(Wheeling, WV) The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) prepares for their second Pops concert of the 2022-2023 season: Symphonic Soul, featuring recording artist and Broadway star Morgan James. Jamesäalongside the WSO and special guest, GRAMMY-nominated artist Ryan Shawäwill perform beloved soul hits from artists like Otis Redding, Ann Peebles, Elvis, and more. The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-2023 Capitol Series is presented by WesBanco, with additional support for Symphonic Soul provided by McKinley Carter Wealth Services and Jean Holloway.

The WSO continues its 2022-2023 season with their second Pops concert: Symphonic Soul, featuring Morgan James and the Memphis Sound, on Friday, February 17, at 7:30 pm at the Capitol Theatre. Conducted by WSO Music Director John Devlin, Symphonic Soul merges classical music with soul, gospel, and blues. Morgan James, recording artist and Broadway star, will perform alongside her band, the Memphis Sound, and special guest artist Ryan Shaw. The WSO Capitol Concert series is sponsored by WesBanco, with additional support for Symphonic Soul provided by McKinley Carter Wealth Services and Jean Holloway. Tickets start at $11.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome the talented Morgan James to perform with the WSO,” says WSO Music Director John Devlin. “Morgan and I worked together to premiere Symphonic Soul last March when I served as guest conductor for the Virginia Symphony, and I knew immediately I wanted to bring the show to Wheeling. I know our audience will love hearing some classic soul favorites alongside some new pieces written by Doug Wamble, Morgan’s husband and guitarist of Morgan’s band, the Memphis Sound.”

A Juilliard-trained musician, Ms. James is well known for her covers, as well as writing her own music. She has a large following on social media with over 250 million views on YouTube, thanks in part to covers in her “Quarantunes” series, which she filmed from her home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been featured several times as lead vocalist with the popular cover group Postmodern Jukebox, singing vocal lead in their covers of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” Maroon 5’s “Maps,” and Hozier’s “Take Me to Church.” In addition to her musical career, James has enjoyed a successful career as a Broadway actress: she was part of the original Broadway casts of both Memphis: The Musical and the 2011 revival of Godspell. In 2020, she led the all-female album recording of Jesus Christ Superstar as Jesus Christ.

In addition to Ms. James, Symphonic Soul will feature guest artist Ryan Shaw, who may look familiar to WSO fans: Mr. Shaw performed with the WSO’s 2019 concert Aretha: A Tribute with Capathia Jenkins. “I’m so happy to welcome back Ryan to the Capitol stage,” says Devlin. “Aretha: A Tribute was my first Capitol concert as WSO music director, and it feels like a full circle moment to welcome him back four years later. Ryan is an incredible talent in his own right, and to experience he and Morgan performing together is truly special.” Shaw has been nominated for a GRAMMY award three separate times and has shared the stage with artists like Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend, B.B. King and Jill Scott. His music has been featured on several popular TV shows, such as So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, and Grey’s Anatomy, as well as the Sex and the City film soundtrack.

For Symphonic Soul, the WSO has proudly partnered with the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce to host Business After Hours. Mike Howard, Vice President of Membership, Events and Education at the Chamber of Commerce, says, “The Wheeling Symphony is such a unique and wonderful aspect of Wheeling culture. By hosting our Business After Hours at the WSO, we hope to merge together business owners with arts professionals in the area, as well as provide Chamber members with an opportunity to hear some great live music.” Business After Hours will take place in the Capitol Theatre Ballroom from 5 pm ­ 7 pm. Tickets are $15 and include catering from Undo’s and a ticket voucher to attend the Symphony’s performance.

After the concert, attendees can gather in the Capitol Theatre ballroom for a post-concert reception. “Having worked with Morgan and Ryan before, I know our audience will love what they bring to the stage,” Devlin says. “This is definitely a concert you won’t want to miss!”