Wheeling Symphony Orchestra

WSO Performs World Premiere Of West Virginia Fanfare-Overture

bobwheel — Tue, 28 May 2013 18:34:28 +0000

The Wheeling Symphony will celebrate the sesquicentennial of the state of West Virginia with a June 20 concert that will include the world premiere of Forever Free, Fanfare-Overture for West Virginia by composer Kenneth Fuchs. The concert also will feature performances by three of West Virginia’s own: mandolin superstar Johnny Staats, Grammy-winning singer Kathy Mattea and America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy.

Forever Free was commissioned by the Wheeling Symphony and made possible by generous support from West Virginia Division of Culture and History, West Virginia Commission on the Arts; West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Commission; Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation; The City of Wheeling, West Virginia; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Holloway; Mr. John and Dr. Gail Looney, and Ms. Lea Ridenhour.

In addition, West Virginia’s Poet Laureate Marc Harshman will read a poem commissioned for the state’s Sesquicentennial celebration by the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation at the June 20th concert. The Honorable Jeffrey Kessler will narrate the Lincon Portrait.

The concert will be the culmination of daylong activities June 20 in Wheeling, the birthplace of West Virginia. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Heritage Port in downtown Wheeling. It is free and open to the public.

Wheeling Symphony Music Director André Raphel said, “To commemorate the Sesquicentennial of West Virginia, Kenneth Fuchs has written a brilliant new celebratory work entitled Forever Free. The world premiere of this work is much anticipated given Mr. Fuchs gift for melody and commission of the piece by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. We can’t wait to bring this new work to life!”

“Fuchs has composed music which captures the spirit of the citizens of West Virginia. In Forever Free, Ken deftly weaves elements of the state’s musical heritage with sections of ceremonial fanfare. It is inspiring music, apropos to the occasion and memorable in character,” Raphel said. He continued, “By creating Forever Free as a Fanfare-Overture for Orchestra, Kenneth Fuchs has added to an important area of the concert repertoire with a short celebratory opener. Since the piece will also be transcribed for symphonic band, it will make the work accessible for performance by high school and college bands throughout the state–thus ensuring that this commissioned work will have a performance life long beyond 2013.”

Of the piece, Fuchs said, “Maestro Raphel suggested that I compose a work incorporating indigenous elements of the state’s musical heritage, capturing in musical sound the robust spirit of West Virginia citizens and the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the year-long commemoration of the State’s 150th anniversary, June 20, 2013. He also suggested that the orchestral version of the work be transcribed for symphonic band, thereby making it accessible for performance by high school and college students throughout the state during the sesquicentennial year.”

In addition to Forever Free, Wheeling Symphony Executive Director Bruce Wheeler said, “The concert will be a celebration of West Virginia artists with Kathy Mattea, Landau Eugene Murphy and Johnny Staats performing their well-known hits.”

Forever Free is cast in one movement in three sections. The title is inspired by the state motto “montani semper liberi,” which literally translates to “mountaineers forever free.” The work is unified at the outset and closing by a ceremonial fanfare theme characterized by an upward-aspiring scalar figure based on state song West Virginia Hills. An arching lyrical theme accompanied by a militaristic snare drum and timpani cadence emerges from the majestic opening measures, elaborating further on characteristic melodic details of the state song. All of these elements are then deployed in various instrumental combinations, providing the basis for musical development and culminating in a buoyant fugato based on the melody of West Virginia Hills.

Forever Free was composed from December 2012 through February 2013 in Mansfield Center, Connecticut.

Said Fuchs, “I am indebted to Maestro André Raphel for his encouragement and advice during the composition of this work, and to the administrative staff of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra for organizing its sponsorship.”

Fuchs has composed music for orchestra, band, chorus, and various chamber ensembles. With Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, he created three chamber musicals, The Great Nebula in Orion, A Betrothal, and Brontosaurus, originally presented by Circle Repertory Company in New York City. His music has been performed in the United States, Europe, China, and Japan.

The Adrian Symphony Orchestra in Michigan appointed Fuchs as composer in residence for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Under music director John Thomas Dodson, the orchestra performed world premieres of five works. The works included Divinum Mysterium, a concerto composed for Paul Silverthorne, principal violist of the London Symphony Orchestra.

