Our thanks to the media organizations who covered this past Saturday’s season opener for Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, which was sponsored by Trinity Health System.
Here are excerpts from the media coverage, along with links to the full reports:
The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register: Painted on the Sky: Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Kicks Off Masterworks Series Saturday
For its first Masterworks performance of the 2025-26 season, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra will transform the Capitol Theatre into an immersive musical experience, featuring dynamic lighting, dance and one of the most beloved American compositions of all time.
Taking place on Saturday, Oct. 25, Painted on the Sky — named after John Denver’s iconic “Country Roads” — will feature a performance of Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” in addition to a highly anticipated collaboration between lighting and set designer Doug Fitch and Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance.
The WSO Capitol Series is presented by WesBanco. Painted on the Sky is supported by Trinity Health Systems and Soft Stands.
“This performance is a collaboration that has been years in the making,” said Devlin. “I have been a longtime fan of designer Doug Fitch and his work with the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera and countless other prestigious ensembles. It is such a thrill to finally bring his work here and unite his artistry with that of Cheryl Pompeo and the Oglebay Institute School of Dance. I am certain the finished product will mesmerize everyone in the audience.”
You can read the full article here.
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The Weirton Daily Times: Trinity, WesBanco team to support Wheeling Symphony by Warren Scott
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.
You can read the full article here.
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
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WTRF: Music, dance, and light collide in Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s stunning season opener by Alex Taylor
The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra is kicking off its new season with an unforgettable performance that blends music, dance, and light.
On Saturday, October 25, the Capitol Theatre will come alive for Painted on the Sky featuring Copland’s Appalachian Spring and a special collaboration with Oglebay Institute’s School of Dance.
The performance will also include works by Schumann, Britten, and Nathan, all brought to life through stunning visuals designed by Doug Fitch.
Trinity is thrilled to sponsor the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, and we are sponsoring a Painted on the Sky next Saturday, and just thrilled to do it. We love our partnership with the symphony. We’re looking at ways to bring the symphony here to Jefferson County, so this is just part of the partnership.” — Laurie Labishak, Trinity Health System
You can read and view the full segment here.
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WTOV: Wheeling Symphony Orchestra launches new season with community support
“We love doing anything that brings the community together, and music is therapeutic, right? Music is healing, so I think there’s a big connection between musical events and Trinity Health System,” said Trinity Marketing Director Laurie Labishak.
“Our vision is to make the community a better place for the people and businesses to thrive, and what we see the symphony doing in our area is just that,” WesBanco Marketing President David Klick.
The season, titled “The Place Where I Belong,” aims to foster a sense of belonging, inspired by John Denver’s “Country Roads.”
“Everything that we do is in service to our community, so we program with our community in mind, and try to do music that we think our community will really engage with,” WSO Marketing and Communications Manager Sadie Varlas said.