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West Virginia Symphony Orchestra-Parkersburg popping cork on new concert season

Kenna McWilliams (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — To celebrate the new symphony season and the excitement of having its return after such a long hiatus, the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra-Parkersburg is inviting the community to join them at an Opening Champagne Reception from 6:30-8:30 p.m. today at the Parkersburg Art Center.

Through the generosity of the art center, the Board members, Chick Fil A, Maka Mia Pizza, Crown Floral and the guest artist, there is no coast to attend and no need for tickets or to RSVP.

This year’s symphony season is bigger and better than ever, organizers said. Tickets to the six-concert season beginning Sunday, Oct. 16, will be sold exclusively online at www.wvsop.org. At the reception there will be several computers set up with knowledgeable volunteers to help anyone who wants to purchase individual tickets or grand season packages as well as either classical or pops season packages.

The opening reception will feature a special artist guest, mezzo-soprano, Kenna McWilliams, who is trained in opera performance and will sing classical, folk and jazz throughout the evening. McWilliams graduated from Ohio University in May with a Master’s of Music in voice performance.

She also studied Arts Administration on a full scholarship at OU. She recently completed her internship working with the WVSOP Board. Besides her performance in opera and classical concerts at OU and DePauw University, she has sung in South Africa and France. She is now giving voice lessons in Indiana and pursuing a career in the arts. Her appearance here is a gift of appreciation for the opportunity to work with the WVSOP Board and its chair, Mary Ann Osborne.

Her accompanist, Jeremy Vigel, is also experienced in opera and classical voice performance, having sung opera in Italy. He has also performed as a pianist, organist, and occasional percussionist. He is known for his versatility and adaptability across disciplines, performing with dancers, film and narration. Vigel holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Stetson University and a Master’s of Music from Eastman School of Music. He is currently a staff pianist at Ohio University.

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