In 2008, the United States Air Force Academy Band (Colorado Springs) commissioned the band version of Fuchs’s United Artists. Following performances throughout the United States, the band recorded the work for its disc Windscapes, released in December 2009. Hal Leonard Corporation published the work at the same time. The work has been played by high school and college bands throughout the United States and in China.

Marin Alsop selected Fuchs as one of ten composers in residence for the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in August 2007. Alsop conducted the world premiere of the original orchestral version of United Artists, following which critic Jason Victor Serinus wrote in the American Record Guide, “The work’s dramatic, resounding chords and gloriously ringing flourishes constitute a modern fanfare of sorts.”

The London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of JoAnn Falletta, has recorded two discs of Fuchs’s music. The first, released by Naxos Records in August 2005, was nominated for two Grammy Awards. The second disc, which features music for horn, was released by Naxos in January 2008. Musicweb International stated in February 2008, “Fuchs’s distinctive voice is evident from the outset, and his flair for orchestral colours and sheer lyricism shine through.”

The highly successful disc Kenneth Fuchs: String Quartets 2, 3, 4 performed by the American String Quartet was released by Albany Records in 2001. American Record Guide stated quite simply, “String quartet recordings don’t get much better than this.”

Fuchs’s music is published by Edward B. Marks Music Company, Hal Leonard Corporation, Theodore Presser Company, and Yelton Rhodes Music and has been recorded by Albany, Cala, and Naxos Records.

Fuchs serves as Professor of Composition at the University of Connecticut. He received his bachelor of music degree in composition from the University of Miami (cum laude) and his master of music and doctor of musical arts degrees from the Juilliard School in New York City. His teachers include Milton Babbitt, David Del Tredici, David Diamond, Vincent Persichetti, Alfred Reed, and Stanley Wolfe. The University of Miami Frost School of Music named Fuchs Distinguished Alumnus for the Year 2000. Phi Mu Alpha, the national music fraternity, named Fuchs a Signature Sinfonian in 2009. The designation “recognizes alumni members who have achieved a high standard of accomplishment in their field or profession, thereby bringing honor to Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.”

Benjamin Hochman Plays Brahms, Sept. 27

bobwheel — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:09:38 +0000

Pianist Benjamin Hochman, hailed by the New York Times as “a gifted, fast-rising artist,” returns to play the crowning accomplishment of Brahms younger years, Piano Concerto No. 1.

The concert begins with Smetana’s rousing The Bartered Bride Overture and ends with the cheeful folk melodies of Dvorak’s Symphony N0. 8.

Take Your Seat For An Exciting 2013-2014 Season

bobwheel — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:10:17 +0000

The Wheeling Symphony and Music Director André Raphel invite you to Take Your Seat to the orchestra’s 2013-2014 Season, which includes seven incredible season concerts, three free outdoor events and the world premiere of a fanfare-overture to celebrate West Virginia’s sesquicentennial.

“The 2013-14 Season features great music from the traditional repertoire that represents various countries around the world,” said Music Director André Raphel. “Represented are composers’ works from Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Russia, Israel, Austria and England. Highlights of the season include a Celebration of the Verdi Bicentennial and a British Festival focusing on the music of Benjamin Britten and Sir Edward Elgar.”

He continued, “I’m very happy to welcome back dynamic soloists such as Benjamin Hochman and Tim Fain. The opening of the Pops Series is bound to be thrilling with Cirque de la Symphonie. The Pops Series also features an evening of Gershwin and the Music of ABBA. It’s a season of memorable music!”

The WSO’s 84th season, titled “Take Your Seat,” consists of four Masterworks performances and three Pops concerts to be performed at the Capitol Theatre along with the traditional free Fourth of July concert at Heritage Port and Music Under the Stars concert Sept. 1 at Oglebay Park.

In addition, the Wheeling Symphony will celebrate the sesquicentennial of the state of West Virginia with a free concert June 20 at Heritage Port that will include the world premiere of Forever Free, Fanfare-Overture for West Virginia by composer Kenneth Fuchs. The concert also will feature performances by three of West Virginia’s own: Mandolin superstar Johnny Staats, Grammy-winning singer Kathy Mattea and America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy.

