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Classical Sounds of the Mountain State
KENZIE DYE
West Virginia’ s three symphony orchestras honor tradition while embracing innovation, enriching communities through performances and education. With deep roots and bold visions, each ensures live orchestral music remains a vital part of the state’ s cultural landscape.
West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1939, the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra( WVSO) is the largest performing arts organization in the Mountain State, reaching a multi-generational audience of about 40,000 each year.
“ The history of the WVSO is the history of an institution committed to musical excellence and musical accessibility, ensuring that all West Virginians have access to this incredible tradition of music,” says Maurice Cohn, music director of the WVSO.
While based in Charleston, the orchestra also travels to cities such as
Parkersburg, Lewisburg, Elkins, Clarksburg, Morgantown and Fairmont and has earned national recognition.
“ The enthusiastic response from musicians around the country to our recent auditions was a great reminder of the excellent history and credibility of this institution,” Cohn explains.
The orchestra attracts internationally known guest artists and has been instrumental in the careers of many West Virginia musicians who have achieved success on both national and global stages.
“ Early in my tenure, we needed to hire several new musicians for key positions in the orchestra,” Cohn says.“ The enthusiastic response to these vacancies and the interest from musicians around the country in joining the WVSO was a great reminder of the excellent history and credibility of this institution.”
Finding the right balance between tradition and innovation is central to WVSO’ s programming.
Photo by West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
“ For me, great programming is built on trust,” Cohn says.“ We want to show our audiences we care deeply about the music they already know and treasure, and then we have the opportunity to show them something new to love.”
When hiring new musicians, the WVSO runs blind auditions. This means candidates are not screened based on resumes or levels of music degrees. The
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