WV Symphony presents Opening Sensation

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (9/07/22) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) kicks off its 2022-23 season and Music Director search Sept. 17 with its Opening Sensation concert at the Clay Center in Charleston.

On Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston, guest conductor and candidate for the WVSO’s next Music Director, Janna Hymes will lead the WVSO in its return to the stage for the 22-23 season. The night of music includes selections from Rossini, Bernstein, and Hindemith, curated by Hymes. Additionally, Astral Artist and cellist Alexander Hersh will perform Dvořák’s Violincello Concerto in b minor.

“As the WVSO embarks on the search for its next Music Director, we are excited to welcome Janna Hymes to Charleston,” said President Joe Tackett. “We are looking forward to jam-packed week full of community and musical events culminating in our opening night concert on Saturday.”

The Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series concert is made possible by the generous support of the Elliot Foundation and Encova Insurance. Concert-only tickets start at $13 and are available at wvsymphony.org or by calling 304.561.3570.

As part of the audition week, the community will have several chances to meet and chat with Hymes, including an event at Ellen’s Ice Cream on Monday, Sept. 12 from 4 – 6 p.m. and several open rehearsals occurring on Thursday, Sept. 15, Friday, Sept. 16, and Saturday, Sept. 17. The WVSO will also host a lunchtime lecture with Hymes on the Clay Center Stage on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Batons, Bites, and Insights. Attendees should please enter through Walker Theater and are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy throughout the talk.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 84th 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.

JANNA HYMES – SCHEDULE OF THE WEEK FOR MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
September 12 - 17

Subject to change. Please visit wvsymphony.org for updates

Monday, September 12

4 – 6 p.m. | Community Event at Ellen’s Ice Cream – Music Director candidate Janna Hymes will meet and greet community members at Ellen’s Ice Cream, 225 Capitol St., Charleston. This event is open to the public.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | West Virginia Youth Symphony Rehearsal visit – Horace Mann Middle School

8 – 8:30 p.m. | West Virginia Symphony Chorus Rehearsal visit – Christ United Methodist Church

Wednesday, September 14

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Vandalia Rotary Presentation, Embassy Suites, Charleston

Thursday, September 15

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Baton, Bites, and Insights – Clay Center stage (bring-your-lunch lecture, free & open to the public)

3 – 4 p.m. | Edgewood Summit Presentation, Edgewood Summit, Charleston

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Open House, Green Room, Clay Center

7 – 9:30 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

Friday, September 16

4 – 6:30 p.m.   | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

8 – 10:30 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

Saturday, September 17

10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

6:30 – 7 p.m. | Pre-Concert Talk – Clay Center stage

7:30 – 10 p.m. |Opening Sensation Concert – Clay Center

###