West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces Ode to Joy on October 24 to begin the 26/27 Season

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (10/13/2026) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) begins its 2026-27 season: The Joy of Music with Music Director Maurice Cohn with Ode to Joy on Oct. 24 at the Clay Center in Charleston.

Led by Music Director Maurice Cohn, the WVSO takes the stage on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of joyful music beginning with Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. Also on the program for the evening is the world premiere of Sarah Bassingwaighte’s Svalbard Symphony.

Composed while in residency on a ship in the high Arctic and inspired by the beauty and fragility of the Svalbard archipelago, Svalbard Symphony explores the connection between nature, humanity and the changing world. Patrons in attendance will not only experience the world premiere of the Symphony but will be treated to an additional media component that helps to bring to life Bassingwaighte’s experience in the Arctic by showcasing local artist Barrie Kaufman’s art inspired by the same trip.

Closing the program is Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, featuring vocal soloists Amber Monroe, soprano, Reneé Tatum, mezzo-soprano, Matthew Pearce, tenor, and Kevin Deas, baritone. The WV Symphony Chorus and members of Hurricane Civic Chorus, WVU-Parkersburg Choir and Marshall University Chamber Choir are welcomed additions to the stage as they bring home the famous “Ode to Joy” chorus.

“This program showcases two of our most fundamental values at the West Virginia Symphony. In the second half of the program, we present one of the great classics of all music history, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and its immortal Ode to Joy,” said Music Director Maurice Cohn. “In the first half of the program, a world premiere performance features visual art by long time West Virginia artist Barrie Kaufman in a unique collaboration with the Clay Center’s Juliet Art Museum. Celebrating the classics while championing the incredible artistry of West Virginia today is what our orchestra is all about, and this concert is a perfect combination!"

 A pre-concert talk begins the evening’s concert experience at 6:30 p.m. on the Clay Center stage. The pre-concert talk is free and open to all ticket holders.

As an addition to the weekend’s events, the WVSO and the Clay Center invites the public to a special event in the Juliet Art Gallery at the Clay Center on Wednesday, October 21 from 6 – 8 pm. The evening will include guided tours by artist Barrie Kaufman, a Q&A session with Sarah Bassingwaighte, Barrie Kaufman, and Maurice Cohn, along with light refreshments and a cash bar.

The Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series concert is made possible by the generous support of the Elliot Family Foundation and Encova Insurance, with the Svalbard Media component supported by Barrie Kaufman, Ellen & Tom Beal, and a grant from Arts Amplified. Concert tickets start at $14 and are available at wvsymphony.org or by calling 304.561.3570.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently entering its 88th 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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