Internationally Renowned Pianist Returns to Wheeling Symphony Orchestra For Evening of Celebrated French and Russian Composers
Wheeling Symphony Orchestra announces the next concert of the 2017-2018 season, Russian Masterpieces, conducted by Music Director André Raphel, featuring guest artist Stewart Goodyear. The performance will be held Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 7:30 pm at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, WV.
The program will begin with Hector Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture. Next, Stewart Goodyear will join the WSO performing Prokofiev’s inventive and witty Piano Concerto No. 3. Mr. Goodyear has been declared “a phenomenon” (Los Angeles Times) and “one of the best pianists of his generation” (Philadelphia Inquirer).
“French and Russian works are the focal point of the evening,” says Music Director André Raphel.” “From a programmatic perspective, the idea of featuring overtures to begin and end the season which have in part the title “Carnival Overture” was an intriguing concept. As composers, Berlioz and Prokofiev liked to push performers to their technical limits and the works on this concert are colorful, rhythmically propulsive and challenging. It will be especially meaningful to collaborate with Stewart Goodyear on Prokofiev’s 3rd Piano Concerto as it will be orchestra’s third collaboration with him on a major Russian concerto.”
Stewart Goodyear was last seen with Wheeling Symphony Orchestra in May 2013, performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. A native of Canada, Mr. Goodyear began his training at The Royal Conservatory in Toronto, received his bachelor’s degree from Curtis Institute of Music, and completed his master’s degree at The Juilliard School. Known as an improviser and composer, he has been commissioned by orchestras and chamber music organizations, and performs his own solo works. Mr. Goodyear also has an extensive discography, including his own transcription of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker (Complete Ballet)”, which was released October 2015 and was chosen by the New York Times as one of the best classical music recordings of 2015.
The evening will conclude with Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2, one of his best-known pieces. “Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 is a personal favorite and is certainly one of his most admired works,” adds Raphel. “It’s actually surprisingly subtle music in its construction and Rachmaninov’s gift for creating long sweeping themes makes a lasting impression.”
Prior to the concert, patrons can purchase a pre-show, prix fixe dinner, catered by Rocco Basil in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom starting at 5:30 pm. Patrons can also join us for a free “Concert Talk” at 6:30 pm where Maestro Raphel and other guests offer an informative and intriguing look at the story behind
the music to be presented that evening. Immediately following the performance, attendees can attend a free wine and cheese post-show reception with Maestro Raphel and other members of the symphony orchestra.
TICKETS
Tickets to Russian Masterpieces start at $18.50 and can be purchased online at wheelingsymphony.com, by phone at (304) 232-6191, via email at boxoffice@wheelingsymphony.com, or in person at the Box Office, located at 1025 Main Street, Suite 811, Wheeling, WV 26003.
Pre-show dinner tickets cost $25 per person including tax and gratuity. For dinner reservations, call 304- 232-6191 or email boxoffice@wheelingsymphony.com.
Patrons 18 or younger can get tickets for $7.50. Additional discounts are available for college students and groups of 10 or more. More information is available at wheelingsymphony.com.
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ABOUT THE SYMPHONY
For 87 seasons, the Wheeling Symphony has served “community residents by providing excellent orchestral programs that entertain, educate and enhance the quality of life.” As we enter into our 88th season, we are excited to continue this tradition and continue performing for the Ohio Valley community to showcase that MUSIC IS THE KEY.
The arts and music are very much a vital and necessary cornerstone to our region and we, at the symphony, know how important our work is. That’s why the 2017-2018 season features programs that will engage and galvanize audiences from Broadway smashes and Classic Rock trendsetters to Classical favorites and West Virginia premieres.
