WV Symphony announces 2019 Vaughan Fellow

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (1/25/19) – Ethan Hupp from Ravenswood was named the 2019 Student Symphonic Fellow for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s (WVSO) Andrew and Amy Vaughan Fellowship Program. He was chosen after an audition and interview process held on January 11 at the Clay Center.

Hupp, a junior, plays the French horn at Ravenswood High School and was also named the 2018 WVSO Dunphy Scholar. In addition to that honor, Hupp has been a member of the WV All-State Band, All-State Honor Choir, and All-State Chamber Choir.

The committee awarded honorable mentions to Ashley Elswick, a senior clarinetist from Riverside High School and Johni Alexander, a senior flutist from Buffalo High School. Elswick was a multi-year participant in All-County and All-State bands while at Riverside High School; Alexander is a member of Buffalo High School Concert and Marching bands and served as field commander this year.

Hupp will build upon his knowledge and mastery of music by sitting on stage alongside WVSO musicians during rehearsals. He will also meet renowned guest artists during the second half of the Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series and City National Ban Casual Classics Series and will conduct personal research about the music the WVSO performs.

Sponsored by Dr. Andrew and Amy Vaughan, this fellowship program began in 2002 to develop and encourage West Virginia high-school students to pursue careers as professional musicians, educators, composers or conductors. 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 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 '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 SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (11/28/18) –  The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) presents a new spin on its classic holiday concert with Sounds of the Season on December 8 & 9.  

Guest Conductor Michelle Merrill returns to West Virginia to lead the orchestra and choruses through a variety of classic and new holiday tunes. Sharing the stage will be special guest artists, the Melodica Men: two young musicians bringing songs to life with their Melodica duets.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to Charleston this December for a brand new ‘Sounds of the Season’!” said Merrill. “You'll hear old favorites, new classics, and there is sure to be lots of joy and cheer throughout the entire performance. I also can't wait to collaborate with my good friends the Melodica Men for an extra special dose of Holiday Spirit.”

The concert will feature the state’s orchestra performing family friendly holiday classics accompanied by several local choruses: WV Symphony Chorus, WV Symphony Chorus of Parkersburg, and the West Virginia State University Chorus.

Tickets for the Clay Center concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, start at $17 and are available at wvsymphony.org or by calling 304.561.3570. The ZMM Architects and Engineers Pops Series concert at the Clay Center is made possible by the generous support of our concert sponsors the WV Lottery, N3, Suddenlink by Altice, and The Underprivileged Children Foundation.

Tickets for the Parkersburg concert, which begins at 3 p.m. at Blennerhassett School on Dec. 9 are $22 for adults or $10 for students, and are available at wvsop.org or by calling 304.485.4200. The Parkersburg concert is brought to you in part by WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and Napolis.

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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