Category: Performances

You will not want to miss the last event in the Rie Bloomfield Organ 2024-25 series, the Wednesdays in Wiedemann annual organ POPS with Lynne Davis concert to be held at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 in Wiedemann Hall on the great Marcussen organ.

The organ is the star of the event as it is heard as both a solo and collaborative instrument, performing with two School of Music voice students; David Hunsicker, trumpet professor; Aidan Hill; and as a surprise – the Shocker Sound Machine directed by Lucas Hulett. Complete with a drum line and the whole band ensemble onstage with the organ.

Admission is free, and the concert is livestreamed on the School of Music’s YouTube page.

The School of Performing Arts proudly presents the “Spring Dance Concert,” showcasing its latest production in dance at 7:30 p.m. April 24-26 and at 2 p.m. April 27 at Wilner Auditorium. The “Spring Dance Concert” is an evening of new and restaged dance works by Wichita State faculty, student and guest artists.

Tickets range from $12 to $20, but current WSU students receive one student ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

Purchase tickets from the Fine Arts box office online or call 316-978-3233.

The Rie Bloomfield Organ Series welcomes its final Distinguished Guest Artist, James Higdon, to perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 in Wiedemann Hall.

Higdon is the Dane and Polly Bales Professor of Organ and director of the Division of Organ and Church Music at the University of Kansas. He has studied at St. Olaf College, Northwestern University and the Eastman School of Music. His recordings include music by Marcel Dupré and Jehan Alain and were recorded all over the world. Holding the W.T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence from 1997 to 1998, he has served as an adjudicator on many international organ competitions, including the Grand Prix de Chartres, in France.

Come and join as he performs on the renowned Marcussen organ. Tickets can be purchased at the College of Fine Arts Box Office, and students can attend at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association. In addition, the concert will be livestreamed on the School of Music’s YouTube.

Wichita State University Opera Theater, under the direction of Alan Held — professor of voice, director of opera studies and area coordinator, voice — will present Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Consul” at 7:30 p.m. April 4 and 3 p.m. April 6 at Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

The opera won the 1950 Pulitzer Prize in Music. The timely piece follows the heart wrenching story of young immigrants who face obstacles in obtaining visas and becoming legally recognized in a new country. The full production will be accompanied by Dr. Warren Kim, assistant teaching professor of piano.

Tickets are available by contact the College of Fine Arts Box Office at 316-978-3233 or by visiting the website. Students with a Shocker ID can get a ticket at no additional charge.

Join the School of Performing Arts for performances of “The Angel of Death,” written by current student Amanda Schmalzried, and directed by WSU alum, Jane Gabbert. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. March 6-8 in the Welsbacher Theater, Hughes Metropolitan Complex (entrance F). Tickets cost $15 for general admission. Current WSU students receive one free ticket with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

“The Angel of Death” is a provocative and disturbing play about Alicia, a tormented social worker. She is grappling with her powerlessness to help the children in her files when she encounters Damien, a demonic tempter. Seduced by his charm, she decides to continue her mother’s legacy as a serial killer.

Don’t forget to join an exclusive talk with Jane, the playwright, and actors after each show. This is also the 50th anniversary of the Bela Kiralyfalvi National Student Playwriting Competition. Each year, a new play is selected from undergraduate and graduate student submissions from across the nation.

Purchase tickets from the Fine Arts box office online or call 316-978-3233.

Content warning: “The Angel of Death” is rated R and contains adult language and references to references drug use, child abuse, serial killing, violence and homicide.

Join the School of Performing Arts for performances of “Spring Awakening,” directed by Jacob McGlaun, with musical direction by Dacia Brown. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 in Wilner Auditorium. WSU students receive one free ticket with their Shocker ID, thanks to the support of the Student Government Association, to all College of Fine Arts performances. In order to receive this ticket, fill out the online form or stop by the Fine Arts Box Office located in Duerksen Fine Arts Center prior to the performance.

Contact the Box Office at 316-978-3233 to reschedule tickets for Thursday, Feb. 20’s canceled show

Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s rock score and searingly emotional book take the story of sexual awakening, youth revolt and self-discovery into a new century. Headstrong Melchior and naive Wendla stumble into each other’s arms, passionate and curious, while anxious Moritz struggles to live up to the stringent expectations of society. With only each other for guidance, this group of young men and women travel the fraught and rocky path of adolescence, discovering their bodies, their minds and themselves along the way. An electric, vibrant celebration of youth and rebellion that packs an emotional punch. 

Spring Awakening is rated R and contains sexual situations, explicit language and scenes depicting violence and suicide. Audience members under the age of 16 are strongly recommended to attend with a trusted adult.

Purchase tickets from the Fine Arts box office online or call 316-978-3233.

Join the School of Performing Arts for performances of “Spring Awakening,” directed by Jacob McGlaun, with musical direction by Dacia Brown. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22-22 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 in Wilner Auditorium. Tickets cost $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, military and faculty/staff; and $12 for children and students.

Contact the Box Office at 316-978-3233 to reschedule tickets for Thursday, Feb. 20’s canceled show

Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s rock score and searingly emotional book take the story of sexual awakening, youth revolt and self-discovery into a new century. Headstrong Melchior and naive Wendla stumble into each other’s arms, passionate and curious, while anxious Moritz struggles to live up to the stringent expectations of society. With only each other for guidance, this group of young men and women travel the fraught and rocky path of adolescence, discovering their bodies, their minds and themselves along the way. An electric, vibrant celebration of youth and rebellion that packs an emotional punch. 

Spring Awakening is rated R and contains sexual situations, explicit language and scenes depicting violence and suicide. Audience members under the age of 16 are strongly recommended to attend with a trusted adult.

Purchase tickets from the Fine Arts box office online or call 316-978-3233.

The 31st season of the Rie Bloomfield Organ Series presents its own producer and School of Music faculty member, Lynne Davis, in an organ recital on the Marcussen organ at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18 in Wiedemann Hall.

Davis, the Robert. L. Town Distinguished Professor of Organ, will present works by Marchand, Franck, Bach and Duruflé, with a special nod to France’s Marseillaise by Balbastre. Her popular “Conversation with the Artist” will be with the audience.

The WSU Symphony Orchestra will showcase the exceptional talent of student soloists at the annual Concerto-Aria Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 in Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center. Under the baton of Dr. Mark Laycock, this concert highlights four outstanding musicians performing masterful works from the orchestral and operatic repertoire.

Featured soloists include Hannah Kavanaugh, flute, performing Chaminade’s Concerto; Miranda Marler, percussion, presenting movements from Russell Peck’s Harmonic Rhythm; Helena Kopp, piano, bringing the energy of Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue; and Pulip Han, soprano, delivering the dazzling aria “Ah! non giunge” from Bellini’s “La Sonnambula.”

Students can get a ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker IDs, thanks to the Student Government Association. General admission to the concert is $6-12. Get your tickets at the Fine Arts Box Office in Duerksen Fine Arts Center or at wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice.

The School of Music invites you to the 61st Annual Candlelight Concert, a cherished holiday tradition that brings the community together to celebrate the season through music.

This year’s performances will take place at Wiedemann Hall at:

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
• 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8

The concert will feature breathtaking performances by the Madrigal Singers, Concert Chorale, WuChoir and ShockerChoir, directed by Dr. Ryan Beeken and Dr. Tom Wine. These ensembles will present a diverse repertoire, blending traditional holiday favorites with captivating new works that highlight the beauty of the season.

Tickets are available through the Fine Arts Box Office or by calling 316-978-3233.