Wheeling, WV – The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) has officially announced its 2025-2026 season, The Place I Belong, promising a rich blend of innovative performances and time-honored classics. With four Masterworks concerts, three Pops shows, and several community events on the calendar, this 96th season offers something for every music lover in the Ohio Valley.
Inspired by Home
The season’s title, The Place I Belong, is drawn from the lyrics of John Denver’s beloved song “Country Roads.” It’s more than a name—it’s a guiding theme for the entire season.
“There are thematic similarities like the idea of home, which we will explore during our final concert of the season,” explains WSO Music Director John Devlin. “But on top of that, the feeling we want to create when someone steps into the Capitol Theatre for a WSO performance is the same feeling you get when you listen to ‘Country Roads’: the feeling of home and belonging.”
Photo captured by Wheeling Heritage Media
A Season with Something for Everyone
This season spans from September to May and includes the Capitol Series—seven performances (four Masterworks and three Pops) held at the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Wheeling. Subscriptions are available for Masterworks, Pops, or all seven shows.
“We’re offering everything from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony to Star Wars: A New Hope with a live orchestra,” says WSO Executive Director Sonja Thoms. “It’s truly a season that has something for everyone.”
Each Masterworks concert is named after a lyric from “Country Roads,” and features collaborations with renowned artists and local organizations, including lighting designer Doug Fitch and Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance.
Oglebay Institute School of Dance ballerinas.
2025–2026 Masterworks Series Highlights
Masterworks I: Painted on the Sky
October 25, 2025 – 7:30 PM Featuring: WSO Horn quartet, Oglebay Institute School of Dance, visual design by Doug Fitch Program: Eric Nathan’s Opening, Britten’s Four Sea Interludes & Passacaglia, Schumann’s Konzerstuck, Copland’s Appalachian Spring
Masterworks II: All My Memories
January 17, 2026 – 2:00 PM Featuring: Pianist Maxim Lando Program: Missy Mazzoli’s Sinfonia for Orbiting Spheres, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7
Masterworks III: Her Voice
March 20, 2026 – 7:30 PM Featuring: Vocalist Shara Nova Program: The Blue Hour by Grimes/Shaw/Negrón/Nova/Snider, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings Bonus Performance: A special chamber concert at Towngate Theatre the Tuesday before will feature Nova performing Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Penelope.
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Masterworks IV: Take Me Home
May 8, 2026 – 7:30 PM Featuring: Electric violinist Tracy Silverman Program: Antonio Estévez’s Melodia en el Llano, DBR’s Violin Concerto (world premiere), Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, Alex Berko’s Unstrung
Pops Series: From the Roarin’ 20s to a Galaxy Far, Far Away
The Pops Series continues to bring fun, familiar music to the stage with three themed performances:
Pops I: Prohibition
September 20, 2025 – 7:30 PM A jazzy trip back to the 1920s, featuring vocalists Sarah Uriarte Berry, Myra Maud, and John Riesen.
Pops II: Endless Love
February 12, 2026 – 7:30 PM A romantic Valentine’s concert with vocalists Chester Gregory and Shayna Steele performing timeless love songs.
Pops III: Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
April 18, 2026 – 2:00 PM Experience John Williams’ iconic score performed live as the film plays on the big screen—a treat for fans of all ages.
Free Community Events and Traditions Continue
In addition to its main stage concerts, the WSO will continue its much-loved community performances:
Celebrate America – July 4 tour
Music Under the Stars – Labor Day weekend
Symphony on Ice – Holiday season tradition
Photo captured by Wheeling Heritage Media
Tickets and Subscriptions
Subscriptions go on sale May 15, with early access for renewing subscribers starting May 1. Single tickets will be available starting June 27 at 10 AM. Subscriptions start at $61.
