Wheeling Symphony and Music Director Andre Raphel announce the 2016-2017 Season: Experience Live Music – Bridging Generations
The 87th anniversary season of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is filled with music that will engage, delight and entertain the entire family! Familiar symphonic favorites, popular movie scores, video game themes and a tribute to the Beatles make up the exciting season Music Director Andre Raphel has planned for next season.
“The 2016-17 Season focuses on season concepts of Russian music, works composed about life in America and works inspired by dance. From the music of Shostakovich to Mahler and American composers like Jennifer Higdon, it will be a thrilling season,” Raphel said.
The holiday tradition and community favorite, Symphony on Ice, also makes a return to WesBanco Arena on Tuesday, Dec. 6!
“Our goal for next season is to bring families and the community together, to celebrate the power of live music,” said Lou Khourey, WSO Board Member and Program Committee Chair. “As we look at the music and inspiration of the upcoming season, we conscientiously selected works that bridge the generational divide and appeal to everyone. With that in mind, we decided to start all concerts at 7:30 p.m. so families could be home by 10 p.m. while enjoying a night supporting the arts in downtown Wheeling,” Khourey added.
The season begins on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016, with a Russian-themed concert: From Russia with Love. The opening night concert features guest artist Julie Albers, cello, performing Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. The comedic timing of Rossini’s Overture to The Thieving Magpie opens the program, and it concludes with the majesty of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5. Maestro Raphel conducts this thrilling start to our 2016-17 season.
Costumes are encouraged at our pre-Halloween concert, John Williams: “Star Wars” & More, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. Andre Raphel leads the WSO as they perform some of John Williams’ most popular film music! Come experience themes from “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” “Harry Potter” and others, live with special appearances by Storm Troopers with activities throughout this fun, family concert.
The WSO performs an all-American evening, Thursday, Nov.10, 2016, conducted by Raphel. This concert features percussionist Svet Stoyanov performing Jennifer Higdon’s Percussion Concerto. Quintessential American composer Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring is the concert opener. The program concludes with one of the most popular symphonies in the repertoire: Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World.
Video Games Live provides a new and different concert experience that the whole family, non-gamers included, will absolutely love, on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. Music from the most popular video games of all time will be performed with exclusive video footage, live action and interactive segments creating a unique entertainment experience.
An exhilarating concert inspired by the art of dance features guest artist, pianist Christopher O’Riley performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 on Friday, March 10, 2017. This concerto with its big opening chords and beautiful melodic line dances with the orchestra as “From the Top” radio host O’Riley performs this spectacular romantic piece under the baton of Maestro Raphel. The concert also features works by Stravinsky and two works by Ravel including the perennial favorite, Bolero.
One of the best-selling concerts performed with the WSO returns as Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles takes the stage on Thursday, April 13, 2017. This performance features familiar, timeless Beatles’ classics including “Yesterday,” “Penny Lane,” “Imagine,” “Eleanor Rigby” and more. Join Raphel in this wonderful concert the entire family will enjoy.
Rising star soprano Julia Bullock joins the WSO and Raphel, Friday, May 12, 2017, for the final concert of the 2016-17 season. Ms. Bullock performs Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The concert includes the wonderful Strauss work Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks and the brilliant Mahler Symphony No.1 (The Titan). A concert not to be missed!
WSO Executive Director Bruce Wheeler encourages concert goers to, “…bring the family to experience the power of live orchestral music. Our subscription series are flexible and affordable with music that bridges generations. We have exciting events planned throughout the season that will enhance the entire experience.”
Concerts can be part of a whole evening. Come enjoy live orchestral music with family or friends with pre-concert dinners catered by local chefs! Dinners are conveniently served at 6 p.m. in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom before each concert. Each dinner costs $25 per person and reservations can be made by calling the WSO Office 304-232-6191.
Concert subscribers are encouraged to renew their subscriptions before August 1st to keep their current seats.
New subscribers are always welcome. Subscribing to the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra concerts couldn’t be easier! Subscribers can create their own season by selecting any three, four, five, six or all seven concerts and save. Discounted ticket rates apply based on the number of concerts you and your family attend. Call the office 304-232-6191 to secure your seats to our dynamic 2016-2017 Season.
Single concert tickets will go on sale in August.
See you at the Symphony!