A Halloween-themed poster with an orange background, black silhouettes of leafless trees, flying bats, and jack-o’-lanterns under a glowing yellow moon. The Wichita State University School of Music logo appears inside the moon. The text reads: “JOIN US… IF YOU DARE! HALLO-CONCERT Tricks + Treats in Duerksen OCT 30 IN-DOOR TRUNK-OR-TREAT – 6 to 7 P.M. WSU WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT – 7:30 P.M. (RECEPTION TO FOLLOW)”

Join the School of Music for its Hallow-Concert: Tricks and Treats at Duerksen

The School of Music invites you to a new family-friendly tradition, Hallow-Concert: Tricks & Treats at Duerksen, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30.

The evening begins with a free indoor trunk-or-treat from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Duerksen Fine Arts Center, featuring the Wheat State Ghostbusters, campus organizations and community supporters hosting decorated spots for children and families. Enjoy candy, costumes and Halloween fun in a safe, all-ages environment — no worries about the weather. At 7:30 p.m. in Miller Concert Hall, the celebration continues with the WSU Wind Ensemble, presenting a concert of festive music for the season, followed by a reception.

The trunk-or-treat is free and open to the public; concert admission is required. Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office at 316-978-3233. Bring your family, dress up and celebrate Halloween Eve with Wichita State.

Promotional graphic for the College of Fine Arts Connoisseur Series at Wichita State University, funded by the Sam and Rie Bloomfield Foundation for the 2025–2026 season. The image features a smiling Chris Buck, a white-haired man wearing glasses, a navy plaid blazer, and a dark shirt. Text reads: “CFA Connoisseur Series Funded by the Sam and Rie Bloomfield Foundation 2025–2026 Chris Buck — Artist Talk Thursday, Nov. 6 Shocker Studios Lecture Hall 7 p.m. Followed by a student Q&A on Nov. 7 Free and open to the public wichita.edu/cfacalendar Logos at the bottom: Wichita State University wheat emblem, Wichita State University wordmark, College of Fine Arts logo, and a ‘100th Anniversary’ emblem.” Design includes a yellow abstract shape with gray leaf motifs behind Chris Buck’s portrait, creating a modern and professional visual style.

‘Frozen’ director and Disney legend Chris Buck kicks off CFA’s Connoisseur Series

The College of Fine Arts begins its 2025-26 Connoisseur Series with an extraordinary guest: acclaimed animator and director Chris Buck.

Hosted by the School of Digital Arts, Buck will present an artist talk at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Shocker Studios lecture hall, 3803 E. Harry St., Suite 121. The event will be followed by a student Q&A Nov. 7.

With nearly five decades in filmmaking, Buck is best known for directing Disney’s “Frozen,” “Frozen II,” “Tarzan” and “Wish,” as well as Sony Pictures’ “Surf’s Up.” His work has earned him an Academy Award, BAFTA Award and Annie Award, cementing his place among the most celebrated storytellers in animation.

The event is free and open to the public. Students and community members alike are invited to explore how imagination and collaboration bring beloved animated stories to life.

Promotional graphic for the Wichita State University Rie Bloomfield Organ Series. The image features organist David Briggs seated at a large pipe organ, wearing a black buttoned concert jacket, with warm golden lighting highlighting the woodwork around him. Below, a stylized illustration of a pipe organ appears in gold and gray tones. Text on the image reads: “Wichita State University Rie Bloomfield Organ Series Marcussen Organ · Wiedemann Hall Guest Artist David Briggs Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m.”

From Bach to Chaplin: An evening with David Briggs at Wiedemann Hall

Internationally acclaimed organist David Briggs, Artist-in-Residence at New York City’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine, performs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 in Wiedemann Hall as part of the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series.

Briggs’ program highlights his virtuosity and imagination, featuring works by Bach, Ravel, Dupré, Vierne and Dukas, along with a live improvisation to Charlie Chaplin’s 1917 silent film “The Immigrant.” Following intermission, audience members are invited to stay for a conversation with the artist, offering insight into his creative process and performance approach.

