West Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents 'Pay What You Wish' for Jan. 12 concert, Something Old, Something Blue

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (1/2/2019)– The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) will perform its second “Pay What You Wish” concert, Something Old, Something Blue on Saturday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV. The public can choose the price they pay for any available seat in the hall.

The “Pay What You Wish” concept was first introduced during the Symphony’s 2014-15 season. It premiered to extreme success with many new patrons in the hall to experience the Symphony.

“We are so thrilled to be brining ‘Pay What You Wish’ back to our patrons in the New Year,” said President Joe Tackett. “It’s a wonderful way for the public to experience our beautiful program while eliminating the perceived price barrier that prevents some from exploring live, classical music.

The evening’s program will feature Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral. Higdon’s piece will be the first piece the Symphony will perform by a female composer, a truly overdue accomplishment.

In addition to blue cathedral, the Symphony, led by Music Director Lawrence Loh, will perform Brahm’s Symphony No. 2 and will showcase returning soloist, Nikki Chooi on violin during Sibelius’ Violin concerto.

Tickets for the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 12, are “Pay What You Wish” and are available at wvsymphony.org or by calling 304.561.3570. The Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series concert is made possible by the generous support of our concert sponsors BB&T WV Foundation and an anonymous gift made in honor of Martha Hays Enfinger.

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 79th 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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West Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents A Percussive Surprise

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (11/08/18) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) presents its second concert of the Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series on Saturday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Charleston and Sunday, November 18 at 3:00 p.m. in Parkersburg.

Music Director Lawrence Loh will lead the Symphony through an exciting performance of symphonic music, including Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet.

The show will feature Lisa Pegher, a much sought-after percussion soloist performing Richard Danielpour’s “The Wounded Healer”. Pegher commissioned the percussion concerto from Danielpour in 2016, which features 9 different percussion instruments: the Amplified Chimes, Tibetan Singing Bowls, the Glockenspiel, and several others.

“We are excited to welcome Lisa to Charleston,” said WVSO President Joe Tackett. “She is an amazing talent, and we are thrilled to be showcasing a percussion soloist.”

Tickets for the Clay Center concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17, start at $12 and are available at wvsymphony.org or by calling 304.561.3570. The Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series concert at the Clay Center is made possible by the generous support of our concert sponsors Thomas Health Systems, Jackson Kelly, PLLC., and Suttle & Stalnaker.

Tickets for the Parkersburg concert, which begins at 3 p.m. at Blennerhassett School on Nov. 18, are $22 for adults or $10 for students, and are available at wvsop.org or by calling 304.485.4200.

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 79th 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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West Virginia Symphony Orchestra announces Deadline to Apply for WVSO Music Fellowship is Jan. 3

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (11/14/18) – 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. 3 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 Elliot Foundation Symphonic and City National Bank Casual Classics concert series 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.

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

“We were inspired by our own musical experiences in WV schools,” said Amy Vaughan. “We wish to give back by encouraging students of today to expand their orchestral music horizons. The WVSO graciously offers us that opportunity by providing the student a unique view of a professional orchestra.”

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. 11 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.

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 79th 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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