love. The name thus embodies themes of beauty, mythic depth, and emotional resonance. Additionally, it pays tribute to the King Neptune statue in Virginia Beach, which symbolizes love and respect for the area's natural beauty. The ocean has been a profound source of inspiration for founder Dr. Johnathan Spence since he moved to the region in the summer of 1998, the same year he discovered the magic of the violin.

Chamber music concerts

We are dedicated to creating a truly immersive concert experience for our audience. Through intentionally curated programs featuring diverse and classical repertoire, we aim to inspire and uplift every listener. Our passionate musicians are motivated by the opportunity to connect deeply with the community and deliver their most compelling performances.
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We invite you to join us for one or all of our engaging live events. Your support is vital to our mission. By making a donation today, you help us bring more exceptional chamber music to the East Coast and enrich our community with the magic of live performance.

Founder and Co-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, demanding 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.”

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