West Virginia native and Cincinnati Symphony violinist Charles Morey will perform the Suite for Violin and Orchestra by African-American composer William Grant Still.  The OVS will play Brahms Symphony No. 2, Op. 73 under the direction of Maestro Scott E. Woodard.  What could be better!

Dr. Scott E. Woodard, conductor
Maestro Dr. Scott E. Woodard was born in Huntington, WV and is proud to be a life-long West Virginian. He is the Music Director of the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra in Hamilton, Ohio, the Founding Music Director of the West Virginia State Philharmonic Orchestra of Charleston, WV, the Principal Guest Conductor of the Rimini Chamber Orchestra in Rimini, Italy, and the former Cover Conductor of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. His primary teachers were Dr. Leonid Korchmar of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory of Music and the Mariinsky Theatre and Dr. Oleg Proskuryna. Scott is the recipient of First Prizes at the International Conductor’s Workshop Competition (Macon, GA) and the International Academy of Advanced Conducting (St. Petersburg, Russian Federation).

A product of the public schools in Cabell County, Scott picked up the trumpet in the sixth-grade band. He is a proud Son of Marshall, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During those MU years, Scott began his study of orchestral conducting under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Balshaw. In 2014, he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, where his dissertation explored the importance of the Leningrad School of conducting and its founder Ilya Musin.

Scott lives in Scott Depot with his wife Nafi, a family physician, and their son, Gabriel, a trumpet player just like his dad, and a new baby daughter, Gabriella! His hobbies include playing horrible golf, and trying to figure out how to work on his vintage 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.

Charles Morey, violin
Charles Morey was born in Fayetteville, West Virginia and began playing the violin at the age of two. Leading a diverse musical life as violinist, composer, arranger, teacher, and YouTube artist, he has concertized extensively throughout the USA, Europe, and Asia. As soloist he has appeared with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, International Baroque Soloists, Lexington Bach Festival Orchestra, and the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Charles has performed as concertmaster with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and many others. Highlights of his career as a composer include a Kennedy Center performance of his work, Images for violin and piano, a premiere of Circles by students from Cleveland School of the Arts, and touring performances of his own set of variations on the tune Wondrous Love with the WV Symphony Orchestra. Recent honors include the premiere of A Day at a Time by Caroline Shaw and premiere recording of Toft Serenade by Augusta Read Thomas.

Mr. Morey received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in violin performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He was chosen to study orchestral leadership at the Music Academy of the West under the San Diego Symphony. He has served as Acting Associate Concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and is currently playing in the first violin section and performs regularly with the Cleveland Orchestra.

Find Charles on YouTube @charlesmoreyviolin

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British composer Edward Elgar’s music will be featured when the Cincinnati Symphony’s principal cellist Ilya Finkelshteyn joins Maestro François López-Ferrer and the OVS for the Cello Concerto, Op. 36. Paired with that is Elgar’s Enigma Variations which continues to capture music lovers attention with its haunting melodies and wistful musical descriptions of his friends for each of the 14 movements.

François López-Ferrer, conductor
Spanish-American conductor François López-Ferrer currently serves as Resident Conductor of the Académie of the Opéra de Paris. Former Associate Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and May Festival, and a 2021-22’ Dudamel Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, López-Ferrer stepped in for Louis Langrée with the CSO in January of 2022 for the US premiere of Mark Simpson’s Violin Concerto with Nicola Benedetti to great critical acclaim.

This season López-Ferrer has made brilliant debuts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Orquesta Nacional de España, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Opéra de Lausanne, Orquesta deValencia, Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia, Orquesta Sinfónica Radio Televisión Española, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Sacramento Philharmonic, and Pasadena Symphony, and was featured in the 2022 Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He previously served as Associate Conductor of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Chile and Principal Conductor of the Ballet Nacional Chileno.

Upcoming highlights include debuts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Music Festival, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and Tucson Symphony, as well as return engagements to the Orquesta Sinfónica Radio Televisión Española, Pasadena Symphony, Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto, and Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Chile.

An inaugural apprentice of the Verbier Festival’s 2018 Conductor Mentorship Program, López-Ferrer made a last-minute critically-acclaimed debut with the Verbier Festival Orchestra jumping in for Iván Fischer in a shared program with Sir Simon Rattle and Gábor Takács-Nagy. He was recipient of a Career Assistance Award from the Solti Foundation U.S., winner of the inaugural 2015 Neeme Järvi Prize awarded at the Menuhin-Gstaad Festival, and a previous member of the Deutsche Dirigentenforum.

