Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) announces that American Broadway Superstar Capathia Jenkins will return to Wheeling for the WSO’s “Ladies of the Great American Songbook” concert on April 15, 2022 as part of the Wesbanco Capitol Concert Series. The orchestra will be conducted by Music Director John Devlin and will feature Ms. Jenkins alongside Grammy-nominated Carla Cook.
The WSO will present “Ladies of the Great American Songbook” on Friday, April 15, 2022 at 7:30 pm as part of its Wesbanco Capitol Concert Series. The orchestra will be conducted by Maestro John Devlin and feature guest vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Carla Cook. The concert will celebrate the music of Ella Fitzgerald, “The First Lady of Song,” and will feature many of her chart-topping hits from the Great American Songbook, including “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing),” “How High the Moon,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Summertime,” “A Tisket, A-Tasket,” “Satin Doll,” “Bewitched,” and many more.
“My very first Capitol Theatre concert as the WSO’s Music Director featured Capathia Jenkins performing the hits of Aretha Franklin and I can’t wait to perform with her again,” says John Devlin. “When I look back on the pictures taken that night in 2019, I find myself grinning from ear to ear and the audience dancing in the aisles behind me! The Wheeling community just adored Capathia and we wanted to bring her back to our city as soon as possible. I can’t wait to team up with both Capathia and Carla for what is sure to be an unforgettable evening!”
Capathia Jenkins is a Brooklyn-born and raised actress and singer who most recently starred as Medda in the hit Disney production of Newsies on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in The Civil War, where she created the role of Harriet Jackson. She then starred in the Off-Broadway 2000 revival of Godspell, where she wowed audiences with her stirring rendition of Turn Back, O Man which can still be heard on the original cast recording. An active concert artist, Ms. Jenkins has appeared with orchestras around the world including the Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony (with Marvin Hamlisch), National Symphony, Atlanta Symphony and Seattle Symphony to name just a few. Her Television credits include 30 Rock, the Practice, Law Order SVU, the Sopranos, Law Order. She can be seen in the 2012 film Musical Chairs directed by Susan Seidelman. She can be heard on the following film soundtracks: Nine, Chicago, Legally Blonde 2.
Carla Cook’s remarkable voice has earned her a Grammy nomination for her debut album, It’s All About Love, and widespread critical acclaim for her two subsequent recordings, Dem Bones and Simply Natural. In an extraordinary career, Cook has performed or recorded as a guest artist with such luminaries as the Count Basie Orchestra and Lionel Hampton’s Big Band. She originated the lead vocal role for Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s The Cotton Club Parade at City Center. And in 2011, she was the featured vocalist with the world –renowned Jazz Sinfonica, an 82-piece orchestra performing in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
For information about the safety protocols for attending these concerts, please visit http://www.wheelingsymphony.com/safety.
The Capitol Concert Series is presented by Wesbanco, Inc. “Ladies of the Great American Songbook” is supported by sponsors Johnathan & Jessica Bedway, Felton CPA, Lea Ridenhour & Eriks Janelsins and Jean Holloway.
