Charlottesville City Schools families are invited to witness Pictures at an Exhibition through the music of an acclaimed pianist as well as the eyes of local fourth graders. 

“The Pictures Project,” a free community concert on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7pm at the MLK Performing Arts Center (1400 Melbourne Road), features renowned pianist Andrew Armstrong and projections of student artwork inspired by the beloved composition by Modest Mussorgsky. (Mussorgsky wrote Pictures at an Exhibition in response to an exhibit of artwork by the painter Viktor Hartmann.)

The concert, which is free and open to the public, is a partnership between Charlottesville City Schools and the Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival. 

“The event will celebrate CCS students’ creativity and the enduring connection between music and visual art,” said Aaron Eichorst, CCS Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts. 

At the beginning of this school year, Armstrong performed Pictures at an Exhibition for all CCS 4th grade students. The students then returned to their schools and, guided by CCS art and music teachers, created original works of art based on the music. Their art will appear in projections during the music performance as well as in the hall of the MLK Performing Arts Center. 

In addition to Pictures at an Exhibition, the free community concert also will feature additional music performed by both Armstrong and pianist John Novacek.

Prior to the free community concert on March 25, Armstrong will perform for all 4th grade CCS students at 10am that day.