Congratulations to the Wichita Symphony on reaching this incredible milestone of 80 years. It has been a blessing and an honor to have been a member of this amazing orchestra for over 50 years.
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary, we find ourselves not only appreciating the past, but also celebrating the present and future. Eighty years signifies endurance, growth, and the unwavering commitment from our fine musicians and conductors, stage managers, lighting and sound engineers, our volunteer Ambassadors (once known as the Women’s Association), and Symphony Board and Staff.
I recall the early years with Jim Ceasar, Bea Pease, Elna Claire Valine, Larry Fear, Eldon Lipp, Liz Carroll, Dan Swaim, Jim Jones, Francis Shelley, Walt Myers, J.C. Combs, and Bob Lee, and countless other friends who helped shape, strengthen, and sustain our orchestra. There is nothing finer than playing beautiful music with your pals, and having fun along the way.
I was so happy to begin making music again after the pandemic shut down our Symphony. Nothing can replace the live experience of the concert hall. I like looking at the audience and seeing familiar, as well as new faces, immersed in the music.
The Symphony has evolved tremendously in how it reaches the community Performances in the parks, Botanica collaborations, Family Holiday concerts, ensembles at the Art Museum, Twilight Pops at Riverfest, and Young People’s Concerts have brought classical music to new audiences over the years and still engage the youth in Wichita today. Our new summertime Library concerts introduce children to the world of music and instruments. It’s a very intimate, simple way of performing, but hundreds of families attend at no cost.
The Wichita Symphony will continue to keep up with new technologies, new sounds and musical styles, new composers and artists who reflect the ever-changing tastes and cultural values of each new generation.
It’s exciting to think about what the next 80 years will bring. One thing is for sure: The Wichita Symphony legacy must live on and continue to uplift and unite our fabulous Wichita community for many more generations. Thank you for your generosity to our work in education and artistry.
Yours in harmony,
Camille M. Burrow
Wichita Symphony Cellist, 1973-2025
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