MUSIC TO THEIR EARS — Representatives of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra announced Friday Trinity Health System, WesBanco and Soft Stands of Parkersburg are serving as sponsors for the orchestra’s upcoming shows, including “Painted on the Sky,” on Oct. 25, which will bring together dance, special lighting effects and the orchestra’s dramatic sound. On hand for the announcement were, from left, Laurie Labishak, market director for marketing and communications for Trinity Health System; Laura Rauch, director of development for the orchestra; David Klick, market president for WesBanco; and Sadie Varlas, marketing manager for the orchestra. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — Representatives of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra visited the lobby of Trinity Medical Center West Friday to thank representatives of Trinity Health System and WesBanco for their support of the orchestra’s shows.

That includes an Oct. 25 production in which the symphony’s sound will be accompanied by special lighting and set designs envisioned by Doug Fitch, who has applied such talents to multiple major metropolitan orchestra performances, and the moves of the Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance under the direction of Cheryl Pompeo.

Featuring music from composers Aaron Copland, Benjamin Britten and Robert Schumann, “Painted on the Sky” promises to be an immersive experience, said Sadie Varlas, marketing manager for the Wheeling orchestra.

She and Laura Rauch, WSO director of development, said while 500 tickets have been sold for the show at Wheeling’s Capitol Theatre, there are still more than 2,000 left.

Tickets, which vary in price according to seating, can be purchased online at etix.com/ticket/v/9729/wheeling-symphony-orchestra or by calling the box office at (304) 232-6191 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Rauch noted it’s still early in the orchestra’s season, so great deals still can be had by obtaining season passes for its variety of concerts.

Information can be found at wheelingsymphony.com/concerts-and-events/subscribe-and-save.

She said supporters like WesBanco, which is sponsoring the symphony’s Masterworks series, and Trinity, which is supporting the “Painted on the Sky” performance, allow the symphony to offer admission at affordable prices.

“We’re so fortunate to have the support of WesBanco and Trinity Health System,” said Rauch, who added a new sponsor, Soft Stands LLC of Parkersburg, has joined the orchestra’s supporters this year.

Laurie Labishak, market director for marketing and communications at Trinity, said it’s the second year the health care organization has partnered with the orchestra.

She said it’s a relationship that has been enjoyed by many of Trinity’s 1,800 employees, who have received tickets to the orchestra’s shows as prizes for in-house contests or a free ticket with the purchase of a ticket for some performances.

Labishak, who serves on the symphony’s board, added Trinity officials hope to work with the Steubenville Cultural Trust, the group behind the Nutcracker Village, to bring the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra to the city for an indoor concert.

David Klick, market president for WesBanco, said, “We’ve been series sponsors for several consecutive years. Our vision is to make the community a better place and what the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra does for the arts and culture is wonderful.”

Rauch noted the orchestra’s upcoming performances include an “Endless Love” pop concert on Feb. 14 and the popular Symphony on Ice on Dec. 4.

Held at WesBanco Arena, the latter show involves professional figure skaters as well as members of Pittsburgh and Wheeling figure skating clubs and local school choirs.