López-Ferrer holds a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne and a bachelor’s in Composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Ilya Finkelshteyn, cello
Ilya Finkelshteyn was praised by the Washington Post as a “complete master of his instrument,” and has performed throughout the United State, Canada, Europe and Japan. He has appeared as soloist with the Baltimore, St. Louis, Detroit, Mostly Mozart and many other world class orchestras, including the National Repertory Orchestra. He is a prize winner of numerous competitions including the Concertino Praga, Russian Cello Competition, the WAMSO International Competition, Aspen Concerto Competition, and Chautauqua Concerto Competition.

As a winner of the Juilliard Concerto Competition, Ilya was a soloist with the Juilliard Orchestra on its tours to France and Bermuda.

Currently Ilya is principal cellist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and prior to that he was principal cellist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Cello at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He started his education at the Special Music School at the St. Petersburg Conservatory before immigrating to the United States where he studied at the University of Minnesota and the Julliard School.

Ilya plays a cello by Domenico Montagnana circa 1730 courtesy of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  He actively maintains a YouTube channel which includes performance videos of his own musical adaptations, @IlyaFinkelshteyn.

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Maestro Steven Huang has planned another grand and memorable Christmas Show program the entire family will enjoy, featuring many songs of the season. Get your tickets early as we always sell out! Who will be the next Maestro for a Moment? Join the fun and become a candidate!

Steven Huang, conductor
Maestro Steven Huang is thrilled to return to Southeastern Ohio to the podium of The Ohio Valley Symphony, a Christmas tradition since 2018.

Mr. Huang has conducted orchestras and operas across the country and around the world. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Huang served as Music Director of the Bach Society Orchestra of Harvard University, where he received his undergraduate degree. While at Harvard, Mr. Huang also directed the Lowell House Opera (the oldest continuously running opera company in New England). Recently, he successfully concluded a sixteen-year appointment as Associate Professor and Director of Orchestras at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he brought the program to new achievements, including earning competitive accolades and awards, through over 200 performances that included symphonic concerts, opera, musical theater, and Halloween pops.

Widely respected as a music educator and conducting pedagogue, Mr. Huang is the founder and director of International Conducting Masterclasses, Inc., which has trained scores of conductors over the last two decades. He is currently working on a book about conducting.

Mr. Huang has collaborated with orchestras including California, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Ohio, Haiti, Moldova, and Romania. He has held the position of Music Director of the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra, the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, the Gilbert and Sullivan Players of Chicago, and the Bradley University Orchestra. He has served as guest conductor with multiple appearances with Brasov Philharmonic, Romania, and the National Philharmonic of Moldova. In America, he has guest conducted professional ensembles such as the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Lake Shore Symphony in Illinois, and the Four Seasons Symphony in California.

Currently Mr. Huang serves as Music Director and Conductor of the New Westchester Symphony Orchestra in New York, Music Director of the Yale Medical School Orchestra, Music Director of the Norwalk Youth Concert Orchestra, as well as a board member of BLUME Haiti, which supports music education in Haiti.

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Congratulations Maestro for a Moment Nick Young! The Ohio Valley Symphony’s annual Maestro for a Moment Fundraiser is one of the highlights of the season for both audience and orchestra! Each season three candidates vie for the opportunity to conduct the orchestra during the The Christmas Show on December 2nd, 2023, in a rousing rendition of Sleigh Ride! Thank you to this year’s candidates are Selena Hunt, owner of The Flour Girls Baking Company located just down the street on Second Avenue; Bryan Stepp, Exec. VP of Lending/Credit at The Ohio Valley Bank Company; and Nicholas Young, Bands Director at Gallia Academy High School and Middle School.

Learn more about our candidates by clicking “Read More”

Congratulations Maestro for a Moment Nicholas Young, Bands Director at Gallia Academy High School and Middle School

Nicholas Young is in his third year as director of bands at Gallia Academy High School and Middle School. Mr. Young earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with classical saxophone emphasis from The Ohio State University in 2020. He is also a member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAFME).

Mr. Young’s directing and teaching responsibilities include the Gallia Academy High School Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Pep Band. He is also responsible for the 6th grade beginning woodwind, brass and percussion courses at the middle school working in collaboration with Mrs. Marilyn Wills, as well as a high school guitar techniques course.

