SYMPHONY SUNDAY CELEBRATES 35TH YEAR ON JUNE 4 WITH FREE CONCERTS, FIREWORKS

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (05/18/17) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Symphony Sunday on June 4 by featuring some of the community’s most beloved music, food, games and artisans during this free outdoor festival.

This family-friendly event includes a full day of entertainment beginning at 1 p.m. that includes performances by West Virginia musicians and dancers, a Japanese cultural presentation, Celtic jam session, a drum circle and a symphonic concert by the state’s premier orchestra at the University of Charleston. The day caps off with a grand finale performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and a fireworks display that illuminates the West Virginia State Capitol.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community and thanking them for their support,” said WVSO President Joe Tackett.

This year’s theme is “Be Our Guest.”

While the entertainment, children’s games and craft activities are free, vendors also will sell crafts and food, including Greek, Philippine and Indian cuisine, among others; For $2, children can enjoy unlimited time on Party King inflatables.

Symphony Sunday is presented by the West Virginia Symphony League, the WVSO’s volunteer fundraising and social arm. The league kicks off the 2017 Symphony Sunday weekend at 6 p.m. Friday, June 2, with a VIP Happy Hour that includes commemorative gifts and a French wine-tasting event led by Scotty Scarberry from The Wine Shop at Capitol Market.

A Pinnacle Party sponsored by Steptoe & Johnson follows at 7:30 p.m. This special fundraiser, themed “An Evening in Paris,” will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine on the 17th floor of the Chase building, 707 Virginia St. East.

Tickets for the Pinnacle Party are $50. For an additional $25 patrons are invited to the exclusive VIP Happy Hour.

A “Be Our Guest” reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday gives patrons exclusive access to watch the performances from atop the university rotunda and patio of Riggleman Hall. Heavy hor d’oeuvres, craft beer and wine will be served. Tickets to the “Be Our Guest” reception are $50.

Tickets for both receptions and the VIP Happy Hour can be purchased by calling the WVSO at 304.957.9876, by emailing Amanda McDonald at amcdonald@wvsymphony.org or by visiting wvsymphony.org.

Symphony Sunday 2017 is made possible through support from the following friends: State of West Virginia, West Virginia Division of Culture and History, University of Charleston, Central West Virginia Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, Kanawha County Commission, City of Charleston, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, Charleston Area Medical Center, Members Choice West Virginia Federal Credit Union, West Virginia American Water Company, Fifth Third Bank, Mitch & Ann Evans, Kaminski Law Office, Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC, MacCorkle Lavender PLLC, The Wine Shop, and Ed & Carolyn Vallandingham.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, family and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently entering its 78th season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning
education program.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

1-1:45 p.m. | Kanawha Valley Community Band
1:55-2:40 p.m. | Arts in Action dance troupes
2:50-3:35 p.m. | Brass Band of the Tri-State
3:45-4:30 p.m. | Kanawha Kordsmen
4:40-5:50 p.m. | WV Youth Symphony Groups
6-6:45 p.m. | Charleston Metro Band
6:50-7:30 p.m. | Kanawha Valley Pipes and Drums
8:00 p.m. | West Virginia Symphony Orchestra featuring grand finale fireworks

CHILDREN’S COSTUME LAWN PARADE (starts at 3 p.m. at the Main Stage)

ARTISAN TENT (1 – 8 p.m.)
Performers include a Drum Circle, Megumi Homma’s Japanese cultural presentation, Plant and Gnome Celtic jam session, Brass Quintet, and more.

BOOK NOOK (1 – 6 p.m.)

FOOD VENDORS (1 – 9:30 p.m.)
Billy Bob’s Funnel Cakes - Funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and fried pickles
Bridge Road Bistro
Carver Career Center
Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream
Gino’s Pizza
MaryRose’s Spicy Bowl – Indian cuisine
Nona’s Wood Fired Pizza
Philippine cuisine
St. George’s Orthodox Church – Greek cuisine
West Virginia Symphony League: Popcorn, hot dogs, roasted corn

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