Contact Information
Concert Venue
Blennerhassett School Auditorium
448 Jewell Road
Parkersburg, WV 26101
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5511
Vienna, WV 26105
Answering machine for Symphony questions answered by a volunteer, 304-485-4200
Email: dave@wvsop.org
Links
Mission
To encourage in and appreciation of the art of orchestral music by the public and students for life-long experiences in the Mid-Ohio Valley.
History
The orchestra began its journey in the Mid-Ohio Valley in March, 1988 as the Mid-Ohio Symphony Society. The purpose was to bring the West Virginia Symphony from Charleston.
In the inaugural season there were three (3) concerts which have been increased to five (5) public concerts a season. In 1990, the symphony was the recipient of ARTSBRIDGE’s organization of the year award. We changed our name in 2004, DBA, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra – Parkersburg.
We feel it is vitally important to have musical programs for the students of Wood County.
These concerts began in 1993 as Young People’s Concerts.
Function Purposes
We are proud to be considered the second home of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) under the artistic direction of Music Director Larwrence Loh. We provide a season of five concerts with three preconcert talks by the guest artist and music director. We present two Young People’s Concerts including a two day residency by ShookStruck Trio, a full concert introduction, and the OhioBrass Ensemble. The Young People’s Concerts are for Wood County students in public, private, and homeschooled students in the third, fourth, and fifth grades, and provide oversight of all concert functions.
Our Board of Directors is an all-volunteer board who hail from various communities, backgrounds, and life experiences. The board members raise funds, promote audience development. By using marketing activities and high quality concerts and programs both classical and pops, the concerts have 550-700 individuals in attendance per concert, from Wood County, surrounding counties and Ohio. The Young People’s Concerts average 1,000 students and staff per event for a total of 3,000 Wood County students. It is our pleasure to provide concert tickets for middle school students and parents, by alternating the schools each season.
As the Symphony continues the desire is to broaden and enrich lives of those participating both culturally and educationally. The board works hard to make a positive contribution to a wonderful community in which to live and raise a family.