In his first year as director, Mr. Young led the marching band to consistent “Excellent” ratings at all contests. The high school symphonic band also earned a “Superior” rating at district contest, qualifying them for the state level for the first time since the 2018-19 school year. During his second year, the program continued to see growth and success with the symphonic band again qualifying for state level competition. During his third year, Mr. Young led the Gallia Academy Marching Band to their first OMEA state “superior” rating, something not achieved since the 1997 school year.

Mr. Young grew up in Grove City, Ohio just south-west of Columbus where he attended Grove City High School. During his time at The Ohio State University Mr. Young was a four-year member of The Ohio State University Marching Band where he led his row as squad leader. While at Ohio State, he also was a member of the top wind ensemble at the university, The Ohio State University Wind Symphony, and was also a member of one of four saxophone quartets where he performed at various saxophone clinics and conferences around the country. He currently resides in Gallipolis.

Candidate Selena Hunt, owner Flour Girls Baking Company

Gallipolis is my new home and I am Ohio girl through and through. I was born in Lancaster where I graduated from Logan High School, and attended college at Hocking College in Nelsonville. I am a proud army veteran and a local business owner.  I own Flour Girls Baking Company, where we specialize in custom cakes and hand decorated sugar cookies.  I have come to truly love the community of Gallipolis and that is thanks in large part to our vibrant arts community. Gallipolis is truly blessed to have the Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre and we must offer our continued support.

As one of three candidates who are competing for the special honor of “Maestro for a Moment,” with your support I will have the opportunity to conduct The Ohio Valley Symphony in a holiday performance of Sleigh Ride on December 2nd at the Ariel Opera House. The candidate that can raise the most funds will have the honor of conducting the orchestra. It’s my special privilege to work hard on behalf of this wonderful cause, and I hope you will consider lending your support!

Please consider making a tax deductible donation of $25, $50, $100, or more. Donations of $1,000 or more can receive a seat inscription. Donations can be handed to me directly at the bakery, sent via PayPal, mailed in via check (please make check payable to “The Ohio Valley Symphony” and write Maetro Selena Hunt in the memo line),  or brought with you the evening of the Symphony Concert. Don’t miss this opportunity to support a The Ohio Valley Symphony!

Thank you so much for your support!

Candidate Bryan Stepp, Executive Vice President of Lending/Credit at Ohio Valley Bank Company

My name is Bryan Stepp, and I am a candidate for The Ohio Valley Symphony’s annual Maestro for a Moment fundraiser!  It is an honor to be apart event to give back to this community.  I have been in the banking industry for 38 years, currently as the Executive Vice President, Lending / Credit for The Ohio Valley Bank Company.  While my office is in Gallipolis, OH I reside in Point Pleasant, WV with my lovely wife Jane.  I have three adult children, Sarah, Andy, and my stepson Tony, as well as five amazing grandchildren, Jack, Will, Evan, Caleb, and Hannah. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marshall University and obtained a diploma from The Graduate School of Banking at LSU.  I am chairman of Pleasant Valley Hospital Health Foundation, Board Member of Mason County Development Authority and Polymer Alliance Zone, Inc., and a recipient of the Director’s Certificate of Appreciation from the Small Business Administration.  I am an active alumnus of Marshall University and I enjoy a game of golf whenever possible.

I have a passion for music and a strong desire to build our community.  I listen to a large variety of genres and make an effort to support live music regularly.

In my community, I volunteer throughout the year as a member of the Point Pleasant Rotary Club, Trinity United Methodist Church, and American Legion Post 23.

The Ohio Valley Symphony’s Maestro for a Moment Fundraiser is the perfect blend of two of my passions. Our region is fortunate to have the opportunity to experience and participate in productions at the Ariel Opera House and enjoy the music of The Ohio Valley Symphony, and it is essential that these programs are supported and continue.

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Existing subscribers who wish to keep their current seats call the Box Office to order!

The Ohio Valley Symphony enters its 34th Season with a delightful and diverse selection of concerts sure to please all music lovers.  The season will see five exciting maestros conducting and feature world class soloists.

We kick things off Around the Campfire with the American Pops Orchestra founder and conductor Luke Frazier. On April 15th Luke is joined by vocalist Hilary Morrow, pianist Jacqueline Schwab and guitarist Garrett Gleason and providing The Ohio Valley Symphony with several world premiere selections as well as the music of Copland, Mussorgsky, and MacDowell.

