The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra performs with returning guest artist Christopher O’Riley on Friday, March 10th in the Capitol Theatre, 1015 Main Street, Wheeling at 7:30 p.m. in a concert “Inspired by Dance.” Mr. O’Riley will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto, No. 2 (“Rach 2”) under the baton of WSO music director and conductor Andre Raphel.
“The March program featuring French and Russian works will be thrilling for the audience,” Raphel said about the concert. “Ravel’s La Valse is unique as a glorification of the Viennese Waltz, and his ever-popular Bolero is one of the great works that focuses on instrumental timbres. Stravinsky’s Scherzo a la Russe makes a fun opener and it will be great to welcome back Christopher O’Riley to play Rachmaninoff’s gorgeous Piano Concerto No. 2” Raphel added.
“Rach 2” is one of the most enduringly popular pieces in the piano repertoire. Opening with a series of dramatic chords that intensify and climax in the introduction of the main theme. Virtuoso O’Riley will make the piano dance with the WSO in this exciting romantic piece.
Mr. O’Riley has performed as a soloist with virtually all of the major American orchestras, including the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chicago, National, and San Francisco Symphonies to name some. He last appeared with the WSO on November 9, 2007 performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “The Emperor.”
“Inspired by Dance” is sponsored by the Wheeling Symphony Auxiliary.
“The energy of a concert is fed by great artistry. “Inspired by Dance” has it all, fantastic repertoire selected by Andre Raphel, a world renowned guest artist Christopher O’Riley and the talent of our very own Wheeling Symphony Orchestra,” Bruce Wheeler said about the concert. “I’ve been excited to have Chris return to play with the orchestra, this time in the historic Capitol Theatre. The audience is in for a real showstopper,” Wheeler added.
To make an evening out on the town, the WSO hosts a pre-concert dinner in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom beginning at 5:30 p.m. The three course buffet style dinner catered by Country Pride Restaurant features pot roast with onions and gravy, baked chicken and stuffed cabbage rolls with assorted sides and a dessert bar. Dinner is $25/person and is just steps from the concert hall.
Concert Talk, also in the Ballroom, gives patrons an opportunity to meet the guest artist and learn more about the concert repertoire. WSO Board Member Jay Frey will lead the discussion beginning at 6:30 p.m. Concert Talk is free and open to the public.
Immediately following the performance, the WSO Board of Directors invites concert goers to a complimentary reception back in the Ballroom. The reception is an opportunity to meet members of the orchestra, Maestro Raphel and Christopher O’Riley, a great way to cap off an evening of live music while celebrating the arts in downtown Wheeling.
For concert tickets and dinner call: 304-232-6191. See you at the Symphony!