“On Nov. 14, 1939, musicians gathered at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium for the first concert as the Charleston Civic Orchestra,” writes Kailee E. Gallahan in Monday’s (1/13) State Journal (Clarksburg, WV). “Eighty years later, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, or WVSO, has grown tremendously…. WVSO President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Tackett said with the help of state archivist Pat McClure, the symphony was able to compile a book of its history over the last 80 years…. Music Director Lawrence Loh has sprinkled music that was performed in the inaugural year throughout the season’s performances … ‘so our audience is able to hear a mixture of music,’ Loh said.… The WVSO has partnered with the Charleston Ballet, local dance groups, vocalists, visual artists and more. Youth concerts also play a key part in the symphony’s mission and have for decades.… The WVSO also provides a string educator program … in 20 schools in Kanawha County…. The symphony also provides fellowship programs, which allow two students to take private lessons, work with the conductor and get the full orchestral experience, Tackett said. ‘Many of our student fellowships have gone onto professional careers in music,’ he said.”
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