Wheeling Symphony Orchestra presents “Appalachian Rhapsody”
Andre Raphel, conductor Nate Strasser, piano Matt Combs, violin Television/Film composer, songwriter and virtuoso pianist, Nate Strasser returns to his roots performing the WV Premiere of his signature “Appalachian Rhapsody.” Joining Nate is violinist and collaborator, Matt Combs, a featured performer of the “Grand Olde Oprey” the dynamic duo explores music inspired by the West Virginia hills. Nate and the WSO also perform additional orchestral compositions that feature piano, jazz and popular music in this homecoming concert.
Wheeling Symphony Orchestra presents “Back 2 Back: The Music of Elton John and Billy Joel”
Our 88th Anniversary Season celebrates the piano’s 88 Keys with the music of two contemporary piano legends, Elton John & Billy Joel. Returning guest artist Jeans n’ Classics will sing us the songs of the piano men including the hits: “Movin’ Out,” “Always A Woman,” “Piano Man,” “You May Be Right,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “Someone Saved My Life Tonight,” “Circle of Life” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” to name some. Back by popular demand, Jeans n’ Classics will put the WSO crowd in the mood for a melody and have us feelin’ alright!
Wheeling Symphony presents “Orchestral Colors & Sounds”
André Raphel, conductor Julia Bullock, soprano Program Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks Barber: Knoxville:: Summer of 1915 Mahler: Symphony No. 1 (The Titan) Rising star soprano Julia Bullock joins the WSO for her debut performance singing Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915. Commissioned and premiered by Wheeling native and international opera star Eleanor Steber, this evocative work is a simple, dreamlike depiction of an evening in the American South. Our concert opens with Strauss’ tone poem, a musical portrayal of German folk hero Till Eulenspiegel’s trickery; we conclude with Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 (The Titan) a stupendous symphonic achievement!
Wheeling Symphony presents “A Tribute to the Beatles”
André Raphel, conductor Classical Mystery Tour With more than 30 timeless Beatles tunes sung, played, and performed exactly as they were written, Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert! Come hear Penny Lane with a live trumpet section; experience the beauty of Yesterday with an acoustic guitar and string quartet; enjoy the rock/classical blend on the hard edged I Am the Walrus. From early Beatles music through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of the Beatles like you’ve never heard them: totally live…a concert bridging generations of all music lovers!
Wheeling Symphony presents “Inspired By Dance”
André Raphel, conductor Christopher O’Riley, piano Program Stravinsky: Scherzo a la Russe Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 Ravel: La Valse Ravel: Bolero This exhilarating concert takes its inspiration from dance, opening with the rhythmic Scherzo a la Russe by Stravinsky. Returning guest artist and “From the Top” radio host Christopher O’Riley performs one of Rachmaninoff’s most enduringly popular pieces, Piano Concerto No. 2; with its big opening chords and beautiful melodic line, the piano will truly dance with the orchestra in this spectacular romantic piece. The performance concludes with two ballet works by Ravel: La Valse and the perennial favorite Bolero, which Ravel viewed as an experiment in repetition, rhythm, crescendo and orchestration.