Maestro John Devlin

WHEELING — The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra returns to Oglebay Park for Music Under the Stars, the symphony’s annual Labor Day concert, on Sunday evening, Aug. 31.

This year, the theme for the performance is Movie Magic! Scores from the Silver Screen. Sponsored by the Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation, Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Oglebay and the Musicians Performance Trust Fund, Music Under the Stars is free to attend.

“Music Under the Stars is one of my favorite WSO traditions,” said WSO Music Director John Devlin. “Oglebay is a beautiful venue, and it is so special to see the hillside filled with music lovers of all ages. We have a fantastic program this year, featuring beloved movie scores such as the theme from ‘James Bond,’ ‘Mission Impossible,’ ‘Lord of the Rings’ and many more.”

Music Under the Stars has been a WSO tradition since its formation in 1929. Designed to kick off the subscription season, Music Under the Stars takes place on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

Each year, Music Under the Stars draws more than 4,000 attendees. The preparation for such a large performance is vast and involves much teamwork and support from staff, volunteers and local businesses and organizations.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this free concert, year after year, free of charge to our community,” said WSO Interim Executive Director Sumner Riddick. “We are endlessly grateful to our generous sponsors for continuing this beloved tradition.”

“I remember the feeling of my first Music Under the Stars concert as the newly appointed music director in 2019,” Devlin said. “To look on the hillside and see it packed with families of all ages is positively electric. I cannot wait to do it again!”

Music Under the Stars is free to attend. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Oglebay Amphitheater.

Sunday night’s performance will be followed by fireworks over the park.

The concert is one of many events taking place at Oglebay over Labor Day Weekend. Fort Henry Days, the annual Woodcarver’s Show, an Americana Skydiving performance, a foam party and kids’ fun zone, and more will be taking place throughout the weekend.