Category: Performances

Join the Wichita State University Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29 in Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center, for an evening of exceptional music. The concert will feature the world premiere of Robert Hagenbuch, Jr.’s “Concerto for Violin and Orchestra,” performed by acclaimed violinist Dr. Timothy Jones. This newly composed concerto is filled with lyrical melodies, intricate rhythms and haunting emotional depth.

The program also includes Jean Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 1,” composed at a time when Sibelius was emerging as a national hero in Finland. Known for works like “Kullervo” and “Finlandia,” Sibelius embodied the ideals of cultural pride and patriotism in a country long dominated by Sweden and Russia.

Mary D. Watkins’ “Soul of Remembrance,” the second movement of her monumental “Five Movements in Color,” which details the African-American experience, will also be performed. This evocative piece will be conducted by senior music education major Hannah Copeland.

This diverse and captivating program promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wichita State’s Wu and Shocker Choirs invite you to “Story Time,” an evening of music and narrative at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 in Wiedemann Hall.

Each song presents its own unique story, taking audiences on a journey through legend and mythology with “The Kracken,” social justice with “Warrior,” and even humor with P.D.Q. Bach’s “The Art of the Ground Round.” Audiences will also experience heartfelt melodies, like the South African hymn “Indodana” and folk songs like “Vichten” from Canada. The diverse repertoire includes poetic pieces such as Langston Hughes’ “I Dream a World” and the cinematic “Ripple.”

The Goddard High School Concert Choir will be featured as special guests for the evening. Tickets are $12 with discounts available. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a musical tapestry of stories.

Wichita State’s Wu and Shocker Choirs invite you to “Story Time,” an evening of music and narrative at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 in Wiedemann Hall.

Each song presents its own unique story, taking audiences on a journey through legend and mythology with “The Kracken,” social justice with “Warrior,” and even humor with P.D.Q. Bach’s “The Art of the Ground Round.” Audiences will also experience heartfelt melodies, like the South African hymn “Indodana” and folk songs like “Vichten” from Canada. The diverse repertoire includes poetic pieces such as Langston Hughes’ “I Dream a World” and the cinematic “Ripple.”

The Goddard High School Concert Choir will be featured as special guests for the evening. Tickets are available at no additional charge to Shockers with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a musical tapestry of stories.

The School of Music invites you to a captivating evening of music at “Illuminate” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in Miller Concert Hall. The special event will feature the Wichita Symphony Chorus, the WSO Chamber Orchestra and Wichita State’s Concert Chorale and Madrigal Singers.

The concert will highlight two modern masterpieces by renowned living composers, Jake Runestad and Elaine Hagenberg. Runestad’s “Into the Light” commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, challenging listeners to reflect on contemporary issues and how they can move beyond fear to a path of compassion. Hagenberg’s “Illuminare” explores a journey from darkness to light, ultimately restoring hope and illuminating the future.

This concert promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the power of choral music that speaks to everyone’s shared humanity.

Wichita State Opera Theater, under the direction of Alan Held, professor of voice and director of opera studies, will present the annual “Scenes and Songs” performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 in Wiedemann Hall. WSU students can receive one ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

“Scenes and Songs” has become a favorite on the yearly opera calendar since its inception in 2018. This year, the sixty minute performance features short vignettes from multiple opera classics including “The Student Prince” “Les contes d’Hoffmann,” “L’elisir d’amore,” “Die Zauberflöte” and “Little Women.”

Unique to the WSU opera program, “Scenes and Songs” — accompanied by WSU graduate Bridget Hille — fosters the talents of all opera students at WSU. Students, even in their freshman year, are given roles to be featured along with their older colleagues. Following the progress of the singers through the annual program has become interesting and rewarding for the audience as well as for the young artists. This performance is appropriate for all audiences and can be an introduction to music theater for all ages.

This year will also feature multiple “mystery artists” which will provide extra enjoyment. Tickets are available by contacting the College of Fine Arts Box Office at 316-978-3233 or through the online box office. Discounts apply.

Wichita State Opera Theater, under the direction of Alan Held, professor of voice and director of opera studies, will present the annual “Scenes and Songs” performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 in Wiedemann Hall.   

“Scenes and Songs” has become a favorite on the yearly opera calendar since its inception in 2018. This year, the sixty minute performance features short vignettes from multiple opera classics including “The Student Prince” “Les contes d’Hoffmann,” “L’elisir d’amore,” “Die Zauberflöte” and “Little Women.”  

