Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) announces the first concert of its chamber orchestra series, The Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation presents SoundBites Vol. III: Opening Night with Sasha Cooke. The event will be held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on November 20, 2021 with cocktail reception and cello ensemble performance at 5:30 pm and concert and dinner beginning at 6:30 pm.
The first concert of the WSO’s 2021-22 SoundBites series will take place at the historic Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Wheeling on November 20, 2021 at 6:30 pm. The chamber orchestra will be conducted by Maestro John Devlin and feature guest artists Mezzo Soprano Sahsa Cooke and Cellist Elisa Kohanski. The music will be paired with an enticing gourmet meal prepared by Adam Luiso, Executive Chef of Roxby Development.
The concert will begin with the first movement from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, followed by The Work at Hand, a composition of three symphonic songs by American Jake Heggie. The program will conclude with the exciting Rossini’s Overture to Il Barbiere di Siviglia(The Barber of Seville).
“This concert is remarkable in many ways,” says Music Director John Devlin. “We will be performing in the Scottish Rite Cathedral which has never before been the site of a public orchestral performance and our WSO musicians will be returning to live indoor performance after many months of delay. Musically, the program is likely to elicit a range of emotions. I am eager for audience members to experience The Work at Hand a powerful composition by Jake Heggie based on poetry by the late Laura Morefield. The Work at Hand will feature Ms. Cooke and the WSO’s principal cellist Ms. Kohanski.”
Two-time Grammy Award-winning Mezzo-soprano Sahsa Cooke has been called a “luminous standout” (New York Times) and “equal parts poise, radiance and elegant directness” (Opera News). Ms. Cooke is sought after by the world’s leading orchestras, opera companies, and chamber music ensembles for her versatile repertoire and commitment to new music. Ms. Cooke has performed with opera companies worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, Opera National de Bordeaux, Los Angeles Opera and many more. During her career, she has been engaged by more than 70 orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Elisa Kohanski, principal cellist of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra enjoys a diverse career as soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player, while championing unique artistic collaborations. She has performed with the Miami String Quartet, Olivia Newton John, Robert Shaw, Gustavo Dudamel, Garrison Keillor, Harry Connick, Jr., and in halls around the world including Carnegie Hall; Royal Albert Hall; Schlossfestspiele in Heidelberg; and Stefaniensaal in Graz, Austria. She is Principal Cellist of Pittsburgh Ballet, a member of Pittsburgh Opera, performs with Pittsburgh Symphony, Taconic Music and has played with Columbus Symphony.
In addition to a sensational orchestral program, SoundBites patrons will be treated to an exciting menu meticulously planned by Maestro Devlin and Adam Luiso, Executive Chef at Roxby Development. The three-course meal, designed to complement the musical program, will begin with a veal and mushroom Bolognese stuffed portobello mushroom and end with desserts of panna cota and chocolate tortes. The main course, inspired by Heggie’s The Work at Hand will feature five unique bites to be enjoyed throughout the piece. Patrons will also enjoy a signature cocktail and wine.
For information about the safety protocols for attending these concerts, please visit http://www.wheelingsymphony.com/safety.
The SoundBites concert series is presented by The Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation and is generously supported by ”Opening Night with Sasha Cooke” concert sponsors: Roxby Development and Lou & Charlotte Khourey.
