Welcome!
“On behalf of the Waynesboro Symphony — the American Prize-winning community orchestra in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, and the 2024 recipient of the Circle of Excellence in the Arts Award — I’m proud to welcome you to our website and introduce you to our upcoming 2026-27concert season.
We have a rich and varied lineup of music this season, celebrating Maestro Peter Wilson’s 20th Anniversary! Queen City Magic & Mischief attendees will be thrilled to know we’re back for a third year to perform two pre-season concerts for this amazing annual festival that attracts thousands to Staunton. Our first October Masterworks concert – The Artistry of American Women— features a World Premiere commission from composer Elena Ruehr, as well as the brilliant artistry of our concertmaster, Wanchi. We return to Charlottesville’s Paramount theater for our Symphonic Masquerade on the night before Halloween with a concert entitled, “An Evening on the Water”. You’ll enjoy our hugely popular (and always sold out) Holiday Pops Concert for two performances the first weekend in December. February presents a concert of Dynamic Duos: 3 masterworks featuring violinists Peter Wilson and Wanchi, violist Jonathan Moerschel, and cellist, Jenifer Kloetzel. We cap off the season in April 2027 with Maestro Peter Wilson’s 20th Anniversary concert that features the iconic masterworks, the 5th Symphonies of both Beethoven and Shostakovich. It’s a season not to be missed!
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you in the audience.”
–PETER WILSON, Music Director
2024 CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS AWARD
JUNE 20, 2024 :: “After a few months of being sworn to secrecy prior to the event, I am finally able to reveal how extremely honored I am to have received the 2024 Circle of Excellence in the Arts Award this evening on behalf of the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, presented by the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, the Arts Council of the Valley, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University. The award is presented annually in recognition of “outstanding accomplishments and sustained contributions in the arts, improving the cultural vitality of the Shenandoah Valley.”
It has been a distinct privilege to serve as music director of the WSO for 17 years, and I’m grateful to all the musicians, staff, and Board of Directors for helping to create such a wonderful family in all these years along with our amazing patrons as well as nurturing and supporting one of the finest community orchestras anywhere in the United States.”
PETER WILSON, Music Director
2026-2027
A SEASON OF ANNIVERSARY!
“WONDROUS WORLD OF WIZARDS” — Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival
Enjoy two performances of the Waynesboro Symphony at this year’s Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival! Saturday, September 26 from 3-4 p.m. and again at 5-6 p.m. Learn more>
We kick off our 2026-27 Masterworks Season with a concert featuring the artistry of American Women! Learn More>
- RUEHR: “Blue Rider” (World Premiere) — New Commission in honor of Peter Wilson’s 20th Season as Music Director of the WSO
- TCHAIKOVSKY: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, Op. 35, Wanchi, violin
- PRICE: Symphony No. 4
“SYMPHONIC MASQUERADE” — An Evening on the Water
We return once again to Charlottesville’s Paramount Theater for our annual fundraising concert, SYMPHONIC MASQUERADE! Learn More>
Join us for our WSO November concert of Chamber Music performed by Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra musicians. Learn More>
You’ll help ring in the holiday spirit with our 6th annual program of festive holiday favorites! This ticketed event helps ensure that everyone who comes has a seat. Tickets typically go on sale in October. Watch for email and social media posts for more information. Learn More>
- BACH: Concerto for Two Violins in D minor “Double,” BWV 104, Peter Wilson & Wanchi, violins
- MOZART: Sinfonia concertante for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra, K. 364 in Eb major, Peter Wilson, violin; Jonathan Moerschel, viola
- STRAUSS: Don Quixote (Fantastic Variations on a Theme of Knightly Character), Op. 35, Jennifer Kloetzel, cello; Jonathan Moerschel, viola
Join us for our WSO Spring concert of Chamber Music featuring works performed by Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra musicians. Learn More>
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BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
- SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No. 5 in D minor, Op. 47
ENJOY A TASTE OF THE WSO
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