CHARLESTON, W.VA. (2/26/23) – The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) continues its 2022-23 season and Music Director search March 11 with Symphonie fantastique in Charleston.

On Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston, guest conductor and candidate for the WVSO’s next Music Director, Daniel Black will lead the orchestra through a program featuring music from Vivaldi and Mozart, concluding with a performance of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.

Additionally, the WVSO will welcome to the stage Sphinx Medal of Excellence winner and principal flute of the Seattle Symphony Demarre McGill for a performance of Michael Tilson Thomas’ Notturno and Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 1. McGill will also appear at West Virginia State University on Saturday, March 11 for the university’s First Flute Day. More information is available by contacting Allison Kessinger at [email protected]. McGill’s performance and appearances are made possible by generous support from the Fifth Third Bank Diversity in Music Fund.

“I gratefully relish the opportunity to make music with the magnificent artists of the WVSO, and to share this incredible program with the people of West Virginia,” said candidate for Music Director Daniel Black.  “It's going to be a truly fantastique concert, not to be missed!”

The Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series concert is made possible by the generous support of the Elliot Foundation, AC&S Incorporated, and the Fifth Third Bank Diversity in Music Fund. Concert tickets start at $13 and are available at wvsymphony.org or by calling 304.561.3570.

As part of the Music Director candidate’s week, the community will have several chances to meet and chat with Black, including an event at the Mea Cuppa Coffee Nook at the downtown branch of the Kanawha County Public Library on Monday, March 6 from 4 – 6 p.m. and open rehearsals occurring on Thursday, March 9, Friday, March 10, and Saturday, March 11. The WVSO will also host Batons, Bites, and Insights, a lunchtime lecture with Black on the Clay Center Stage on Thursday, March 9 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Attendees should enter through Walker Theater and are encouraged to bring a bag lunch to enjoy throughout the talk.

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 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.

DANIEL BLACK – SCHEDULE OF THE WEEK FOR MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
March 6 – 11, 2023

Subject to change. Please visit wvsymphony.org for updates

Monday, March 6

4 – 6 p.m. | Community Event at the Mea Cuppa Coffee Nook at the new Kanawha County Public Library downtown branch – Music Director candidate Daniel Black will meet and greet community members at 123 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301. This event is open to the public.

8 – 8:30 p.m. | West Virginia Symphony Chorus Rehearsal visit – Christ Church United Methodist

Wednesday, March 8

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Vandalia Rotary Presentation, Edgewood Country Club, Charleston

Thursday, March 9

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Baton, Bites, and Insights – Clay Center stage (bring-your-lunch lecture, free & open to the public)

3 – 4 p.m. | Edgewood Summit Presentation, Edgewood Summit, Charleston

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Open House, Green Room, Clay Center

7 – 9:30 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

Friday, March 10

4 – 6:30 p.m.   | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

8 – 10:30 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

Saturday, March 11

10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | WVSO Open Rehearsal – Clay Center

6:30 – 7 p.m. | Pre-Concert Talk – Clay Center stage

7:30 – 10 p.m. | Symphonie fantastique Concert – Clay Center