The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra (WSO) started at a meeting in fall 1928 at Eleanor Caldwell's home. The orchestra performed its first concert on June 30, 1929, at Oglebay Park, with Enrico Tamburini at the baton.

Over the years, many conductors have helped the WSO grow. In 1947, Henry Mazer brought a new level of professionalism, expanding the programs and bringing in guest artists like Yehudi Menuhin and Benny Goodman. Robert Kreis became conductor in 1964 and started the symphony's first concert tours in 1971. In 1973, Jeff Holland Cook continued to bring in outstanding artists like Itzhak Perlman and Wheeling native Eleanor Steber. Rachael Worby took over in 1986 and expanded the number of performances each year from six to around 40. She also created a pops series.

The WSO's current conductor is John Gennaro Devlin, the ninth music director.