Wheeling Symphony unveils ‘JOY’ theme for 2026-27 season
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WHEELING -- The stage is set for a joyful 2026-27 concert season for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, as the upcoming series of Pops and Masterworks performances promises something for music lovers of all ages.
The WSO invited its subscribers to a special reveal of the 2026-27 season Tuesday night at Waterfront Hall in Wheeling. The season, titled JOY, includes seven concerts as part of the Capitol Series at the Capitol Theatre. The symphony also will perform its traditional slate of community concerts throughout the year, offering music spanning a variety of genres and styles.
“Our theme last year was ‘Home,'” WSO Music Director John Devlin said. “We thought about what we want people to have inside our home at the Capitol Theatre, and that’s ‘Joy.’
“That’s the feeling we’re hoping to elicit. So all of the music that we have -- even on the classical concerts -- is uplifting and lighthearted, and I think it will make people feel that sense of joy.”
Devlin noted the theme for the new season also was influenced by the final Masterworks concert, which features the famous “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
WSO Executive Director Marc Zyla said he is proud of the season that has been planned.
“Between our seven-concert Capitol Series and our community concerts, there are countless opportunities for the Ohio Valley to experience the excellence of the Wheeling Symphony,” Zyla said. “Whether you want to hear something new and exciting or simply hear a familiar song in a new and exciting way, JOY has something for everyone.”
Programming for a new season takes well over a year to develop, Devlin said. Audience surveys help determine what patrons enjoyed most from the previous season and identify areas for improvement. Nationally acclaimed guest artists also collaborate with Devlin in selecting music they would like to perform.
“It takes over a year to plan each season,” he said, noting he already is working on details for the 2027-28 season.
The season opens Oct. 30 with a live performance of the score to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban synchronized with the film. The WSO previously performed the first two Harry Potter films before sold-out audiences in 2023 and 2024 before presenting Star Wars: A New Hope last season.
“This is personally my favorite project out of the eight movies because it’s the last that John Williams composed the score for,” Devlin said. “I think it’s some of his best musical writing, not just for the ‘Harry Potter’ series, but overall in his entire film score output.”
On Nov. 19, the WSO will continue the America 250 celebration with Leonard Bernstein in Story and Song, featuring vocalist Morgan James and special guest Jamie Bernstein, the composer’s daughter, who will share stories of her father’s life and legacy.
“You’re not allowed to have a favorite concert -- but this is my favorite concert next year,” Devlin said.
The annual Symphony on Ice returns Dec. 3 for its 21st year, combining holiday music with figure skating performances.
The Pops series resumes Jan. 16 with The Music of John Williams, celebrating the legendary film composer as he approaches his 95th birthday.
Guest pianist Natalia Kazaryan will headline An Afternoon in Spain on Feb. 13, performing Manuel de Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain along with the premiere of Leanna Primiani’s Visions.
The Masterworks series continues March 11 with Bohemian Spirit in celebration of Music in Our Schools Month. Members of the Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra will join the WSO for Sibelius’ Finlandia. The concert also includes guest artist Mary Elizabeth Bowden performing Clarice Assad’s Bohemian Queen, along with Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40.
The season’s final Masterworks concert, Ode to Joy, will be presented April 30 and feature the Wheeling Symphony Chorus performing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. The program also includes Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture and Will Dixon’s Les Belle de Lausanne.
The Pops season concludes May 22 with Classical Mystery Tour, a tribute to the Beatles.
Before the new season begins, audiences can hear the WSO during its free Music Under the Stars community concert over Labor Day weekend at the Oglebay Amphitheater.
“It has just transcended into culture in a very amazing way, and we want people to harness that throughout the whole season,” Devlin said. “We have a very big concert hall and we want it to be as filled as possible. We can’t wait to celebrate our 2026-27 season JOY with you all.”
Subscriptions for the WSO’s 2026-27 season go on sale July 21. Single tickets become available Sept. 1.
For additional information and a complete concert schedule, visit wheelingsymphony.com.