Briggs’ artistry has earned praise from The New York Times, which called him “one of our finest organists.”

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office. WSU students receive admission at no additional charge with a Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

Grammy-nominated violinist Jeremy Kittel will join WSU Symphony Orchestra Oct. 9

The Wichita State Symphony Orchestra welcomes guest artist Jeremy Kittel, violin, for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 in Miller Concert Hall. The orchestra will join Kittel in performing several of his original compositions along with “Ashokan Farewell,” the moving theme from PBS’s “The Civil War.”

Kittel is a Grammy-nominated violinist, fiddler and composer whose work crosses genres from folk and jazz to Celtic and classical. His orchestral piece “Stones River,” commissioned by the Orlando Philharmonic, was praised by the “Orlando Sentinel” as “haunting… beautiful… a moving and uniquely American composition.”

An advocate for music education, Kittel regularly leads workshops and masterclasses at Berklee College of Music, Belmont University and programs worldwide.

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office.

Promotional graphic for a concert. The background fades from golden yellow at the top to dark teal at the bottom, with faint sheet music overlay. At the bottom, a silhouette of a choir or audience is shown with raised arms and heads in profile. Centered text reads: “Many Voices, One Song Mozart’s Coronation Mass 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28 First United Methodist Church”

Voices Together: WSU Concert Chorale in collaborative concert Oct. 28

Experience the power of community through music at an extraordinary collaborative concert featuring the Wichita Symphony Chorus, Wichita State University Choirs, Butler Community College Chamber Singers and the Wichita Community Children’s Chorus, with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Rarely do so many ensembles share the stage, and the evening promises to be both historic and deeply moving.

At the center is Mozart’s “Coronation Mass,” one of his most joyful and beloved sacred works. Woven between its movements are choral works from diverse cultures, poetry readings from world leaders and traditions, and a newly written meditation for this performance. The program reflects on themes of resilience, diversity and the joy of lifting every voice in song.

This concert is more than a performance — it is a collective act of artistry and hope, affirming the strength of unity and imagination. Join at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 in First United Methodist Church, 330 N Broadway St. Tickets are $35 at the door, with $10 student tickets also available. Early bird tickets are $30 online now through the Wichita Symphony Box Office.

A promotional poster for Amadeus by Peter Shaffer. On the left side is a classic portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wearing a red coat with gold embroidery, looking directly at the viewer. On the right side, black text on a white background reads: “Wichita Repertory Theater & WSU Opera Theater present AMADEUS by Peter Shaffer October 10 – 19 7:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 2 p.m. Sun Oliver Place, 2512 N. Oliver” At the bottom are two logos: ICT Rep, Wichita Repertory Theater School of Music, Wichita State University

Mark your calendars for Wichita Rep. and WSU Opera Theater present ‘Amadeus’ Oct. 10-19

Wichita Repertory Theater and WSU Opera Theater join forces to present Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus,” a thrilling drama about genius, envy and the transformative power of music for two weeks only, Oct. 10-19 at Oliver Place, 2512 N. Oliver St. Specific times and dates are below:

  • 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10/11 and 17/18
  • 2 p.m. Oct. 12 and 19

Narrated by court composer Antonio Salieri — the self-described “patron saint of mediocrities” — the play pits his ambition against the brilliance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, raising timeless questions about artistry, faith and the cost of greatness. Seating is reserved. For the best selection, purchase tickets on ICT Rep’s website.

Alt Text: A promotional poster for Wichita State University Jazz Performances. The main image shows a musician playing trombone on stage, wearing a dark blazer with long braided hair. Other performers are blurred in the background. The bottom portion of the poster has a yellow background with bold black text. Text reads: “JAZZ PERFORMANCES” School of Music, Wichita State University logo “7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, 22 & 25” “Walker’s Jazz Lounge, 252 N Mosley St, 67202” “Tickets @ walkersjazzlounge.com”

WSU jazz program takes the stage at Walker’s Jazz Lounge

The Wichita State jazz program will bring its dynamic energy to Walker’s Jazz Lounge, 252 N. Mosley St., with three evenings of performances in September:

  • At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, audiences will enjoy the Guitar Ensemble (directed by William Flynn), Saxophonics (directed by James Pisano) and Latin Jazz Combos (directed by John Goering).
  • At 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, the spotlight turns to Jazz Combos, directed by Flynn, Pisano and Mark Foley.
  • The series concludes at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 with performances by Jazz Arts Ensemble I (directed by Pisano) and Jazz Arts Ensemble II (directed by Nate Boone).

