WV Symphony Partnership Announced

West Virginia State University (WVSU) and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) announce a new Five-Year cultural enrichment partnership. The arrangement between the two organizations seek to take advantage of synergies in the cultural and strategic missions of both entities to expand and provide educational experiences to students and the Kanawha Valley at large. 

“This partnership brings together two of West Virginia’s finest institutions,” explained David Gross, President of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. 

The Five-Year partnership will entail one concert per year to be performed by the WVSO on the WVSU campus as well as an annual performance by the WVSO’s Montclaire String Quartet. In addition, four master classes will be taught by members of the orchestra each school year, and internship opportunities with the Symphony will be available for WVSU students.  Students will also have access to attend WVSO rehearsals and concerts. Lastly, the partnership will establish a joint committee to explore future opportunities for collaboration.

Dr. Barbara Ladner, Dean of the WVSU College of Arts and Humanities, explains that the partnership addresses a directive set forth in the WVSU strategic plan. “In addition to expanding opportunities for our students, this partnership is a step forward in our strategic goal of establishing stronger and mutually beneficial relationships with the community. We are so very fortunate that we have one of the most talented orchestras in the country right here in our own community.”

A special naming ceremony of the annual on campus performance in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Hazo W. Carter Jr. will take place in the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences Founder’s Lounge, Friday Jan. 27, 2012 at 6:30 pm prior to the WVSO’s Symphonic Series concert.