Jun 4, 2025 2 min read

The Washington Symphony Orchestra recently completed its 23rd season, performing four concerts a year, currently at Olin Fine Arts Center at Washington & Jefferson College.

The orchestra, made up of both amateur and professional musicians, has grown in both numbers and convenience over the years; that experience, and the players’ obvious confidence, has over the years carried them through Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. This spring, they mixed it up with Charlie Daniels and even “The King” himself, Elvis.

Although each performance is labeled a concert, you occasionally think of the word “show,” then suddenly you are listening to Camille Saint-Saens or Igor Stravinsky, perhaps wondering, “Who the heck are they?”

But it has always been well done. From the overall choice of music to presentation, with the relaxed verbal program notes by conductor Yugo Ikach, you are in the middle of a couple of hours apart from worries and demands. At the most recent concert, John Parrendo, guest concertmaster, showed us what happened when “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” to do battle on the violin – no contest!

And finally, the WSO looks to the future, having annual competitions for young people, both vocal and instrumental. As this year’s winners, Paxton Kendall and Ava Chismar, demonstrated, Washington County has an admirable group of young musicians ready to move into any seat that becomes available.

To some, Washington County may be just a nice, quiet place to work or raise a family. The WSO is working hard to provide us all with enjoyable concerts throughout the year, as well as providing inspiration and opportunities for young people.

Thanks to the staff and board members – and musicians – who work so hard, just to give you and me an enjoyable experience.

Watch for the WSO in the fall!

David Castora

Claysville