All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Professional orchestra to perform at Fairmont State

Fairmont State University Community Arts will host the Black Diamond Philharmonic Orchestra (BDP) on Thursday, November 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Wallman Hall Theatre on the campus of Fairmont State University. 

The Black Diamond Philharmonic was formed by Robert Heath II and Mark Wallace. The orchestra is comprised of professional musicians from North Central West Virginia. It brings the region a musical ensemble that celebrates Appalachian heritage while taking its listeners on a journey across the globe. The BDP is the only professional orchestra in the greater Morgantown area.

This concert will feature the world premiere of a piece committed by Mark Wallace from West Virginia University Professor of Theory and Composition Dr. Matthew Heap. Fairmont State Director of Bands, Dr. Alyssa Schwartz will perform a concerto for solo flute and wind octet accompaniment.

 “We were so warmly received during our last performance at Fairmont State. I’m excited we can return for another concert.” said Robert Heath II, co-founder and music director of the Black Diamond Philharmonic. “Students and community members get to hear something they can usually only hear in Charleston, Pittsburgh, and Wheeling. I hope they come away refreshed after hearing the beauty of live classical music.”

“This concert will be featuring Fairmont State University Director of Bands Dr. Alyssa Schwartz as a guest flute soloist.” said Mark Wallace, Co-Founder and Director of Wind Activities for the Black Diamond Philharmonic. “The concert also features a new composition from English American WVU Composition Professor Dr. Matthew Heap. We hope to share this wonderful music with as many people as possible from Fairmont and the north-central West Virginia community.”

“I am so thrilled to be able to share art music of this nature with the students of Fairmont State.” said Fairmont State Director of Bands, Dr. Alyssa Schwartz. “Professional concerts like this not only provide valuable entertainment and culture for our local community but also support the curriculum of our marching band, wind ensemble, and music appreciation classes at Fairmont State.” 

The Black Diamond Philharmonic concert is a free event and is open to the public. Join us for an evening of live entertainment at Fairmont State in the Wallman Hall Theatre on the campus of Fairmont State on November 3 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the Black Diamon Philharmonic, visit https://www.blackdiamondphil.com/. For more information on Community Arts at Fairmont State, visit Fairmont State Community Arts Facebook Page @FairmontStateCommuniytArts and at fairmontstate.edu/collegeofliberalarts/community-arts

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