Tracy Silverman and NEW WORLD SYMPHONY to Close Wheeling Symphony Season

Old and new collide for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra's final concert of the season, taking place on Friday, May 8, at the Capitol Theatre. Featuring electric violinist Tracy Silverman and a program that includes Dvořák's New World Symphony, the concert will end a season that often showcased the contrast between traditional and contemporary. Titled Take Me Home, the concert will explore and celebrate ideas of home, community, and progress. 

“Every year when we plan our concert season, we think extra carefully about the final performance. We want the last concert to not only embody some of the themes of the season, but to also close the year with a bang,” says WSO Music Director John Devlin. “I think Take Me Home will accomplish both of those goals beautifully and will leave our audience eager for next season!”

The concert will begin with the “player's choice” selection for the season. Each year, members of the orchestra are given the opportunity to submit a suggestion for the season, and this year Devlin selected Mediodia en el Llano from those suggestions. Written by Venezuelan composer Antonio Estévez, the piece was nominated by WSO Principal Second Violin Juan Jaramillo in tribute to his home county.

Following the Estévez is a new work co-commissioned by the WSO. Composed by Daniel Bernard Roumain, better known as DBR, From America, to US features two unconventional elements: a soloist who performs on an electric violin and a “town hall cadenza.”  The soloist is Tracy Silverman, a Juilliard-trained violinist who has made a name for himself over the last 40 years by performing primarily on a six-string electric violin. His skill has led to several celebrated composers writing specifically for him, with performances at the LA Philharmonic, BBC Symphony, and many more. In addition to Silverman, From America, to US highlights our own community through its “Town Hall Cadenza,” which sees 8 community members sharing their thoughts about community in a town hall style while Silverman responds musically to their words.

While DBR's piece represents new symphonic work, the second half of the concert celebrates the traditional classical canon with one of the most beloved symphonies of all time: Dvořák's Symphony no. 9, often referred to as the New World Symphony. Premiered in 1893, Dvořák composed the piece while serving as the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America. During this time, Dvořák was greatly influenced by American music, specifically the spiritual.

In addition to the performance, the WSO will recognize the two recipients of the annual Rachael Worby Scholarship and will honor the 2026 Spirit of the WSO winner.

“I believe Take Me Home is going to be a wonderful end to our season,” says WSO Executive Director Marc Zyla. “Not only does it celebrate our community through different awards and collaborations, but it's full of exciting pieces I know our audience will love. We hope you'll join us!”