The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) continues its 2023-24 season in the New Year with a Pay What You Wish concert, Musical Sweets and Treats on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Charleston.
Music Director Maurice Cohn leads the WVSO in an eclectic program that includes Brahm’s Tragic Overture, a piece from contemporary composer Jessica Hunt, Haydn’s Symphony No. 104, and will feature Concerto for Bandoneon with Astral Artist Iwo Jedynecki on accordion. The concert also showcases the return of the WVSO’s popular “Pay What You Wish” promotion where patrons can choose their price for any available seat. This Pay What You Wish offer is only accessible by visiting the Clay Center Box Office in person or calling (304) 561-3570. Online ticket orders are processed at standard concert pricing.
“This is a terrific program which exemplifies the breadth of music we play at the WVSO. The opening and closing pieces are classic works by well-known composers Brahms and Haydn,” said Music Director Maurice Cohn. “In between these two pieces are less familiar but equally thrilling works—a contemporary piece by Jessica Hunt that is something of a love letter to orchestral music, celebrating all the miraculous sounds this ensemble can make, and a concerto by Astor Piazzolla for which we are very pleased to feature Iwo Jedynecki. It is a rare treat to see an accordion onstage with an orchestra, and we are very excited to share this piece with you!”
The Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series concert is made possible by the generous support of Keith and the late Jim Straw and AC&S Incorporated.
This concert weekend also includes another session of the Maier Foundation’s A Look Behind the Curtain. The music preparedness program is open to current undergraduate and graduate college students studying music and/or arts administration who plan on pursuing a career in performance, conducting, arts management, etc. High school juniors and seniors interested in these career paths are also welcome to attend. Please visit https://forms.gle/ub8YycNXZ8rnnoCk8 to register for this session before the deadline on Thursday, Jan.18 at midnight. For more information on this program and all sessions, please visit wvsymphony.org/maierfoundationalookbehindthecurtain, or contact Education Manager Maddie Helbling directly by calling 304-957-9871 or via email at mhelbling@wvsymphony.org.
Embassy Suites will once again offer reservations for a pre-concert buffet to be held on site at the Clay Center. The price of dinner is $39.95/person, plus gratuity and taxes. Reservations begin two hours prior to the start of the concert and can be made by contacting the Clay Center Box Office in person or via phone at (304) 561-3570.
The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical and pops concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 85th season, the WVSO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region by providing affordable, high-quality concerts, collaborations with West Virginia arts organizations and a nationally award-winning education program.
