Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) announces its annual Young People’s Concert tour, conducted by Music Director John Devlin, featuring guest artist Symphonica Productions and their program “Dr. Freakeuncy’s Sound Lab”. The Young People’s Concerts will be performed during the week of April 4th with performances in Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia and Washington County, Pennsylvania. More than 4,000 students in grades 3-5 are expected to attend six performances over three days with additional students in Monongalia County, West Virginia and school districts in Ohio enjoying the concert virtually.
After a two-year hiatus from in-person Young People’s Concerts, Maestro John Devlin and the orchestra are eager to reunite with some of their favorite audience members. In April of 2020, the performances were canceled due to the pandemic. In 2021, the WSO was able to record two performances which were delivered to teachers and students virtually. “It was surreal conducting the orchestra in an empty concert hall last year, but we were happy that we found a way to bring the music to students in digital form,” says Maestro John Devlin. “It will feel really special to look out into the audience this year and see hundreds of energetic students. That energy makes our Young People’s Concert Tour a favorite for our musicians.”
Lauren Baker, the WSO’s Education Coordinator, noted that school administrators and teachers are happy to see the return of in-person concerts. “With virtual delivery, we were able to reach students and teachers last year, but there is nothing quite like hearing a symphony orchestra in person,” says Baker. “When I was a student in Ohio County Schools, I looked forward to the Young People’s Concerts each year.”
This year’s YPC is titled “Dr. Freakuency’s Sound Lab” and tells the story of Dr. Freakuency and his lab assistant Bunsen who are in need of some young scientists to examine the science of sound. Audience members will step into the orchestral laboratory as they explore the aspects of sound production in music.
The Young People’s Concert Tour is made possible through the support of the following: National Endowment for the Arts, Helen J. Prince Foundation, Raymond A. and Gertrude D. Hyer Charitable Foundation, Elizabeth Hess-Gebhard Fund, Karl and Mildred Niekamp Charitable Foundation, Charles R. Nailer Memorial Foundation, W.E. Stone Foundation, Hess Family Foundation, Robert L. and Helen E. Levenson Charitable Trust, Sands Charitable Trust and Wheeling Hospital.
For more information about reservations, please contact the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Education Coordinator, Lauren Baker at 304-232-6191 or email boxoffice@wheelingsymphony.com.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Monday, April 4 9:30 am & 11:15 am – – J.B. Chambers Performing Arts Center, Wheeling, WV
Tuesday, April 5 8:45 am & 10:10 am – Washington Park School, Washington, PA
Friday, April 8 11:30 am & 1:15 pm – John Marshall High School Center for the Performing Arts Center, Glen Dale, WV
