Tonight, March 20th, 2015, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra begins the second half of its 85th season with a “Famous Fifths” concert, featuring the monumental music of Beethoven and Sibelius.
“The smallest city in America to support a symphony of this size and caliber,” Wheeling’s Symphony Orchestra is both a gem and cultural asset to our community. The Wheeling Symphony is renowned not only for the astounding quality of the their concerts, but also for securing such noted names in the orchestral world as Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma as guests to perform for Wheeling’s eager musical ears.
In honor of all that the Symphony brings to the City of Wheeling, the Ohio County Public Library would like to recognize the gifts the Symphony has given back to the City over the years.
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An archive of Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Concert Programs, ranging from the Symphony’s inaugural 1929 season to 1975, are available for public viewing in the Wheeling Room in the Ohio County Public Library.
Tonight’s Concert:
Conducted by the energetic and exuberant André Raphel, tonight’s “Famous Fifths” concert will feature the following pieces:
- Beethoven: Overture to Egmont
- Sibelius: Symphony No. 5
- Sibelius: Lemminkäinen’s Return
- Beethoven: Symphony No. 5
“The most famous symphonic opening in the classical repertoire is the inspiration for this glorious concert. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 continues to be among the most performed works in the orchestral repertoire. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 with its strikingly original form connects the listener to heroic inspired music in much the same way as Beethoven’s Fifth. Both works are lasting reminders of greatness.”
(Concert description from the Symphony’s website, http://www.wheelingsymphony.com/)
The symphony performance tonight starts at 8:00 pm at Wheeling’s Capitol Theatre on 1015 Main Street. See you at the Capitol!
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Would love to see photos of the Wheeling Symphony with Wheeling’s very own opera star Eleanor Steber. I understand she performed with them several times throughout her marvelous career. Thank you!
Mary Bess, actually, we are planning a future post that connects George Kossuth, Henry Mazer, Leornard Berstein, the Wheeling Symphony, and a few more Wheeling surprises. In the meantime, here is a picture of Eleanor on stage at the Capitol Theatre from her 1960 Homecoming concert.
My great grandfather, Frederick T Meyer, played cello in the symphony for years. Mom lived with them and says her grandfather would walk across the suspension bridge after working in the stogie factory for rehearsals, just about nightly. He also played with three others in a string group for private affairs. She would sometimes go with him and sit in the wings.She had a photo of him with his cello in later years. He lived 444 N Huron St, on the island.
Do you still have the photo Barbara? This is another beautiful Wheeling story. Thank you for sharing it.
The photo is not with me, but can get it.
I have the photo how do I send it through, email.?
Sorry Barbara, we didn’t see your reply until just now. Yes, you may email it to archivingwheeling@gmail.com if you’d still like to share the photo of your great grandfather with us. We’d still love to see it!