West Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents Video Games Live!

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (1/9/18) –  With the explosive energy of a rock concert, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform live video-game music against a backdrop of video footage, synchronized lighting, live action and more on Jan. 20 at the Clay Center for Arts and Sciences of WV in Charleston.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show start at $35.

Created by American composer Tommy Tallarico, Video Games Live (VGL) is a multimedia concert that introduces families, video game enthusiasts and non-gamer to the symphonic experience with exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, well-known Internet solo performers, electronic percussion, live action and interactive segments.

The concert, which The New York Times calls a “captivating, proudly bombastic show,” spotlights the music that enhances the most gripping video game moments—rescuing the princess, winning the boss fight, saving the galaxy from aliens or defeating the undead—with performances from recent blockbusters and iconic classics.

Sponsored by the BB&T WV Foundation and the WV Lottery, this special concert includes a Pre-Show Festival and Post Show Meet-n-Greet for all ticketholders. The pre-concert event begins at 6 p.m. and includes a Guitar Hero competition, VGL costume contest and prize give-a-ways.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 304-561-3570 or visit wvsymphony.org.

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 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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WVSO Music Director Lawrence Loh Invites WV Vocalists to Jan. 17 Auditions

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (12/19/17) –West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) Music Director Lawrence Loh invites West Virginia vocalists to showcase their talent during auditions set for Jan. 17 in Charleston.

“My goal is to get a better sense of the incredible talent available in West Virginia that I’ve been hearing so much about,” Loh said. “Knowing what’s available locally will be a tremendous help as we plan future programming for the orchestra that involves two of my biggest passions – symphonic and choral music. I think some of the greatest music combines orchestral music with voice, and we hope to share some of that wonderful music with future audiences across the state.”

Loh, who was named music director in May, earned a master’s degree in choral conducting from Indiana University and met his wife, Jennifer, while conducting the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and she was singing in the Colorado Symphony Chorus.

Loh and West Virginia Symphony Chorus Director David Castleberry have been discussing ways to include more choral music in the WVSO’s 2018-2019 Capitol Conference Center Symphonic Series and to add new voices to the symphony choir. Both are interested in hearing from basses, tenors, altos and sopranos singing all types and styles of music.

Vocalists should prepare two contrasting pieces that highlight their range and talent to perform during the audition. Singers should bring sheet music of their selections in their preferred key. The WVSO will provide an accompanist, however the accompanist will not transpose or improvise. Vocalists may bring their own accompanist.

Auditions will be held between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 at Cavendish Hall, 207 52nd St. SE, Charleston (Kanawha City). To schedule an audition time, call Betty King at 304.957.9878. The deadline is Jan. 12.

The WVSO 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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Deadline to Apply for WVSO Music Fellowship Is Jan. 5

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (11/21/17) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra invites high school instrumental music students to apply for the Andrew and Amy Vaughan Student Symphonic Fellowship, a monitored and time-intensive training program for serious music students. 

Jan. 5 is the deadline to apply for this program that focuses on developing and encouraging West Virginia students interested in pursuing careers as professional musicians, educators, composers or conductors.

Selected fellows will sit alongside WVSO musicians in rehearsals for the second half of the Capitol Conference Center Symphonic Series concert season and will conduct personal research about the music being performed. Fellows also will meet and interact with guest artists, guest conductors and Music Director Lawrence Loh. Other fellowship activities are tailored to the winning candidates based on their interests and ability. The program takes place primarily outside school hours. 

Candidates should be serious instrumental music students in grades 9-12. Applications will be accepted for students playing the following instruments: harp, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, pitched and unpitched percussion, and piano. 

From the application round, finalists will be invited to the Jan. 18 two-part interview/audition round. Students are encouraged to perform one or more movements from the standard concerto repertoire for solo instrument and orchestra. Pianists are encouraged to perform a sonata movement from the standard piano repertoire.

Applications are available at wvsymphony.org/Education/Vaughan Fellowship. The program is underwritten by a generous donation from Dr. Andrew and Amy Vaughan. 

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 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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