The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) is excited to announce the creation of the “Fifth Third Bank Diversity in Music Fund”.  

In placing an emphasis on engaging in the local community, Fifth Third is proud to support the WVSO and sponsor the “Fifth Third Bank Diversity in Music Fund” which aims to brings diverse guest artists to the stage to perform alongside the WVSO while engaging in workshops and presentations in local schools during their community visit. Pre-concert lectures with guest artists will be offered to the public with discussions of the work to be performed and the artists’ personal path to becoming a professional musician. 

“This is an incredible program that encompasses so many things we hold dear,” said West Virginia Market President Bob Welty. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are part of our core values and Education is one of our cornerstones. Being able to expose children to the orchestral world and expand their musical horizons is a very important experience.”

As part of the “Fifth Third Bank Diversity in Music Fund”, guest soprano for Gloria! on Saturday, December 17, Carline Waugh will visit with students from Charleston Catholic High School. Additionally, Demarre McGill, flute, will visit with area students at West Virginia State University on Saturday, March 11 for the school’s annual Flute Day prior to his performance with the WVSO later that evening.  

“The Symphony is so excited that Fifth Third Bank is joining us on this journey as we strive to make the organization an inclusive one serving all of West Virginia,” said WVSO President Joe Tackett.

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, National Association, a federally chartered institution. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $211 billion in assets and operates 1,079 full-service Banking Centers, and 2,201 Fifth Third branded ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 54,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of March 31, 2022, had $549 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $61 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.”

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently in its 84th 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.