Wheeling Symphony Orchestra staff and board members consider the orchestra’s present and future. From left, intern Greta Hulterstrum, Customer Relations Manager Lauren Baker, and Board President Mary Hanley. Photo by Emma Delk.
In Wednesday’s (6/19) Weirton Daily Times (Steubenville, Ohio), Emma Delk writes, “Wheeling Symphony Orchestra staff, board members and musicians gathered with community members Monday during the American Composers Orchestra Workshop to create a vision for the organization’s 2024-25 season, which will be its 95th. The morning session opened up discussion to community members from local organizations, businesses and schools to share how they could collaborate and assist the WSO in achieving its future goals. After the morning session, the WSO staff and board members regrouped for a closed meeting to discuss the morning’s feedback and how they could implement it. ‘Since the symphony stewards art in the city, as we celebrate 95 years, I think we should reflect on what we stand for and also set the tone for this entire season,’ said WSO Executive Director Sonja Thoms…. The workshop was conducted by President of the American Composers Orchestra Melissa Ngan … After focusing on the WSO’s current positives, Ngan had participants share their vision for its future…. The conversation then turned to how to drive interest in the orchestra from groups in Wheeling that had not yet been reached — another goal named for the organization…. While wrapping up the session, WSO Maestro John Devlin noted that some of the goals discussed during their meeting were ‘present or in the process of flowering.’ ”
