West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces 2018 Vaughan Fellows

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (1/31/18) – A young clarinetist from Ona and an emerging violinist from Charleston are the 2018 Student Symphonic Fellows in the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s (WVSO) Andrew and Amy Vaughan Fellowship Program.

As Vaughan fellows, Armaan Karimpour, a sophomore at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School in Huntington, and Aya Hobeika, a junior at George Washington High School in Charleston, will build upon their knowledge and mastery of classical music by sitting on stage alongside WVSO musicians during rehearsals. They will also meet renowned guest artists during the second half of the 2018 Capitol Conference Center Symphonic Series and conduct personal research about the music the WVSO performs.

The selection committee awarded an honorable mention to a third finalist, Dustin Parsons, of Cottageville, who is honing his tuba-playing skills as a senior at Ravenswood High School.

Aya, 17, is a member of the West Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra, the West Virginia All-State Symphony Orchestra, NAfME National Symphony Orchestra and the West Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra Quartet. Aya also plays soccer and is a member of Model United Nations Club and Junior Civitan Club.

Armaan, 16, is principal clarinetist for his school band, sings tenor in the school chorus and provides vocal and instrumental music for his church’s music ministry. He is co-principal clarinet for the West Virginia Youth Symphony and was 1st chair of the All-County Band for four years, 6th chair in the 2017 All State Band and principal chair for the 2018 All-State Orchestra. Armaan also play tennis and is a member of his school’s Key Club, Science Olympiad and Student Council.

Dustin, 18, is a member of Ravenswood’s wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band and Future Farmers of America.

Sponsored by Drs. Andrew and Amy Vaughan, this fellowship program started in 2002 helps to develop and encourage West Virginia high-school students to pursue careers as professional musicians, educators, composers or conductors.

Applicants audition before the selection committee, complete an application that includes an essay that explains their interest in the program as well as their professional and academic goals, and submit at least two letters of recommendations.

This monitored and time-intensive training program for serious music students remains a unique program among orchestras throughout North America.

The WVSO 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.

###

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.

###

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.

###