WHEELING – Members of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra are channeling The Force this week in preparation for a live performance of “Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert,” featuring a screening of the 1977 science fiction classic.

The WSO will perform the motion picture’s Oscar-winning score by composer John Williams while the film is shown Saturday, April 18, at the Capitol Theatre. Showtime is 2 p.m.

Part of the WSO’s Pops Series this season, the presentation of “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” with live symphonic accompaniment will be the orchestra’s first offering from the popular saga. The symphony has performed music from other classic film soundtracks alongside screenings in recent seasons at the Capitol Theatre.

“Over the last three years, we’ve initiated a movie series here with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra at the Capitol Theatre,” said WSO Music Director John Devlin. “We started with ‘Jurassic Park,’ then two ‘Harry Potter’ movies, and everyone seems to love this format for the orchestra. So this coming weekend, we’ll be doing our first in the ‘Star Wars’ trilogy – ‘Episode IV: A New Hope’ – the original film from 1977 that started it all.”

Devlin explained that this version of the film will include all audio except the musical score, which has been removed.

“The orchestra will be playing exactly the music to the soundtrack from the film, but the film that we’re playing will still also include the dialogues and the sound effects from the original film,” Devlin explained, adding that generations of “Star Wars” fans may get goosebumps hearing Williams’ score performed live.

Whether fans come for nostalgia or bring their families to see the film on the big screen, the concert promises a unique experience for all ages.

“It’s going to be a great experience for everyone who comes to enjoy it,” Devlin said.

The music director added he has been practicing with a version of the film that helps him align the orchestra with the timing of the scenes.

“It is challenging, but we’ve had a lot of experience doing it,” he said. “We can’t wait to bring it back to the big screen for a full audience this weekend.”

The Capitol Series is presented by WesBanco, and the Pops Series is sponsored by WVU Medicine.

“WVU Medicine has been a supporter of all of the Pops concerts this year,” said Jessica Moore, associate vice president of foundation and community relations at WVU Medicine. “We have a lot of employees, and they love to come here and enjoy the symphony. So it’s been good for us to support these community events.”

With the concert featuring the original film from the “Star Wars” franchise, sponsors said it will appeal to guests of all ages.

“It’s super family friendly,” Moore said. “We serve families in the Upper Ohio Valley, so it’s a good fit for us. If people haven’t experienced the symphony before, this is a wonderful way for them to encourage their family to come out and enjoy it with them.”

For tickets and information, call or visit the box office or go online to wheelingsymphony.com.