The season is aptly themed Take Your Seat in conjunction with renovations to the Capitol Theatre that include new comfortable seats, fresh carpet and new stage curtains.

The season includes:

Czech Music and Hochman playing Brahms
Masterworks I
Friday, September 27, 2013 – 8 p.m.
André Raphel, conductor
Benjamin Hochman, piano

Hailed by the New York Times as “a gifted, fast-rising artist,” pianist Benjamin Hochman returns to play the crowning accomplishment of Brahms younger years, Piano Concerto No. 1. This concert begins with Smetana’s rousing overture and ends with the cheerful folk melodies of Dvorak.

Smetana: The Bartered Bride Overture

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in d minor
Benjamin Hochman, piano

Dvorak: Symphony No. 8

Cirque de la Symphonie
Pops I
Friday, October 11, 2013 – 8 p.m.
André Raphel, conductor

The amazing aerial artists, acrobats, jugglers, strongmen and clowns of Cirque de la Symphonie return with new amazing feats and breath-taking favorites, all choreographed to classical and contemporary musical gems!

Verdi Bicentennial Celebration and Ana Vidovic, Guitar Virtuoso
Masterworks II
Friday, November 8, 2013 – 8 p.m.
André Raphel, conductor
Ana Vidovic, guitar

The orchestra celebrates the Verdi Bicentennial with opera overtures including the much-loved La Traviata. Classical guitarist Ana Vidovic will perform the virtuosic Concerto No. 1, inspired by film music, written by one of the 20th Century’s great guitar composers. The concert finale is Tchaikovsky’s towering masterpiece, Symphony No. 6.

Verdi: Nabucco Overture

Verdi: La Traviata, Prelude to Act 1

Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Concerto No. 1 for Guitar in D Major
Ana Vidovic, guitar

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique)

Rhapsody ’n Brew
Pops II
Friday, February 21, 2014 – 8 p.m.
Daniel Meyer, guest conductor

A night of Gershwin featuring Wheeling native and rising star Nathan Strasser, piano, and vocals by resident artists of the Pittsburgh Opera! Rhapsody in Blue. An American in Paris. Summertime and more!

Join us for a pre-concert beer tasting!

Vivaldi’s Seasons and Classical Gems
Wheeling’s Finest
Masterworks III

Friday, March 14, 2014 8 p.m.
André Raphel, conductor
Rachel Stegeman, Violin
John Winkler, Trumpet

Wheeling Symphony soloists highlight this program with concertmaster, Rachel Stegeman in virtuosic performance of Vivaldi’s Winter and John Winkler, principal trumpet, playing Haydn’s masterpiece for trumpet. The concert begins with the deeply moving Prayer for the Innocents and ends with Mozart’s Linz Symphony, one of his best, written in only four days!

Avner Dorman: Prayer for the Innocents (String Orchestra version)

Vivaldi: Winter (L’inverno) from The Four Seasons
Rachel Stegeman, violin

Haydn: Concerto for Trumpet
John Winkler, trumpet

Mozart: Symphony No. 36 (Linz)

Dancing Queen
The Music of ABBA
Pops III

Friday, April 25, 2014 – 8 p.m.
André Raphel, conductor

The iconic hits of the Swedish pop sensations of the 1970s with vocals by Katalin Kiss, Andrea Koziol, Stephanie Martin and Lis Soderberg of Jeans ‘n Classics. Dancing Queen. Mamma Mia. Take a Chance on Me and so many, many more! The infectious, fun, sensational Music of ABBA!

Festival of English Music and Tim Fain Playing Prokofiev
Masterworks IV
Friday, May 16, 2014 8 p.m.

André Raphel, conductor
Tim Fain, violin

Charismatic violinist Tim Fain, heard on the soundtrack of Black Swan, performs the demanding Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2. Our Festival of English music features the melodic, inspiring and well-known Enigma Variations in addition to lovely music by Britten and Delius.

Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes

Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2
Tim Fain, violin

Delius/arr. Beecham: Summer Evening

Elgar: Enigma Variations

Also, the WSO will present its annual Young People’s Concerts during the 2013-2014 Season, whereby thousands of area students experience their own memorable trip to the symphony.

Wheeling Symphony concerts are presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.

For more information on the WSO’s 2013-2014 Season or to subscribe, call 1.304.232.6191.

College Concert Series 2012-2013

laurie — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:11:24 +0000

Wheeling Jesuit University and Wheeling Symphony Partner on College Concert Series

Series returns to expose Ohio Valley area students to renowned classical music performances.

WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and Wheeling Jesuit University are partnering for the second consecutive year to allow Ohio Valley college students to attend symphonic performances at no cost.

The College Concert Series is highlighted by classical masterworks and contemporary pops performances led by nationally renowned conductor, Maestro André Raphel. The 2012/13 series consists of four separate performances, and will feature the works of Bruch, Rossini, Mozart, The Police and Michael Jackson.

The College Concert series will also highlight performances by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists such as Violinist Martin Chalifour of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Soprano Ilana Davidson, Neil Donell, and Gavin Hope.

Maestro Raphel, the creator of the College Concert Series, considers the program of events an exciting addition to Wheeling’s cultural landscape.

”The College Series represents a unique opportunity for the university community to experience live orchestral music. Through the generous support of Wheeling Jesuit University, I’m happy this concert series will continue for the colleges in this region. This initiative creates musical connections that bring a new level of excitement to the Arts in Wheeling and invigorate the Symphony audience.”

Wheeling Jesuit President Rick Beyer says the College Concert Series plays an important role in the University’s strategic goals.

“Our institution is in a period of growth, and the College Concert Series is a reflection of our commitment to the City of Wheeling and the community we call home.” Said Beyer.

“Music has played a central role in Jesuit education for over 450 years. Our commitment to the fine and performing arts is consistent with our strategic plan and Jesuit history. We also believe in the Wheeling Symphony and their commitment to excellence.” Beyer added.

Tickets to the 2012/13 College Concert Series will be available at no cost to students of:

Belmont College

Bethany College

Eastern Gateway Community College

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Ohio University Eastern

Washington & Jefferson College

West Liberty University

West Virginia Business College

West Virginia Northern Community College

West Virginia University

Wheeling Jesuit University

Faculty of these institutions will be able to purchase Half Price tickets. To receive their concert tickets, students and faculty may bring their college identification card to the Capitol Theatre Box Office the night of the performance or call the Wheeling Symphony Box Office at 304-232-6191.

The announcement of this partnership was made today in Wheeling Jesuit University’s Discovery Center, and featured a performance by the Wheeling Symphony Percussion Trio.

The 2012/13 College Concert Series Schedule:

Nov 15, 2012: Brass Fanfares, Folk Music and Martin Chalifour performing Bruch

Feb 14, 2013: The Music of Sting and the Police

March 8, 2013: Rossini, Higdon, Respighi and Ilana Davidson singing Mozart

April 26, 2013: The Music of Michael Jackson

For tickets and more information on the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra visit: http://wheelingsymphony.com/

For more information on Wheeling Jesuit University visit: http://wju.edu/

2012/13 College Concert Series Program:

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Brass Fanfares, Folk Music and Martin Chalifour performing Bruch

André Raphel: Conductor

Martin Chalifour: Violin

Higdon: Tenfold

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5

Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1

Martin Chalifour, violin

Bartok: The Miraculous Mandarin Suite

Martin Chalifour, Principal Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, performs the lyrical beauty of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 – a true showpiece for the master violinist! This concert begins with the rousing Tenfold by Higdon and ends with the fiery Bartok!

