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The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will close its 2022-23 season at 7:30 p.m. Friday with "Rising Above" at the Capitol Theatre. Featuring pianist Maxim Lando, the concert will include works by Franz Liszt, Dmitri Shostakovich, and local composer Daniel Perttu.
"The WSO has had an incredible year," said WSO music director John Devlin. "Between having Yo-Yo Ma here in September, commissioning a new piece that features a beatboxer as the soloist, and our live soundtrack presentation of Jurassic Park, it has been a truly exciting season from start to finish. I believe that 'Rising Above' will be the perfect celebration of all that we've accomplished this year."
Lando, 20, will perform Liszt's "Totentanz," or "Dance of Death." Liszt, a 19th-century Hungarian composer, is often regarded as one of the best pianists of all time, and his compositions are still extremely popular among concert pianists. Lando himself is no stranger to Liszt's work, having recently won first prize at the 2022 New York Franz Liszt International Competition at Carnegie Hall.
In addition, the WSO will perform "Phoenix" by Pennsylvania-based composer Perttu. Perttu will be in attendance on the night of the concert, and he will join WSO Assistant Conductor Antoine Clark for Concert Talk beforehand. Taking place at 6:30 pm in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom, Concert Talk is free of charge.
The concert will conclude with Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony, an epic composition believed to be a musical portrait of Joseph Stalin and the reign of terror he implemented over Russia.
Each piece on the concert deals with concepts of overcoming obstacles and rebirth -- a notion Devlin says is particularly apt for the WSO.
"When the COVID-19 pandemic began, our entire world was turned upside down. For arts organizations, it was particularly challenging, as gathering in large groups is an integral part of our mission," Devlin said. "To have such a fantastic season of music only a few years later is a testament to the ability of our staff, musicians, and community to rise above our obstacles and come out stronger than ever. I hope to see many faces come out to celebrate the end of a monumental season."
Tickets begin at $11, with students gaining entry free of charge. Tickets can be purchased online at wheelingsymphony.com, by phone at (304) 232-6191, via email at boxoffice@wheelingsymphony.com, or at the box office, 1025 Main St. Suite 811, Wheeling.