The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and Music Director John Devlin will kick off the first Masterworks concert of the 2025-26 season Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling. The concert is titled Painted on the Sky will weave together music, lighting, set design and dance. (Photo Provided)

WHEELING — For its first Masterworks performance of the 2025-26 season, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will transform the Capitol Theatre into an immersive musical experience, featuring dynamic lighting, dance and one of the most beloved American compositions of all time.

Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 25, Painted on the Sky — named after John Denver’s iconic “Country Roads” — will feature a performance of Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” in addition to a highly anticipated collaboration between lighting and set designer Doug Fitch and Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance.

The WSO Capitol Series is presented by WesBanco. Painted on the Sky is supported by Trinity Health Systems and Soft Stands.

“This performance is a collaboration that has been years in the making,” said Devlin. “I have been a longtime fan of designer Doug Fitch and his work with the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera and countless other prestigious ensembles. It is such a thrill to finally bring his work here and unite his artistry with that of Cheryl Pompeo and the Oglebay Institute School of Dance. I am certain the finished product will mesmerize everyone in the audience.”

Fitch’s design will accompany the WSO’s performance of “Four Sea Interludes” and “Passacaglia” from Benjamin Britten’s opera Peter Grimes. Large swaths of fabric will extend from the ceiling of the stage, illuminated by different moving lights. Also, dancers from Oglebay Institute will use additional lights, mirrors, fabric and choreography to further tell the story of the piece and fully immerse the audience.

Prior to “Four Sea Interludes,” the concert will start with Eric Nathan’s “Opening,” in which members of the WSO brass section will perform from various locations in the audience.

Also on the program is Robert Schumann’s “Konzertstuuck.” Written for four horns and orchestra, the piece will showcase the WSO’s horn section, consisting of Jason Allison, Garret Law, Emily Shelley and Brooke Boehmer.

The performance will close with Copland’s iconic “Appalachian Spring.”

First composed to accompany Martha Graham’s ballet of the same name, this seminal work earned Copland the Nobel Prize for Music in 1945. The piece incorporates several Americana elements, most famously reworking the tune “Simple Gifts” into its major theme.

“‘Appalachian Spring’ is an important piece in the catalogue of American compositions, but it strikes an even more poignant note here, in the heart of Appalachia,” Devlin said. “Appalachian Spring tells the story of a young couple in an Appalachian farming settlement in the 19th century and how their lives are influenced by war, religion and their environment. It’s one of Copland’s most iconic pieces that many will love due to its connection to WVU’s Pride of West Virginia marching band, who perform ‘Simple Gifts’ prior to every home game.

“It will be the perfect end to a stunning concert that celebrates music, art, dance and our homeland. Join us!”

Tickets for the Painted on the Sky concert start at $22. College students can attend free with college ID, and all other students receive a 50-percent discount. Tickets can be purchased online at wheelingsymphony.com, over the phone at 304-232-6191, or in person at the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra box office, located downtown at 1025 Main St., Suite 811, Wheeling.