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WHEELING -- Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will open its 90th season with announces its 90th season opening night concert, Aretha: A Tribute, featuring vocalists, Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, conducted by Music Director John Devlin.
The performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Capitol Theatre.
A tribute to the Queen of Soul, this program, presented by WesBanco, features symphony favorite Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy-award nominee Ryan Shaw performing such iconic hits as "Respect," "Think," "A Natural Woman," "Chain of Fools," "Amazing Grace" and many others.
"The WSO is going to express a commitment to the best of American music and artists through our programming on both its pops and masterworks series," says music Director John Devlin. "I can think of no better way to start our WSO season at the Capitol than through this tribute concert to the great Aretha Franklin, an artist who meant so much to the American creative landscape. She left us just over one year ago, and by performing her greatest hits we will celebrate the anniversary of her passing with vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw."
Jenkins is a Brooklyn-born and raised actress and most recently starred as Medda in the hit Disney production of "Newsies" on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut in "The Civil War," where she created the role of Harriet Jackson. Additional Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include "Godspell," "The Look of Love," "Caroline, or Change" and "Martin Short -- Fame Becomes Me." In addition to her theatrical credits, Jenkins has appeared with orchestras around the world including the Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony (with Marvin Hamlisch), National Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Utah Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra and many others.
Shaw recently appeared as Judas at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in the U.S. premiere of the critically-acclaimed London/Regent's Park's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," which won the Olivier for Best Musical Revival. As a recording artist, Shaw has released three solo Grammy-nominated projects: 2008's "This is Ryan Shaw" on Columbia Records, 2011's "It Gets Better" and 2014's "Real Love" on Dynotone Records. He has toured the world and shared the stage with such artists as Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, Joss Stone, John Legend, B.B. King, Bruce Hornsby and Jill Scott. Shaw continues to be a return featured special guest with the Houston Symphony.
"This celebration fits perfectly with the recognition of the WSO's 90th anniversary, an occasion we will honor throughout our upcoming season. I look forward to seeing everyone at the opening night block party before the show begins, and then for what will be a memorable night in the Capitol Theater," Devlin added.
Prior to the concert, patrons can purchase tickets to the block party catered by Charlie Schlegel from Ye Ole Alpha. It will feature food, beer, wine and more, plus a special performance by Ezra Hamilton and The Relativs. Tickets are $50 per person, and the event will take place in the alley adjacent to the Capitol Theatre.
A post-show reception will follow the performance.
Aretha: A Tribute is sponsored by WesBanco, Axis Energy Solutions and National Road Utility Supply.
Tickets start at $20.50 and can be purchased online at wheelingsymphony.com, by phone at (304) 232-6191, by e-mail at boxoffice@wheelingsymphony.com or in person at the box office, located at 1025 Main St.
Patrons 18 or younger can get tickets for $7.50. Additional discounts are available for college students and groups of 10 or more.
For information, visit wheelingsymphony.com.