West Virginia Symphony Orchestra

The '''West Virginia Symphony Orchestra''' (WVSO) is a prominent American orchestra based in Charleston, West Virginia. Established in 1939, the WVSO has a rich history of making great music with the mission to enrich and inspire everyone in the region. The vision of the WVSO is to be the spark that ignites a love of music and a sense of pride in every person in their community. ===History=== The origins of the WVSO can be traced back to the Charleston Civic Orchestra, which held its first rehearsal on September 19, 1939, with 55 musicians. The inaugural concert took place at Charleston's Municipal Auditorium on November 14 of the same year. William R. Wiant, the first conductor, initiated children's concerts, pops concerts, and performances of opera and ballet. The orchestra was incorporated, and support structures such as an Executive Board and Women's Committee were established. During World War II, despite challenges, the orchestra experienced growth, partly due to a unique partnership with local chemical plants, especially Union Carbide, which sought musically talented employees to join the orchestra. In 1943, the ensemble was renamed the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra saw several changes in leadership over the years, with notable conductors like Antonio Modarelli, Geoffrey Hobday, and Charles Schiff, who expanded the orchestra's repertoire and introduced regular appearances by nationally recognized guest artists. The WVSO also focused on educational outreach, particularly through children's concerts and enrichment programs in schools. In 1984, Thomas Conlin took over as artistic director and conductor, marking the beginning of a new era. Under his leadership, the orchestra expanded its season, increased touring, and in 1988, in recognition of its regional impact, was renamed the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The 50th Anniversary in 1989-90 was celebrated with a tour culminating in a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Grant Cooper succeeded Conlin in 2001 and continued to build on the orchestra's educational commitments. The inauguration of the Maier Foundation Performance Hall in 2003 provided the WVSO with a state-of-the-art venue, enhancing the concert-going experience. Lawrence Loh, who became music director in 2016, brought attention to diverse artists and repertoire and led the orchestra through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The WVSO marked its 80th anniversary with the publication of "Four Score in Appalachia: Eighty Years with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra" by Patricia Richards McClure. As of June 4, 2023, Maurice Cohn serves as the eleventh music director, having been introduced at the fortieth Symphony Sunday. ===Concerts and Tickets=== The WVSO offers a variety of concerts and events, with subscription options and ticketing information available for patrons. Pre-concert dinners with Embassy Suites are also part of the concert-going experience. ===Support and Education=== The WVSO encourages support through donations, sponsorships, planned giving, and more. Its commitment to education is evident through Young People's Concerts, student opportunities like the Vaughan Fellowship and Dunphy Scholarship, and the String Education Program. The organization also operates wvsokids.org, a dedicated site for its educational initiatives. ===Mission and Vision=== The WVSO's mission is to make great music accessible to all, with a vision of igniting a love of music across the region. The orchestra's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is underscored by initiatives such as the Diversity in the Arts Award. ===Location and Contact Information=== The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is located at 4700 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Suite 101, Charleston, WV 25304. They can be reached by phone at 304.957.WVSO (9876) or via email. The WVSO also maintains a commitment to accessibility for all patrons. ==External Links== * [https://www.theclaycenter.org/about/ Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia] * [https://www.wvsymphony.org/ West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Official Website] [[Category:American orchestras]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1939]] [[Category:Performing arts in West Virginia]]