West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Announces

WVSO Operations Manager to participate in first-ever performance of International Pride Orchestra

CHARLESTON, W.VA. (6/9/23) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) is excited to announce that the WVSO’s Operations and Annual Fund Manager James Shamblin has been appointed as the Director of Operations for the prestigious International Pride Orchestra (IPO) for the organization’s inaugural concert on June 22 in San Francisco.

Shamblin will serve as the Director of Operations for the IPO and will work with musicians and orchestra professionals throughout the week of rehearsals, mixers, and social events that culminates in the IPO’s performance and San Francisco’s Pride weekend.

“I am so proud to represent the WV Symphony, as well as my fellow LGBTQ+ West Virginians, at this meaningful event,” said WVSO Operations and Annual Fund Manager James Shamblin. “There are so many details that go into getting an orchestra on stage, and I am excited to bring my skills to the IPO and bring together LGBTQ+ musicians from around the world for a powerful week.”

Founded in 2022, the IPO in a non-profit organization that brings together LGBTQ musicians from around the world to present concerts, celebrate community, and raise funds for LGBTQ causes. The June 22 performance will include appearances by drag legend Peaches Christ and soprano Brenna Sinclairé as well as a world premiere of “Loud” by renowned composer Jimmy López Bellido. The piece was jointly commissioned by the IPO, San Franscisco Conservatory of Music, and the Seattle Youth Symphony.

James Shamblin is a native of Charleston and a 2017 graduate of West Virginia State University. Shamblin has been on the staff of the WVSO since 2017 and has been serving in his current role as Operations and Annual Fund Manager since that time. Shamblin performs regularly with the Kanawha Kordsmen, an all-male barbershop chorus, from the Greater Kanawha Valley chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is West Virginia’s premier performing arts organization, presenting classical, pops, family and chamber-music concerts annually throughout the Mountain State. Currently entering 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.