Marc Zyla

A native West Virginian will be the next executive director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.

The WSO announced Monday afternoon that Parkersburg native Marc Zyla will take over at the helm of the organization. Zyla replaces Sonja Thoms, who left the WSO in July to become the director of operations for the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera.

“I am thrilled to return home to West Virginia and join the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra as its next executive director,” Zyla said in a WSO release. “For nearly a century, the Symphony has been a cultural cornerstone of the Ohio Valley, bringing world-class performances and meaningful community connections to the region. I look forward to working alongside this talented team to build on that remarkable legacy and ensure a vibrant future for the WSO.”

Zyla currently lives in Rock Island, Illinois, where he works as the director for community engagement for WVIK, Quad Cities NPR, and is principal horn and personnel manager of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

Zyla earned his bachelor’s degree in musical arts from West Virginia University. He went on to earn a master of fine arts in horn performance from Carnegie Mellon University and has completed doctoral course work in horn performance and literature at the University of Illinois.

WSO Interim Executive Director Sumner Riddick said the symphony chose Zyla from an impressive field of candidates following an extensive interview process.

“We are confident he will lead our organization in the right direction. Special thanks goes to Lou Khourey, Wheeling Symphony Life Director, whose leadership was invaluable as chair of the search committee,” Riddick said.

WSO Music Director and Conductor Maestro John Devlin said he was excited to welcome Zyla to Wheeling and is ready to work with him to continue pushing the symphony forward.

“His background as an orchestral performer, his advocacy for the arts, and his deep roots in West Virginia make him the perfect fit for the next chapter of our orchestra,” Devlin said. “In getting to know Marc through our search process, I was impressed by his vision, background of artistic excellence, and commitment to community connection.

“I look forward to his arrival in December and to introducing him to the enthusiastic community that so passionately supports the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra and welcomes all to the Friendly City,” Devlin continued.