Charleston, W. VA – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) is thrilled take its musical offerings across the state with A Melding of Cultures: Spring Tour 2024 on April 17-21, 2024 in Elkins, Fairmont, Lewisburg, Charleston, and Parkersburg.

The WVSO travels the state April 17-21, 2024 for an immersive concert experience where Appalachian and Korean cultures meet. American composer Theodore Wiprud and Korean soloist gamin come together with the WV Symphony to explore music theory and how cultural influences impact its formation and progression. Concert goers will be guided with commentary and notes from composer Theodore Wiprud. The WVSO will visit the Harper McNeeley Auditorium at Davis & Elkins College on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m., Wallman Hall at Fairmont State University on Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m., Christ Church United Methodist in Charleston on Friday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m., Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg on Saturday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m., and Henderson Hall in Williamstown on Sunday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m.

gamin is a Korean born US based multi-instrumentalist specialized for traditional Korean wind. She tours the world performing both traditional Korean music and cross-disciplinary collaborations. gamin has received several cultural exchange program grants, including Artist-in-Residence at the Asian Cultural Council, and has collaborated in cross-cultural improvisation with world-acclaimed musicians, presenting premieres at Roulette Theater, New School, and Metropolitan Museum.

The program begins with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Novelle No. 4, followed by a new commission from Wiprud featuring gamin on the Piri, a traditional Korean instrument. Copland’s Appalachian Spring will close the concert and experience.

“We look forward to welcoming gamin and returning talented composer Theodore Wiprud to West Virginia as we explore the cultural fusion of Korean and Appalachian music across this great state,” said WVSO President Joe Tackett. “Wiprud’s commission for the traditional Korean Piri will showcase gamin’s high level of talent and introduce audiences to this unique instrument.”

The WVSO’s Spring Tour is made possible by the generous support of the West Virginia Humanities Council and James F. B. Peyton Fund. More information about the individual tour stops are available at wvsymphony.org. Most events are free and open to the public.

"The arts not only feed our hunger for beauty, they can nourish cultural understanding and human connections across borders of every kind.  We are delighted to lend our support to this wonderful program," said Eric Waggoner, Executive Director of the West Virginia Humanities Council.

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.