THE 2017 SYMPHONY GALA

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) and West Virginia Symphony League proudly announce Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History as the honorees of this year’s Symphony Gala.The Elliot Family Foundation is this year’s title sponsor, with additional sponsorship from Thomas Health System, City National Bank, and Lincoln Primary Care Center.

The theme for this special event, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3, at the Holiday Inn and Suites Charleston West in South Charleston, is “Take Me Home, West Virginia.” The Gala will celebrate the state’s vibrant arts community, with remarks by keynote speakers, including Cabinet Secretary for Education and the Arts Gayle Manchin. Manchin remarked that “it is such a pleasure to be a part of this gala event and celebration honoring Randall Reid-Smith and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Randall had toured internationally as an opera singer when then-Governor Joe Manchin recruited him to come back home; he was thrilled to have the opportunity to come back to West Virginia and to bring the West Virginia Division of Culture and History to a new level of excellence and to oversee the construction and completion of our State Museum.  No one could better exemplify the theme ‘Take Me Home, WV!’ How proud we are!!”   

WVSO Gala Chair Katherine Heinaman shared that "the West Virginia Symphony League is grateful for the contributions Randall Reid-Smith has given to the promotion of the arts in our state, like the West Virginia Symphony.  The Division of Culture and History allows everyone to enjoy and learn from our past, appreciate our present, and keep the traditions and creative spirit alive for our future. It is our pleasure to honor them both at our 2017 spring gala."

A silent auction will make available works by West Virginia artists, including David Pushkin, Barrie Kaufman, and Arthur Evans. The menu features favorite West Virginia fare and local craft beers. Tickets are $100, and can be purchased at wvsymphony.org or by calling (304)957-9876. Proceeds benefit the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s mission to enrich the region through live orchestral music experiences of the highest artistic quality, with a strong commitment to education and lifelong learning.   

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in 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.

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