WSO and Oglebay Park Prepare for 96th Annual “Music Under the Stars” Concert
WHEELING, WV — The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will once again bring its signature outdoor concert, Music Under the Stars, to the Oglebay Amphitheater on Sunday, August 31, at 7:30 p.m. The event, part of Oglebay’s Sunday Funday Summer Concert Series, is free and open to the public, thanks to sponsorship support.
A 96-Year Tradition of Summer Music
Now in its 96th year, the Music Under the Stars concert has become a cherished Labor Day weekend tradition for the community. Bob Peckenpaugh, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission, emphasized its significance: “It’s a nice way to end our summer concert series. We do concerts from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and they’re all free to the public. Music Under the Stars is just a perfect end cap — to have the symphony show off what they do for the community on a regular basis, but underneath the stars at our outdoor amphitheater.”
The WSO has hosted this concert since its founding year in 1929, making it one of the longest-running community orchestra traditions in the nation.
Movie Magic Theme for 2025
The theme for this year’s concert is “Movie Magic! Scores from the Silver Screen,” offering audiences an evening of beloved soundtracks from iconic films. The program will feature music from Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Mission Impossible, and more, creating a cinematic journey for listeners of all ages.
“This is a totally family-friendly event,” said Sadie Varlas, marketing and development coordinator for the WSO. “Bring kids of all ages, bring your grandparents. You can sit in the amphitheater or bring a blanket and enjoy the music from the lawn.”
Sponsors and Community Support
The title sponsor, Kalkreuth Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., is supporting the event for the fifth consecutive year. Additional sponsorship comes from the Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation, the Musicians Performance Trust Fund, and Oglebay Park.
“We’re proud to support such an amazing and talented symphony in a city the size of Wheeling,” said Josh Wack of Kalkreuth Roofing. “You can’t have a better setting than Oglebay Park for an event like this — it’s beautiful here.”
A Full Weekend of Fun at Oglebay
While the concert is the marquee event, Labor Day weekend at Oglebay offers a wide variety of activities. Families can enjoy kids’ attractions, jump houses, live entertainment, face painting, an Americana skydiving show, foam party, and the annual Woodcarver’s Show. History enthusiasts can explore Fort Henry Days, featuring live reenactments at Camp Russell.
Immediately following the WSO concert, fireworks will light up the park, ensuring a spectacular close to the evening.
The WSO’s Music Under the Stars not only marks the finale of Oglebay’s summer concert series but also ushers in the orchestra’s 2025–26 subscription season, “The Place I Belong.” For residents and visitors alike, it promises a night of music, family, and community under the open sky.