Maestro Carl Topilow was such a hit when he appeared with The Ohio Valley Symphony a couple years ago that he is back by popular demand in a Salute to Our Veterans on November 4th.  Local singer/songwriter Shana Smith will join for a few songs.  The only question – which color clarinet will Carl choose to play?

Click the “Read More” to view & download the new season brochure!

Maestro Steven Huang has planned another grand and memorable Christmas Show program the entire family will enjoy on December 2nd featuring many songs of the season.  Get your tickets early as we always sell out!  Who will be the next Maestro for a Moment?  Join the fun and become a candidate!

The Enigmatic Elgar features British composer Edward Elgar’s music on March 16th when the Cincinnati Symphony’s principal cellist Ilya Finkelshteyn joins Maestro François López-Ferrer and the OVS for the Cello Concerto, Op. 36.  Paired with that is Elgar’s Enigma Variations which continues to capture music lovers attention with its haunting melodies and wistful musical descriptions of his friends for each of the 14 movements.

West Virginia native and Cincinnati Symphony violinist Charles Morey will perform the Suite for Violin and Orchestra by African-American composer William Grant Still.  On April 27th The OVS will play Brahms Symphony No. 2, Op. 73 under the direction of Maestro Scott E. Woodard.  What could be better than Brahms and Beyond?!

Every concert ticket includes a 6:45 p.m. Pre-concert Chat on the 3rd floor with the Maestro and soloist of the evening as well as a Post Concert Reception for you to meet the artists.  Purchase your season subscription now so you won’t miss a single one!

Download our 2022-23 Season Brochure below or use the full-screen icon to read online!

In these times of uncertainty, concert dates and location may be subject to change. Please watch the website for the latest news.

The Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Cultural & Performing Arts Centre and The Ohio Valley Symphony are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, Federal Tax ID# 31-1273779

The Ariel heats up Around the Campfire with the American Pops Orchestra founder and conductor Luke Frazier.  On September 16 Luke is joined by vocalist Hilary Morrow, pianist Jacqueline Schwab and guitarist Garrett Gleason and providing The Ohio Valley Symphony with several world premiere selections as well as music of Copland, Mussorgsky and MacDowell.

Luke Frazier, conductor
Luke Frazier believes that the future of orchestral music is breaking down barriers between orchestras and audiences. The most important priority for a modern conductor is not only musical excellence, but also creating diverse and engaging programming that brings communities together through the joy of music. Conductors are a bridge between audiences and orchestras and the responsibility that comes with that is something Luke takes to heart every day.

Luke started The American Pops Orchestra in 2015 to present a broad array of popular and classical music in innovative ways to bring new audiences into the orchestral world. Most recently APO has been featured in more than twelve national broadcasts on PBS with programs ranging from American Roots to a complete re-imagining of the musical WICKED. Artists like Midori, Patti Labelle, Joshua Bell, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Josh Groban and so many more have joined the orchestra sharing orchestral music with audiences across the country, completely free of charge.

Creating opportunities for the next generation of music makers and music lovers is always a priority for Luke. Each year Luke spends at least three weeks hosting free elementary school tours as well as finding outstanding college vocalists through APO’s NextGen Vocal Competition. In addition to these special programs, Luke also maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, speaker and panelist for educational organizations across the country.

In addition to Luke’s work with APO and PBS, Luke is the Principal Pops Conductor for The National Philharmonic and maintains a busy schedule as a guest conductor and pianist. This season includes guest appearances in venues from Lincoln Center to The Smithsonian, Feinstein’s/54 Below to The Kravis Center and many more across the country conducting classical and popular music alike.

Luke is fortunate to call many of the world’s most incredible artists both friends and collaborators. Renée Fleming, Chita Rivera, Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Michael Feinstein, Leslie Jordan, Sandi Patty, Kristin Chenoweth, Jamie Barton, Paulo Szot, Vanessa Williams, Laura Osnes, Jacqueline Schwab, Arturo Sandoval, Rita Moreno and so many more have joined Luke onstage and on film for original programs of all varieties.

To learn more about Luke check out:www.LukeFrazierMusic.com or
@lukefraziermusic

Hilary Morrow, vocalist
Hilary Morrow is a New York City based AEA actor, singer and comedian engaged in musical, theatrical and comedic endeavors of all sorts, ranging from children’s theatre to Shakespeare, puppetry to improv. As a vocalist, she specializes in Broadway showtunes and jazz. She sings regularly with The American Pops Orchestra and The National Philharmonic and has also sung with The West Virginia Symphony and Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. She has sung at Lincoln Center, The Arsht Center, The Kennedy Center, The Kravis Center, Birdland Jazz Club and many more. Hilary is a master improviser and is thrilled to have worked with The Second City at The Kennedy Center. She appears regularly in orchestral programming on PBS including Wicked in Concert, An Evening with Lerner and Loewe and more. She is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association.