Unique to the WSU opera program, “Scenes and Songs” — accompanied by WSU graduate Bridget Hille — fosters the talents of all opera students at WSU. Students, even in their freshman year, are given roles to be featured along with their older colleagues. Following the progress of the singers through the annual program has become interesting and rewarding for the audience as well as for the young artists. This performance is appropriate for all audiences and can be an introduction to music theater for all ages.

This year will also feature multiple “mystery artists” which will provide extra enjoyment. Tickets are available by contacting the College of Fine Arts Box Office at 316-978-3233 or through the online box office. Discounts apply.

The Jo Zakas Musical Theatre Incubator Program presents, “Express,” an immersive musical by Arri Simon (composer) and Janine McGuire (lyricist), at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 in the Welbacher Theatre at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. “Express” is a transportive new musical that unfolds entirely within the bustling confines of the New York City subway on a real-time subway ride. Set against the backdrop of pivotal moments from World War II through the turn of the 21st century, the show traces the journeys of three generations of an American family navigating personal and cultural change.

Originally conceived as a triptych of site-specific musicals staged inside historic subway cars at the New York Transit Museum, the piece has been re-imaged as a unified 75-minute one-act which can be staged in any non-proscenium space. The original score, inspired by the eras spanned in the show, takes the audience on a musical journey from Golden-Era Broadway to ’60s folk and gospel to early hip-hop and millennial pop.

This ensemble-driven piece explores themes of family, identity and the transformative power of everyday moments. With a big heart at its core, “Express” invites audiences to immerse themselves in the heart of New York City’s subway system and reflect on resilience, connection and the shared experiences that shape our lives.

Purchase tickets from the box office or call 316-978-3233. Students at WSU can get a ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

Join the School of Performing Arts for a unique opportunity to engage with international guest artist from Universidad Veracruzana, Karina Eguia. For an immersive experience, catch a live performance of “Borderline” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 in the Litwin Theatre of the Heskett Center Dance Studios, showcasing exceptional talent and cultural artistry.

“Borderline” is a solo theatre performance whose text arises from collective creation. It is based in Mexico, but the creative development occurred in artist residencies in Barcelona and Madrid. The title of the work defines the conflict of the central character, Georgina Blanco, who is a victim of the personality disorder known as Borderline. This disorder is characterized primarily by emotional dysregulation; individuals often have extremely polarized thoughts and chaotic interpersonal relationships.

Learn more about the history of the partnership with Universidad Veracruzana.

The Jo Zakas Musical Theatre Incubator Program presents, “Express,” an immersive musical by Arri Simon (composer) and Janine McGuire (lyricist), at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 in the Welbacher Theatre at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. “Express” is a transportive new musical that unfolds entirely within the bustling confines of the New York City subway on a real-time subway ride. Set against the backdrop of pivotal moments from World War II through the turn of the 21st century, the show traces the journeys of three generations of an American family navigating personal and cultural change.

Originally conceived as a triptych of site-specific musicals staged inside historic subway cars at the New York Transit Museum, the piece has been re-imaged as a unified 75-minute one-act which can be staged in any non-proscenium space. The original score, inspired by the eras spanned in the show, takes the audience on a musical journey from Golden-Era Broadway to ’60s folk and gospel to early hip-hop and millennial pop.

This ensemble-driven piece explores themes of family, identity and the transformative power of everyday moments. With a big heart at its core, “Express” invites audiences to immerse themselves in the heart of New York City’s subway system and reflect on resilience, connection and the shared experiences that shape our lives.

Purchase tickets from the box office or call 316-978-3233. Students at WSU can get a ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

Get ready for an evening of music with the Wichita State University Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 in Miller Concert Hall.

Faculty soloist Dr. Cristina Castaldi, soprano, will perform Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915,” a nostalgic piece set to text by James Agee. The WSU Symphony will also present Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 3 in Eb Major” (“Eroica”), a revolutionary work that was originally dedicated to Napoleon before Beethoven famously withdrew the honor. Joining the WSU Symphony is the Blue Valley Northwest High School Chamber Symphony, directed by Michael Arbucci.

The concert begins with “The Block” by Carlos Simon, a vibrant piece from 2018 inspired by the art of Romare Bearden, capturing the energy of a Harlem city block.