Story and Video: Leonard Bernstein’s Daughter To Tell Stories About Her Dad In Next WSO Performance
Trending
In celebrating one of America’s greatest conductors, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will invite his daughter to the stage to tell stories about his life and accomplishments.
The WSO will pay tribute to the iconic Leonard Bernstein with “Bernstein in Story and Song” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Capitol Theatre. The orchestra will perform pieces from Bernstein’s memorable works, including “West Side Story,” “Candide,” and “On the Town,” accompanied by vocalist Morgan James. Also on the stage will be Jamie Bernstein, who will provide narration about her father throughout.
WSO Conductor and Music Director Maestro John Devlin said it was his frequent collaborations with James that helped the connection with Jamie Bernstein come about.
“She said, ‘I have this personal relationship with Jamie Bernstein, and she’s interested in bringing the stories that she can share about her father to orchestras in all parts of the country,'” Devlin said. “And I said, ‘Sign me up.’ And I’m so glad that the symphony’s board and team decided this was an appropriate way to start our Masterworks season.”
As America remains in the year of its 250th birthday, Devlin said this was a wonderful way to help celebrate that, by paying tribute to the composer and conductor who changed American music through his talents.
WSO Executive Director Marc Zyla said this performance is an opportunity to both entertain and educate the patrons of the orchestra.
“Coming to an orchestra concert can be an experience where you just come and enjoy music and are entertained, but it’s also a place where you can come and learn,” he said. “And you can come and gain perspective into things you may not be aware of. I think that a lot of our patrons will come out of that concert knowing so much more about classical music, about how influential Leonard Bernstein was.”
The WSO Capitol Series is presented by WesBanco and additional support for Bernstein in Story and Song is provided by Harold and Roanne Burech. WesBanco Market President Matthew Drahos said his company is ecstatic to be able to provide this program to the community.
“From a sponsorship perspective, it’s really cool to be involved in something like this,” he said. “Even as a resident of Wheeling, I love that we’re doing this stuff. As a bank, to be able to support something like this, to bring this type of event to Wheeling, from a cultural perspective and an entertainment perspective, it’s awesome.”
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 Street, Suite 811, Wheeling, WV 26003 or 304-232-6191.