Thursday, February 14, 2013 (Valentine’s Day)

The Music of Sting and the Police

Neil Donell: Lead Vocals

A Valentine’s Day date with the music of Sting and the Police! Every Breath You Take. Fields of Gold. Roxanne. These are just a few of the many hits made popular by these British sensations. This concert features Neil Donell on lead vocals. Often referred to as “the most recorded voice” in Canada, Donell has lent his extraordinary vocal range to the albums of many other artists, including Anne Murray, Triumph, and Rush to name a few.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Rossini, Higdon, Respighi and Ilana Davidson singing Mozart

André Raphel: Conductor

Ilana Davidson: Soprano

Rossini: Il Signor Bruschino

Higdon: Concerto for Orchestra

Mozart: Exsultate, jubilate KV 165, Ilana Davidson, soprano

Respighi: Pini di Roma

The orchestra celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Pulitzer-Prize winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s birth, with her dynamic Concerto for Orchestra. American soprano Ilana Davidson brings a crystalline soprano, assured musicality and interpretive insight to Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate. The Pines of Rome features off-stage brass and a large orchestra as a finale to this concert.

Friday, April 26, 2013

The Music of Michael Jackson

André Raphel, conductor

Gavin Hope, lead vocals

The music of the King of Pops from the earliest Jackson 5 to his mega-selling solo years! Billie Jean. Thriller. Bad. Man in the Mirror. This concert features vocals by Gavin Hope who has shared the stage with Shania Twain, Natalie Cole, James Brown and Aretha Franklin.

Music Under the Stars, Sept. 2-3

bobwheel — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:15:08 +0000

Tonight’s (Sept. 2) Music Under the Stars, the annual free outdoor concert, has been moved due to rain to the Capitol Theatre. The concert with trumpeter Rodney Mack begins at 7:30 p.m. Janet Sparks’ Suzuki violin students perform at 6:20 p.m. The free concert also will be performed at Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park in Morgantown Monday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m.

The Wheeling concert is sponsored by:

Progressive Bank

Riesbeck Food Markets

Northwood

Center for Arts & Education at West Liberty University

Casey Chapman & Mushet

American Federation of Musicians

WTRF

Oglebay Park

Celebrating America July Tour

bobwheel — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 14:22:17 +0000

Dazzling West Virginia bluegrass and Americana mandolin player Johnny Staats joins Conductor André Raphel and the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra in three days of free July orchestras to celebrate America!

The Celebrating America tour starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 1, at beautiful Canaan Valley State Park in Davis, and continues at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, at the Weirton Events Center.

The tour finale starts at 7:30 p.m. on July 4th at Wheeling Heritage Port, and 12th and Water streets, with some terrific fireworks to follow.

Don’t miss it!

Sponsored by: The City of Wheeling, Ohio Valley Health Services & Education Corp., The Center for Arts and Education at West Liberty University, Project BEST,
Riesbeck’s Food Markets, Inc., Ohio County Commission, Musicians Performance Trust Fund, Ohio County Schools and WTRF.

Come As You Are, Leave Differently:Announcing Our 2012-2013 Season

bobwheel — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:08:22 +0000

Maestro André Raphel and the Wheeling Symphony announce the orchestra’s 2012-2013 Season which will soar with memorable works, extraordinary soloists, pieces by today’s leading classical composers, and the timeless towering music of rock legends and the King of Pop.

“The 12-13 Season focuses on works that speak to the soul, music that resonates with visceral excitement,” said Maestro Raphel. “From Respighi’s exhilarating Pines of Rome to Shostakovich’s gripping Symphony No. 10, the concerts offer works by 20th Century originals combined with leading composers of our time.”

Raphel continued, “Extraordinary soloists return such as Orli Shaham and Stewart Goodyear playing works by Gershwin and Tchaikovsky, respectively. Martin Chalifour, concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, makes his debut, as well as Ilana Davidson, singing Mozart. It’s a distinctive season of repertoire and artists.”

The WSO’s 83rd season, titled “Come As You Are, Leave Differently,” consists of four Masterworks performances and three Pops concerts to be performed at the Capitol Theatre along with the traditional free Fourth of July concert at Heritage Port and Music Under the Stars concert at Oglebay Park.

WSO Executive Director Bruce Wheeler explained the connection between music and emotion as reflected in the season theme. “The magic of an orchestral performance does not only happen on stage with the musicians, but allows the audience to experience that magic to elevate their emotions as reflected in our season title ‘Come as you Are, Leave Differently’,” Wheeler said.

Pulitzer Prize- and Grammy Award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon will be featured during the 2012-2013 Season. Higdon will be in Wheeling for a Composer Residency in March, and her music will be played throughout the season.

