The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will take the stage at the Capitol Theatre this Friday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. for its “American Roots” concert as part of its Wesbanco Capitol Concert Series. The performance will feature Natasha Paremski, a dynamic pianist, as well as some other surprise performers that won’t be revealed until the evening of the event.
During the performance, the audience will also be treated to some surprises that the WSO has been planning for months in partnership with Turn It Out Dance Academy and Wheeling Heritage Media. Maestro John Devlin often incorporates an element of surprise into WSO performances to create one-of-a-kind experiences that excite and entice symphony-goers to keep coming back to see what the WSO has to offer.
While the details of the WSO’s latest surprise element won’t be revealed until Friday evening during the show, the WSO recently shared a sneak peek on their social media accounts. What we do know is that the surprise performance is intended to instill a sense of pride in Wheeling that will be felt throughout the evening.
The orchestra will be conducted by Maestro Devlin and feature pianist Natasha Paremski in a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto 2 in c minor. The concert will also highlight the works of two important American composers: William Grant Still, one of the most important Black American composers of the 20th century; and Jessie Montgomery, an emerging star in the classical music world and professor at the Mannes School of Music in New York City. The orchestra will perform Grant Still’s Symphony no. 2 in g minor (Song of a New Race) and Jessie Montgomery’s Coincident Dances.
“The orchestra and I are eager to work with an artist of Natasha Paremski’s caliber. She is perhaps the best American interpreter of Rachmaninoff,” says Music Director John Devlin. “And we will continue our emphasis on American composers with pieces by William Grant Still and Jessie Montgomery. Montgomery’s Coincident Dances is the inspiration for one of the surprise elements that have become a signature of our Masterworks performances. You have to attend the concert to experience the surprise, but I can guarantee that it will give everyone in the audience a warm dose of the ‘Wheeling Feeling’.”
According to Executive Director Bryan Braunlich, the WSO musicians, staff and Board of Directors were overjoyed with the public’s response to its return to the Capitol Theater in February. “It was wonderful to see the seats of the theatre filled with such an appreciative audience. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for our March concert and Natasha Paremski’s first appearance with our orchestra.”
Jessie Montgomery
In addition to appearing as guest artist for the “American Roots” concert, Ms. Paremski will offer an intimate performance at “An Evening With Natasha Paremski” on Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. This ticketed event will provide audience members a unique opportunity to hear and see Ms. Paremski’s artistry at close range. The $50 admission fee includes the performance and a selection of wine and desserts.
Interested music students from the Wheeling area are invited to attend “An Evening with Natasha Paremski” free of charge as guests of the Wheeling Symphony. “We think it is important for aspiring young musicians to have access to musicians of Ms. Paremski’s caliber,” says Bryan Braunlich. “The opportunity to interact with a professional musician can often have a real impact on a music student.” Interested students can make a reservation at the box office or via the WSO website.
Natasha Paremski is known for her dynamic performances, astounding virtuosity and powerful, flawless technique. She has been a regular return guest of many major orchestras, including Minnesota Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Virginia Symphony, and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with whom she has performed every year since 2008 in venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, and Cadogan Hall. She has performed with major orchestras in North America including Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Houston Symphony, NAC Orchestra in Ottawa and Nashville Symphony.
A passionate chamber musician, Ms. Paremski is a regular recital partner of Grammy-winning cellist Zuill Bailey, with whom she has recorded a number of CDs. Their Britten album on Telarc debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Chart, remaining there for a number of weeks, in addition to being featured on The New York Times Playlist.
The Capitol Concert Series is presented by Wesbanco, Inc. “American Roots” is supported by guest artist sponsors Daniel and Chelsea Young with additional support from Peter Holloway and Holly & Kim McCluskey.
Tickets to “American Roots” and reservations for “An Evening with Natasha Paremski” can be purchased online, by phone at 304-232-6191, via email at boxoffice@wheelingsymphony.com
ABOUT THE SYMPHONY
Wheeling Symphony Orchestra: Your Community, in Concert
Celebrating over 90 years of serving the Ohio Valley with great live orchestral music. From subscription concerts and holiday spectacular events to chamber series and educational concerts, the Wheeling Symphony provides world-class musical entertainment throughout the Ohio Valley. Led by Music Director John Devlin, the WSO continues to be the smallest city in the US to support a symphony of this size and caliber.