Charleston, W.VA. – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) presents ‘A New World of Music’ on Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston.

Music Director Maurice Cohn leads the orchestra and the audience as they explore a diverse program featuring pieces from Duke Ellington, Saint-Saëns and Dvo?ák. A New World of Music begins with Ellington’s Black, Brown and Beige Suite. Returning guest pianist Sara Davis Buechner joins the WVSO for an impressive performance of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. The program concludes with a powerful performance of Dvo?ák’s New World Symphony.

“Dvo?ák’s New World Symphony is one of the most widely beloved pieces in orchestra literature, and for good reason!” said Music Director Maurice Cohn. “Its passion and drama are irresistible - whether you have never heard an orchestra before or are a classical music expert, it is impossible not to be drawn in by the magic of this piece. We are also thrilled to be presenting music by Duke Ellington - heard on our symphonic series for the first time - and welcoming back to Charleston the incredible pianist Sara Davis Buechner. It will be a great night!”

The Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series concert is made possible by the generous support of the Elliot Foundation, AC&S Incorporated, Manpower, and Truist West Virginia Foundation. Concert tickets start at $14 and are available at wvsymphony.org or by calling 304.561.3570.

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.

In addition to activities surrounding the concert, guest pianist Sara Davis Buechner will lead a private event for LGBTQ+ youth in partnership with Fairness WV’s Safe and Healthy Schools program. This outreach event is made possible by support from the Fifth Third Bank Diversity in Music Fund.

This concert weekend also includes the final 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/prm674hfv16rvubh7 to register for this session before the deadline on Thursday, March 7 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 [email protected].

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.