Grammy-Winning Vocalist To Kick Off ‘SoundBites’ at Scottish Rite Cathedral in Wheeling
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The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will welcome a Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano to kick off the third season of its chamber orchestra series at an intriguing venue.
SoundBites Vol. III will open its season Nov. 20 at Wheeling's Scottish Rite Cathedral. A cocktail reception and cello ensemble performance begins the event at 5:30 p.m. and the concert and dinner follow at 6:30 p.m.
The chamber orchestra, conducted by Maestro John Devlin, will be joined by two featured artists, mezzo soprano Sahsa Cooke and cellist Elisa Kohanski. The music will be paired with a gourmet meal prepared by Adam Luiso, Executive Chef of Roxby Development.
"This concert is remarkable in many ways," Devlin said. "We will be performing in the Scottish Rite Cathedral which has never before been the site of a public orchestral performance and our WSO musicians will be returning to live indoor performance after many months of delay. Musically, the program is likely to elicit a range of emotions."
A two-time Grammy award-winner, Cooke has been called a "luminous standout" by the New York Times and "equal parts poise, radiance and elegant directness" by Opera News. She has performed with opera companies worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, Opera National de Bordeaux, Los Angeles Opera and many more.
Kohanski, principal cellist of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, enjoys a diverse career as soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. She has performed with the Miami String Quartet, Olivia Newton John, Robert Shaw, Gustavo Dudamel, Garrison Keillor, Harry Connick, Jr., and in halls around the world including Carnegie Hall; Royal Albert Hall; Schlossfestspiele in Heidelberg; and Stefaniensaal in Graz, Austria. She is Principal Cellist of Pittsburgh Ballet, a member of Pittsburgh Opera, performs with Pittsburgh Symphony, Taconic Music and has played with Columbus Symphony.
The concert will begin with the first movement from Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, followed by The Work at Hand, a composition of three symphonic songs by American Jake Heggie. The program will conclude with the exciting Rossini's Overture to Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville).
The dinner will be a three-course meal, beginning with a veal and mushroom Bolognese stuffed portobello mushroom and end with desserts of panna cota and chocolate tortes. The main course, inspired by Heggie's The Work at Hand will feature five unique bites to be enjoyed throughout the piece. Patrons will also enjoy a signature cocktail and wine.
For information about the safety protocols for attending these concerts, visit wheelingsymphony.com/safety.