Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Concert Will Pay Tribute to ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’

The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra is "spreadin' the news" that the Capitol Theatre is where you can "be a part of it" while the symphony plays all the hits of Frank Sinatra on Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m.

Guest artist Tony DeSare will accompany the WSO during their "Sinatra & Beyond" concert. DeSare will provide the "Chairman of the Board’s" smooth vocals while his band will join the WSO to complete the ensemble.

"You're going to hear lots of familiar tunes by the amazing Tony DeSare," said WSO Music Director John Devlin. "DeSare and his band will make the music sound like nothing anyone's ever heard before because we have these rich orchestral charts to back them up."

The WSO and DeSare will perform all the crooner's hits, from "Come Fly with Me" to "My Way."

"There will be all the quintessential songs that just make you want to get up and dance," said Thoms. "Some of the other songs you can just sit back and relax and soak it all in. I don't think there will be a tune that anyone doesn't know."

As a New York native, Devlin looks forward to performing "New York, New York" at the concert the most. Beyond his New York roots, which draw him to the singer, Devlin noted that as an Italian, he was thrilled to pay tribute to "one of the most iconic Italian Americans in history." He added that there is also a "deep Italian heritage" present throughout the valley, making Sinatra a "beautiful choice" for their Pops Series.

"One of the things that we [the WSO] love about the Pops Series is the experience of having music that we’re so familiar with come alive on the Capitol," explained Devlin. "There’s probably no one who’s music catalog is more familiar than Frank Sinatra, especially with the Italian American heritage that’s so present here in the Valley."

Devlin also has a familial connection to the singer, recalling his grandfather shining shoes in Queens, New York to earn enough nickels and quarters to get into whatever club Sinatra was performing at that night. He added that Sinatra's appeal extends beyond his family, as the crooner's singing style and beautifully written songs have a universal charm.

"His music is easy and carefree, and the topics he sings about relate to everybody," said Devlin. 'I think that's what we love the most about his music. Plus, his songs have a uniquely American flavor in how the band and the strings interact."

Thoms noted that 10 of the event's group sponsors are couples who share a love of Sinatra's music, demonstrating Sinatra's strong appeal. Group sponsors include Jean and Mike Bailey, Art and Vicky Musicaro, Dennis and Mary Hanley, Tom and Chris Anthony, John and Cheri DeBlasis, Paul and Teresa Camiletti, Frank and Anita Carenbauer, Dave and Beth Weaver, Undos & The Alpha Tavern and State Farm agent Laura Mull.

Thoms also recognized company sponsors for the event including Wesbanco, which presents the WSO Capitol Series. Wesbanco President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Jackson said the organization is the largest sponsor for the symphony because they find the WSO to be "a gem for the community."

"We really believe in the arts, especially for Wheeling, so we are always looking to support the symphony," noted Jackson. "We have a lot of tickets that we've been passing out to employees. I'm excited to attend and hear some Sinatra songs as well."

Additional group support for "Sinatra & Beyond" is provided by The IC Group and The Do Be Do Be Dos.

Tickets can be purchased online at wheelingsymphony.com, by phone at 304-232-6191, via email at boxoffice@wheelingsymphony.com or in person at the Box Office, located at 1025 Main Street, Suite 811, Wheeling, WV 26003.