Officials from the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and Wheeling Jesuit University today announced the College Concert Series, which is now in its sixth season.
The College Concert Series, conceived by Maestro Andre Raphel, provides tickets at no cost to four Wheeling Symphony concerts for college students throughout the Ohio Valley, thanks to Wheeling Jesuit University’s sponsorship of the series. Additionally, the faculty and staff of these schools receive 50 percent off tickets.
“The College Series was originally conceived of as an audience development initiative,” Raphel said. “The goal is to eliminate the barriers, specifically financial, that surround attending concerts and create a unique social experience for students.”
“Wheeling Jesuit University is proud to sponsor the Wheeling Symphony’s College Concert Series. Five years ago, we began this strong community partnership because we believe that participating in the arts is key for fostering creativity in education. Our students greatly benefit from the opportunity to engage with musicians’ talent, inventiveness, and imagination,” WJU President, the Rev. James Fleming, S.J., said.
The colleges and universities which are part of the 2015-16 College Series are the following: Belmont College, Bethany College, Eastern Gateway Community College, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio University Eastern, Washington & Jefferson College, West Liberty University, West Virginia Business College, West Virginia Northern Community College, West Virginia University, and Wheeling Jesuit University.
Concerts in the series include:
• Masterworks II, Nov. 6: Stravinsky’s Firebird, Sibelius’ 150th, and guest violinist Frank Almond plays Mendelssohn
• Masterworks III, March 11: Schumann’s Rhenish, and guest pianist Angela Cheng plays Beethoven
• Pops II, Feb. 12: Spectrum: A Tribute to Motown and R&B
• Pops III, April 22: Time for Three: violinists Zachary De Pue and Nicholas Kendall; and bassist Ranaan Meyer
“This series of concerts aims to make orchestral music more accessible. Only by continuing to educate and create new opportunities for experience, can we hope to develop in the next generation an appreciation of the arts. It’s my hope that through this program many students and faculty will experience the orchestra and the wide spectrum of music it plays for the first time,” Raphel said.
“As a West Liberty alumni who participated in the Wheeling Symphony College Concert Series, I had the benefit of seeing free live orchestral performances throughout my college experience,” Lauren Baker, customer relations manager and education coordinator for the Wheeling Symphony, said. “I am excited to work directly with the local universities and colleges to broaden our outreach and make sure everyone knows about this tremendous opportunity so generously given by Wheeling Jesuit University.
“This year’s series features everything from Beethoven to the Beatles, demonstrating the range of musical offerings presented by our very own Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Some of our students have indicated they’ve never been exposed to live orchestral music, and their enthusiasm is contagious! Seeing their interest in orchestral concerts bloom is why this unique program is so rewarding.”
Students, faculty and staff need only to present their college/university ID at the Capitol Theatre Box Office the night of the performance to receive their tickets.
For more information, call the Wheeling Symphony Box Office at 304-232-6191. Groups of students are welcome.