Another highlight will be the celebration of the Sesquicentennial of West Virginia statehood. To mark this historic milestone, the Wheeling Symphony is commissioning composer Kenneth Fuchs to write a fanfare for orchestra. As part of the June 20, 2013 commemoration, Fuchs’ work also will be arranged for band.

In addition to the classical repertoire, the new season will rock and pop with the music of the iconic band, The Eagles; the beat and the ballad of music of Sting and The Police, and the record-shattering genius of the music of Michael Jackson.

The season includes:

Friday, Sept.28, 2012
Music of The Eagles
André Raphel, conductor
Michael Shotton, lead vocals

Your Wheeling Symphony Orchestra soars on wings of The Eagles. Vocalist Michael Shotton, whose incredible vocal range wowed the WSO audience with the music of Led Zeppelin in 2010-2011, returns to Take It to the Limit performing The Eagles’ top hits with orchestra! Desperado. Hotel California. Take It Easy. One of These Nights and much more!

Sponsored by WesBanco

Friday, October 19, 2012
Ravel, Franck, and Orli Shaham playing Gershwin
André Raphel, conductor
Orli Shaham, piano

Ravel: Alborada del Gracioso
Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F – Orli Shaham, piano
Franck: Symphony in d minor

A consummate musician recognized for her grace, subtlety and vitality, Orli Shaham performs this jazz concerto that was featured in the movie classic An American in Paris. Hailed by critics on four continents, Ms. Shaham is in demand for her prodigious skills and admired for her interpretations of both standard and modern repertoire.

Sponsored by McKinley & Associates

Thursday, November 15, 2012
Brass Fanfares, Folk Music and Martin Chalifour performing Bruch
André Raphel, conductor
Martin Chalifour, violin

Higdon: Tenfold
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 5
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 – Martin Chalifour, violin
Bartok: The Miraculous Mandarin Suite

Sponsored by Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation

Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Music of Sting and the Police
Valentine’s Day
Neil Donell, lead vocals

A Valentine’s Day date with the music of Sting and the Police! Every Breath You Take. Fields of Gold. Roxanne. These are just a few of the many hits made popular by these British sensations. This concert features Neil Donell on lead vocals. Often referred to as “the most recorded voice” in Canada, Donell has lent his extraordinary vocal range to the albums of many other artists, including Anne Murray, Triumph, and Rush to name a few.

Friday, March 8, 2013
Rossini, Higdon, Respighi and Ilana Davidson singing Mozart
André Raphel, conductor
Ilana Davidson, soprano

Rossini: Il Signor Bruschino
Higdon: Concerto for Orchestra
Mozart: Exsultate, jubilate KV 165 – Ilana Davidson, soprano
Respighi: Pini di Roma

The orchestra celebrates the 50th anniversary of Pulitzer-Prize winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s birth, with her dynamic Concerto for Orchestra. American soprano Ilana Davidson brings a crystalline soprano, assured musicality and interpretive insight to Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate. The Pines of Rome features off-stage brass and a large orchestra as a finale to this concert.

Sponsored by Dick and Rosalie Dlesk & Family
Higdon Residency Sponsor: Judge & Mrs. Frederick Stamp, Jr.

Friday, April 26, 2013
The Music of Michael Jackson
André Raphel, conductor
Gavin Hope, lead vocals

The music of the King of Pops from the earliest Jackson 5 to his mega-selling solo years! Billie Jean. Thriller. Bad. Man in the Mirror. This concert features vocals by Gavin Hope who has shared the stage with Shania Twain, Natalie Cole, James Brown and Aretha Franklin.

Friday, May 17, 2013
All-Russian Program with Stewart Goodyear performing Tchaikovsky
André Raphel, conductor
Stewart Goodyear, piano

Mussorgsky /Rimsky-Korsakov: Prelude to Khovantchina
Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1 – Stewart Goodyear, piano
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10

A grand finale of large Russian works! Known for his elegant and exquisite technique, Stewart Goodyear gives his virtuosic performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Composed in the wake of Stalin’s death, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 concludes the season with dramatic intensity.

