Tracy Silverman

WHEELING – Old and new collide for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s final concert of the season, taking place today, Friday, May 8, at the Capitol Theatre.

Featuring electric violinist Tracy Silverman and a program that includes Dvorak’s “New World Symphony,” the concert will end a season that often showcased the contrast between traditional and contemporary.

Titled Take Me Home, the concert will explore and celebrate ideas of home, community and progress. The WSO Capitol Series is sponsored by WesBanco. Take Me Home is presented by the Yassini Family, with additional support provided by John and Gail Looney, C.A. House Music, and Lou and Charlotte Khourey.

“Every year when we plan our concert season, we think extra carefully about the final performance. We want the last concert to not only embody some of the themes of the season, but to also close the year with a bang,” said WSO Music Director John Devlin. “I think Take Me Home will accomplish both of those goals beautifully and will leave our audience eager for next season!”

The concert will begin with the “player’s choice” selection for the season. Each year, members of the orchestra are given the opportunity to submit a suggestion for the season, and this year Devlin selected “Mediodia en el Llano” from those suggestions. Written by Venezuelan composer Antonio Estevez, the piece was nominated by WSO Principal Second Violin Juan Jaramillo in tribute to his home county.

Following the Estevez is a new work co-commissioned by the WSO. Composed by Daniel Bernard Roumain, better known as DBR, “From America, to US” features two unconventional elements: a soloist who performs on an electric violin and a “town hall cadenza.” The soloist is Silverman, a Juilliard-trained violinist who has made a name for himself over the last 40 years by performing primarily on a six-string electric violin. His skill has led to several celebrated composers writing specifically for him, with performances at the LA Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, and many more.

In addition to Silverman, “From America, to US” highlights our own community through its “Town Hall Cadenza,” which sees eight community members sharing their thoughts about community in a town hall style while Silverman responds musically to their words.

While DBR’s piece represents new symphonic work, the second half of the concert celebrates the traditional classical canon with one of the most beloved symphonies of all time: Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, often referred to as the “New World Symphony.” Originally performed in 1893, Dvorak composed the piece while serving as the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America. During this time, Dvorak was greatly influenced by American music, specifically the spiritual.

“‘New World Symphony’ is an iconic piece of classical music for good reason: it’s exciting, powerful and captures the spirit of innovation that was so prevalent in the U.S. at the turn of the century,” said Devlin. “At the same time, the nods to types of music like the spiritual make it feel very rooted in U.S. history. That contrast between the past and forward innovation fits in so well with our entire season and I think represents our home here in the United States.”

In addition to the performance, the WSO will recognize the two recipients of the annual Rachael Worby Scholarship and will honor the 2026 Spirit of the WSO winner.

“I believe Take Me Home is going to be a wonderful end to our season,” WSO Executive Director Marc Zyla said. “Not only does it celebrate our community through different awards and collaborations, but it’s full of exciting pieces I know our audience will love. We hope you’ll join us!”

Tickets for Take Me Home start at $22; college students can attend for free. Tickets can be purchased online at wheelingsymphony.com, over the phone at 304-232-6191, or in person at the WSO box office, located at 1025 Main St., Suite 811, Wheeling.

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