Tickets are available at the door or through the Walker’s Jazz Lounge website. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Wichita State students perform in one of Wichita’s premier jazz venues.

A promotional graphic for Wichita State University’s Rie Bloomfield Organ Series. On the left side is a headshot of guest artist Oliver Brett, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and red patterned tie, smiling in front of a stained glass background. Below him is an illustration of a large pipe organ in gold and brown tones. On the right side, text reads: “Wichita State University Rie Bloomfield Organ Series Marcussen Organ Wiedemann Hall Guest Artist Oliver Brett Sept. 23 | 7:30 PM”

Rie Bloomfield Organ Series welcomes guest artist Oliver Brett

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series opens at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 in Wiedemann Hall with internationally acclaimed organist Dr. Oliver Brett.

Brett, director of music at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is widely recognized for his artistry and leadership in church music, performance and education. He has served in prestigious posts at King’s College, Cambridge; Westminster Cathedral; and Durham Cathedral, and earned his doctorate at the Eastman School of Music. Brett has performed on five continents and appeared with major orchestras including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Academy of Ancient Music.

The program features J.S. Bach’s famous “Toccata,” works by Herbert Howells and Felix Mendelssohn, and Charles-Marie Widor’s Symphony No. 5, concluding with Widor’s celebrated “Toccata.” After intermission, the series continues with the custom of “Conversation with the Artist,” an onstage interview that offers audiences a personal glimpse into Brett’s artistry and experiences.

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office. Admission is free for all WSU students with a Shocker ID.

WSU Wind Ensemble opens 2025-26 concert season Sept. 11

The Wichita State Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Timothy Shade, will open the 2025-26 academic year of concerts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

The program features a diverse selection of contemporary works, including “Paean” by Kyle Duffee, arranged by Harrison J. Collins; “Only Light” by Aaron Perrine; “Evergreen” by Viet Cuong; and “Sunflower Studies” by Nicole Piunno, a five-movement work exploring color, light and resilience.

The Wind Ensemble invites the community to join in an evening of powerful music-making that showcases artistry, creativity and collaboration.

Tickets are available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office. WSU students receive free admission with their Shocker ID.

An orange Halloween-themed “save the date” poster with black silhouettes of trees, bats, and jack-o’-lanterns around a glowing full moon. At the center of the moon is the Wichita State University School of Music logo. Large white text at the top reads: “SAVE THE DATE HALLO-CONCERT.” White text below reads: “Tricks + Treats in Duerksen OCT 30.” Yellow text at the bottom reads: “IN-DOOR TRUNK-OR-TREAT – 6 to 7 P.M. WSU Wind Ensemble Concert – 7:30 P.M. (Reception to follow).”

Save the date for the Hallow-Concert at WSU with the School of Music

The Wichita State School of Music invites you to a new Halloween tradition: Hallow-Concert: Tricks & Treats at Duerksen, Oct. 30.

The evening begins with an indoor trunk-or-treat from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Duerksen Fine Arts Center, featuring the Wheat State Ghostbusters. Families and children are invited to enjoy decorated spaces, candy and a festive atmosphere before the concert.

At 7:30 p.m., the celebration continues in Miller Concert Hall with the WSU Wind Ensemble presenting a concert of festive pieces for the spooky season. Admission is required for the concert; the trunk-or-treat is free and open to the public.

Campus organizations are invited to help host the indoor trunk-or-treat. Groups can decorate a space, hand out candy and show their Shocker pride.

For more information, contact Dr. Evan Ricker at evan.ricker@wichita.edu or sign up as a host by Oct. 10.