Sponsored by Paul T. Tucker

FREE SUMMER CONCERTS

Red, White & Blue
André Raphel, conductor
July 4, 2012
Heritage Port Amphitheatre, Wheeling WV

Music Under the Stars
André Raphel, conductor
September 2, 2012
Anne Kuchinka Amphitheatre
Oglebay Park,
Wheeling, WV

Sponsored by Progressive Bank and Reisbeck Food Markets

The WSO also will present its annual Young People’s Concerts during the 2012-2013 Season, whereby thousands of area students experience their own memorable trip to the symphony.

For more information on the WSO’s 2012-2013 Season or to subscribe, visit www.wheelingsymphony.com or call 1.304.232.6191.

Stewart Goodyear and the Russians, May 17

bobwheel — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:41:12 +0000

The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra presents an all-Russian program, featuring the elegance of pianist and composer Stewart Goodyear performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1.

Led by conductor Andre Raphel, the symphony also will perform Mussorgsky/Rimsky-Korsakov’s Prelude to Khovantchina, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10!

April 26: The Music of Michael Jackson

bobwheel — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:40:36 +0000

The music of the King of Pops from the earliest Jackson 5 to his mega-selling solo years! Billie Jean. Thriller. Bad. Man in the Mirror.

This concert features vocals by Gavin Hope, who has shared the stage with Shania Twain, Natalie Cole, James Brown and Aretha Franklin.

André Raphel, conductor

Gavin Hope, lead vocals

Rossini, Higdon, Respighi & Ilana Davidson singing Mozart

bobwheel — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:34:51 +0000

The orchestra celebrates the 50th birthday year of Pulitzer-Prize winning composer Jennifer Higdon by performing her dynamic Concerto for Orchestra.

American soprano Ilana Davidson brings a crystalline soprano, assured musicality and interpretive insight to Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate. The Pines of Rome features off-stage trumpets and a large orchestra as a finale to this concert.

André Raphel, conductor

Ilana Davidson, soprano

Rossini: Il Signor Bruschino

Higdon: Concerto for Orchestra

Mozart: Exsultate, jubilate KV 165 – Ms. Davidson

Respighi: Pini di Roma

Sponsored by Dick and Rosalie Dlesk & Family and WTOV9

This is a College Concert Series performance presented by Wheeling Jesuit University.

Higdon Residency Sponsors: West Virginia Division of Culture and History, West Virginia Commission on the Arts, Judge and Mrs. Frederick P. Stamp Jr. and Women’s Philharmonic Advocacy.

Jennifer Higdon Residency Week Events

Wednesday, March 6

9:00 10:00 am Master Class with Matt Harder’s composition students @ West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia

4:30 – 6:00 pm Master Class with John Beall’s composition students @West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia

Thursday, March 7

9:00 – 10:00 am Live webinar Q & A with high school students of Theory and /or Composition @ West Liberty University television station, West Liberty, West Virginia

11:30 – 1:00 pm Higdon, The Composer: At the Intersection of Art and the Community, Town Hall style public meeting with Composer Jennifer Higdon; Maestro André Raphel, and performance by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra percussion section @ the Capitol Theatre, Wheeling, West Virginia. Light lunch to follow. Public invited by calling 1.304.232.6191.

Friday, March 8

7:00 -7:30 pm Concert Talk with Composer, Jennifer Higdon; Maestro André Raphel; and Peter Holloway, discussion leader @ Capitol Theatre Ballroom, Wheeling, West Virginia

8:00 pm Wheeling Symphony Orchestra concert at the Capitol Theatre

Wheeling Symphony Orchestra

WSO Performs World Premiere Of West Virginia Fanfare-Overture

The Details:

Benjamin Hochman Plays Brahms, Sept. 27

The Details:

Take Your Seat For An Exciting 2013-2014 Season

College Concert Series 2012-2013

Music Under the Stars, Sept. 2-3

The Details:

Celebrating America July Tour

The Details:

Come As You Are, Leave Differently:Announcing Our 2012-2013 Season

Stewart Goodyear and the Russians, May 17

The Details:

April 26: The Music of Michael Jackson

The Details:

Rossini, Higdon, Respighi & Ilana Davidson singing Mozart

The Details: