American Crossroads: The Sound of America

Photography by: Joey Wharton Photography

Naima Burrs, D.M.A., is a violinist and conductor from Richmond, VA, whose artistry is driven by a vibrant energy and a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of diverse composers — past, present, and emerging. Known for her insightful interpretations and dynamic presence on the podium, Burrs brings underrepresented works to life, creating performances that resonate with both musicians and audiences alike.

She was selected to participate in the Conducting Academy of the Domaine Forget International Music Festival in Québec, Canada, where she studied under the renowned Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Throughout her career, Burrs has collaborated with an impressive roster of soloists, including pianist Joanne Kong, clarinetist LeTriel White, violinist Anyango Yarbo-Davenport, and cellist Christoph Wagner.

In 2022, Burrs was appointed Music Director of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, where she led the ensemble through two vibrant seasons. In 2023, Burrs made her guest conducting debut with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. That same year, she was named Youth Concert Conductor with the National Philharmonic Orchestra, as part of their educational series at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD — an opportunity that allows her to inspire and connect with thousands of young listeners.

Burrs made her debut with the Richmond Ballet, leading the Richmond Symphony in multiple performances of the beloved annual production of The Nutcracker. The 2024-2025 season featured many exciting moments as Burrs stepped onto the podium with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and the National Philharmonic for main-stage performances.

Most recently, Naima was among 36 conductors invited to participate in the final round of the Antal Dorati International Conducting Competition, which took place in Budapest, Hungary (October, 2025)

Beyond her professional engagements, Burrs is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She is frequently invited as a guest clinician for regional and all-state youth orchestras across the country, where she brings a spirit of encouragement and collaboration to young musicians, helping them discover their collective voice while exploring diverse, meaningful repertoire.

As a violinist, Burrs remains an active performer. She has played with ensembles including the Richmond Symphony, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra, and Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra. She has also served as principal second violin with Opera on the James and concertmaster of Summer Garden Opera.

Currently, Burrs serves as the Director of Orchestral Activities at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA, continuing her mission to inspire and uplift both her students and the broader musical community. She is also on faculty at the University of Richmond, serving as conductor of the University of Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Her academic path reflects her diverse musical passions, holding degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.A. in Music), the University of Northern Iowa (M.M. in Violin Performance), and the Catholic University of America (D.M.A. in Instrumental Conducting).

Aisha de Haas is a versatile Broadway and jazz artist with the ability to sing in a variety of vocal styles.  Most recently, Aisha toured North America as Medda Larkin in the 1st National Tour of Disney’s Newsies and was featured in the “live-capture” movie of Newsies.  Graduating from Columbia College Chicago, where she was mentored by Sheldon Patinkin, Aisha’s professional career began with Little Shop of Horrors at the Royal George Theater, Four Saints In Three Acts with Chicago Opera Theater and several productions at The Goodman Theater. She returned to New York, where she was cast in her first Broadway show, Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk with Savion Glover.  This was immediately followed by the Tony Award Winning production of RENT and Caroline, Or Change.

Off-Broadway, Ms. de Haas was seen in Nora Ephron’s Love, Loss And What I Wore and Stephen Sondheim’s Road Show. Her television appearances include Shades of Blue, Blue Bloods, Law & Order and The Today Show.  Her movie roles include Across The Universe, RENT, The Secret Lives Of Dentists and Marci X. Aisha’s voice has been heard on commercial jingles for Chef Boyardee, McDonald’s, The Lottery and Cover Girl and several recordings including Dreamgirls In Concert, Caroline, Or Change, Chicago (the Motion Picture), Road Show and PopJazz.

A frequent soloist with symphony orchestras, Aisha played “Bloody Mary” in a concert version of South Pacific with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and has performed with such artists as Oleta Adams, Patti Austin, Smokey Robinson and Michael McDonald.  Aisha has also been seen as a soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, Colorado Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, Grand Rapids Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, Anchorage Symphony, Youngstown Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, Allentown Symphony, Gulf Coast Symphony, Heartland Festival Orchestra, Ocean City Pops, and others.

Aisha’s own show, Jazzer at Heart, is a tribute to the music she grew up with, the music her parents loved and played – The Great American Songbook. She has also performed at jazz clubs and festivals around the country.