Endowments

There are many unique opportunities for those who wish to invest in the future of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Endowment gift opportunities are available to endow orchestra chairs, concerts, guest artists, educational programs, or establish legacies for honored individuals.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra stands at the crossroads of great opportunities. From our splendid home in Charleston's Clay Center to the exceptional leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Grant Cooper, our Orchestra has become one of the finest in the country.

The activities of the WVSO have a significant impact on the local economy and its people. We are a regional orchestra that offers concerts and programs both on-site, at the Clay Center, as well as off-site locations throughout West Virginia and bordering states. The WVSO annually serves an audience base of over 200,000 people through live performances, special events and education programs.

In 2008, the WVSO successfully completed the $8 million New Vision for New Times Endowment & Recapitalization Campaign. These funds enabled the creation of the West Virginia Symphony Foundation, which will help to fund the Orchestra in perpetuity.

For over 70 years, the WVSO has been an indispensable part of the cultural life of our region, and there is still more we can do. The future of the WVSO depends on those who will help us to grow our Foundation through their generosity.

McClaugherty Conductor's Podium Endowment

Naming Opportunities

The continued growth of the WVSO's Foundation will help the Orchestra:

• Achieve a balanced budget and place the Orchestra on secure financial footing.
• Maintain and build artistic excellence by attracting the highest quality musicians and guest artists. The WVSO seeks to permanently endow principal chairs in strings, winds, brass, and percussion (harp, keyboard, oboe, bassoon, horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion) as part of growing the West Virginia Symphony Foundation.
• Offer Life-Changing Educational Programs by continuing and building our nationally-recognized education and community outreach initiatives.
• Provide a strong foundation and partner for the local arts community by continuing to share resources and talents with the Charleston Ballet, the Appalachian Children's Chorus, Museum in the Community, the West Virginia Youth Symphony, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and many others.
• Serve the Entire State by bringing touring and outreach programs to students and communities who would not otherwise have the opportunity to hear a live orchestra.
• Remain a positive role model for what West Virginia can achieve by transcending stereotypes and negativity to present a positive image of our state and people.
• Fulfill the mission of the Clay Center by serving as the vital “anchor” for the performing arts aspect of Charleston's magnificent facility.