Symphony returns to Weirton to celebrate America
The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra performed at the Weirton Event Center Friday night, the second part of this year's "Celebrate America" tour. The symphony has been coming to Weirton for close to 30 years. -- Craig Howell
Guest artist Gary Mauer, known for appearances in Broadway musicals, as well as national touring productions, performed several selections alongside the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Friday at the Weirton Event Center. -- Craig Howell
The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra performed at the Weirton Event Center Friday night, the second part of this year's "Celebrate America" tour. The symphony has been coming to Weirton for close to 30 years. -- Craig Howell
Guest artist Gary Mauer, known for appearances in Broadway musicals, as well as national touring productions, performed several selections alongside the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Friday at the Weirton Event Center. -- Craig Howell
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WEIRTON -- Area residents continued the celebration of America’s birth, Friday, with what has become a traditional concert with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.
Hundreds crowded into the Weirton Event Center to hear the symphony, which has been coming to Weirton for close to 30 years.
“It’s always a pleasure coming to Weirton,” Bruce Wheeler, executive director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, said.
Wheeler took a moment to recognize Ray Seifert, director of the Weir High Band, noting Seifert has always allowed the symphony to use the school’s band room for rehearsals prior to their Weirton appearance.
Organized with assistance from the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the concert was the second night of the symphony’s annual “Celebrate America” tour.
The symphony was conducted, Friday, by Maurice Staton, a member of the symphony’s violin section who recently conducted its annual Young People’s Concert Tour. Under his direction, the symphony performed a variety of patriotic songs and selections from popular culture, beginning with the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Pops Hoe-Down.”
Other selections scheduled Friday were “Liberty Fanfare,” “God Bless the USA,” “Country Roads,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
For some selections, the symphony was joined by guest artist Gary Mauer, who is known for appearances in productions of “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables” Mauer performed songs from both musicals, including “Bring Him Home,” and “Music of the Night.”
Sponsors for the concert included: Serra Foundation, Hancock County Commission, Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley, Hancock County Savings Bank, WesBanco Community Foundation, Starvaggi Charities Inc., FirstEnergy Corp., Weirton Geriatric Center, DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille, Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Steel Town Auto Sales, Linda Heilman, Bob and Jane Watson, Gus’s Goodies, Mario’s Restaurant, William Galloway, Wine and Beverage Merchants of West Virginia and PS Marketing.
The evening was set to conclude with the city’s fireworks display, set off behind the Weirton Municipal Plaza.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)