Jacqueline Schwab, piano
Jacqueline Schwab is delighted to collaborate with The American Pops Orchestra, a new experience in her evolving performance career. Jacqueline spins musical stories in her signature style, connecting listeners to the different cultural strands that have formed our American music. Her evocative arrangements draw on classical and traditional community music sounds, both old and new, from her Pittsburgh, “melting pot” childhood and many years on Boston’s folk scene. Her emotive, bare-bones playing infuses the soundtracks of Ken Burns’ Grammy-winning Civil War, Baseball, Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, and The War, among others, as well as the PBS documentary The Irish in America.

She has performed at the White House for President Clinton, and, with Scottish singer Jean Redpath, on public radio’s A Prairie Home Companion and on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman. Jacqueline has performed solo concerts of vintage American music in almost every State of the Union and enjoys sharing her intimate music with audiences, often adding introductory stories about the music’s history or vignettes from her life. Her current programs include: I Lift My Lamp—Vintage Songs and Dances of Immigrant America, Building Bridges—Vintage Music of Latin America, Mark Twain’s America, Down Came an Angel—Vintage American Holiday Music, and Remembrance and Hope.

She has long played for many styles of dancing, with the Bare Necessities quartet and others, and she has also enjoyed concert collaborations. She has released four solo recordings (with a new one coming in 2022). Jacqueline graduated from the New England Conservatory in Boston, majoring in piano improvisation. She has recently moved back to the Boston, MA area, after many years of living on Cape Cod.

In Ken Burns’ words: “Jacqueline Schwab brings more feeling and intensity to music than anyone I know. Her playing is insistent, physical, heartfelt and … unusually moving.”

Garrett Gleason, guitar
Garrett Gleason is an American guitarist, composer, bandleader, and educator. Having graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Jazz Studies, Gleason has toured extensively throughout Europe with the Boston Show Band and throughout North America with the American Pops Orchestra and as the multi-stringed instrumentalist for the North American tour of The SpongeBob Musical. As a bandleader and composer, Gleason has released 14 studio albums through American labels TAR, Akar Music, and self-owned Head Cannon Records. Gleason’s music explores texture, harmony, and energy through embracing modern technology, improvisation, and collaboration. Gleason currently runs the music program at the White Mountain School in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.

Repertoire

Carl Topilow was such a hit when he appeared with The Ohio Valley Symphony a couple years ago that he is back by popular demand in a Salute to Our Veterans.  Local singer/songwriter Shana Smith will join for a few songs.  The only question – which color clarinet will Carl choose to play?

Carl Topilow, conductor
Carl Topilow is delighted to be returning to work again with the Ohio Valley Symphony!  Founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, his eclectic programs have been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. He enjoys a dual career as both conductor and clarinetist, often finding an occasion to perform a selection with the Pops on one of his brightly colored clarinets.

Carl is also conductor of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, based in Sandusky, OH, and Conductor Laureate of the National Repertory Orchestra, a summer festival in Breckenridge, CO. He was named Faculty Emeritus after 37 years as Conductor and Director of the Orchestral Program at the Cleveland Institute of Music and has served as principal pops conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Mansfield Symphony Orchestra.  In addition, Topilow has performed as guest conductor with 128 different orchestras in 37 states and 12 foreign countries.

Topilow’s wife Shirley is President and CEO of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. Their daughter Emily is a marketing associate with the Cleveland Clinic, and their daughter Jenny is a violinist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

Carl’s new book, The Orchestral Conductor’s Career Handbook, published by Rowman and Littlefield, is now available through www.carltopilow.com and www.rowman.com.

Shana Smith, vocalist
Shana Smith is a country singer and songwriter who has called southern Ohio her home for the better part of a decade. Shana is a Nashville recording artist and has performed with many of the best musicians and artists in Nashville and throughout the region. She was inducted into the Wheeling Jamboree as an artist member in 2014 and is a member of the Country Music Association.
Shana continues to write and perform and has released several independent albums including The Heart of Happiness, available on Apple and Amazon Music.

Learn more at shanasmith.net

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