Wheeling Symphony Season Calendar, 2014-2015
Sept.26-Masterworks I: Opening Night: Mozart and Brahms
Lauded by the New York Times as having a voice of “melting, devotional sweetness,” soprano Lianne Coble returns to Wheeling bringing her extraordinary talents to Mozart’s arias. The Opening Night program begins with Wagner’s riveting Prelude to Die Meistersinger, and closes with the gorgeous melodies and exquisite phrasing of Brahms Symphony No. 2.
Program
Wagner: Prelude to Die Meistersinger
Mozart: Vado, ma dove? oDei!
Mozart: Ruhe sanft from Zaide
Mozart: Nehmt meinem Dank
Mozart: Bella mia Fiamma-Resta, o cara
Brahms: Symphony No. 2
Oct. 18-Pops 1: One Vision: The Music of Queen
Queen’s 18 number one singles are among the most recognizable rock anthems the world over. These legendary ballads including-We are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love and many more-are brought to life by the Wheeling Symphony with Jeans ‘n Classics featuring the voice of Michael Shotton. Together with One Vision, We Will Rock You!
Nov. 7- Masterworks II: Spanish and American Music
Famed violinist, Michael Ludwig, brings his tremendous virtuosity to the gorgeous Barber Violin Concerto. This program also features colorful orchestral works with a Spanish flair including Roberto Sierra’s Fandangos; Argentinian composer, Astor Piazzola’s tango-influenced and wildly popular works; and closing with Manuel de Falla’s sophisticated, rhythmic Three-Cornered Hat based on the folk music tradition of Spain. The concert week also features a Residency by composer, Roberto Sierra.
Program
Roberto Sierra: Fandangos
Barber: Violin Concerto
Piazzolla: Tres Movimientos Tanguisticos Portenos
Piazzolla: Oblivion
Falla: The Three-Cornered Hat Suite No. 2
Dec. 2: Main Street Bank Presents Symphony on Ice at Wesbanco Arena
A local holiday tradition returns! Symphony on Ice features Olympic Skaters, local skate clubs from Wheeling and Pittsburgh and the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Come and hear middle and high school choirs singing everyone’s favorite songs of the holiday season. With special appearance by members of the Wheeling Nailers, it’s an evening the whole family will love.
Feb. 14: Pops II: Tim O’Brien in Concert
Hometown hero of the American country and bluegrass music tradition and West Virginia Music Hall of Fame inductee, Wheeling native Tim O’Brien returns to the Wheeling Symphony performing some of his classic songs from the more than 15 albums released in his 30 year career. This versatile, multi-talented artist plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle and sings favorites for people of all ages.
March 20-Masterworks III: Famous Fifths
The most famous symphonic opening in the classical repertoire is the inspiration for this glorious concert. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 continues to be among the most performed works in the orchestral repertoire. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 with its strikingly original form connects the listener to heroic inspired music in much the same way as Beethoven’s Fifth. Both works are lasting reminders of greatness.
Program
Beethoven: Overture to Egmont
Sibelius: Symphony No. 5
Sibelius: Lemminkainen’s Return
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
April 11-Pops III: Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II
The classical music spoofs created by Warner Bros. are part of the music foundation for people all over the world. This fusion of on-screen Looney Toons, Merrie Melodies, and live symphony orchestra accompaniment beautifully marries the musical passion of the concert hall with the artistic passion of some of the greatest creative minds in Hollywood. This concert brings cartoons on the big screen of the Capitol Theatre with the Wheeling Symphony and cannot be missed!
May 15-Masterworks IV: Krieger plays Rach 3!
Norman Krieger, one of the most acclaimed pianists of his generation, brings the expressive drama and lyricism of Rachmaninoff’s show-stopping Piano Concerto No. 3. Grammy award winning, composer Arvo Pärt’s La Sindone opens this powerful concert with Bartok’s most popular orchestral work Concerto for Orchestra showcasing each section of the orchestra.
Program
Arvo Part: La Sindone (The Shroud)
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3
Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra
