Young People’s Concerts

What are young people's concerts?

Young People’s Concerts, or “YPCs” as we like to call them, are performed for area third through eighth grade students every fall and winter, reaching approximately 13,000 students and teachers each year. These 40-minute programs feature the full Wichita Symphony Orchestra and often utilize actors or dancers to illustrate the program. For many students, these fun and educational concerts are their first experience with live symphonic music!

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2025-2026 Young People's concerts

November 18 & 19, 2025 | 9:45 AM & 10:50 AM
Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery

Classical Kids Live!
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Hege, Conductor

Meet Katarina, a young violinist sent to study music at a special school in Venice, led by the famous composer Vivaldi. With help from a cheerful gondolier named Giovanni, she explores the exciting world of Carnival to uncover secrets about her past and a missing Stradivarius violin. Along the way, she discovers the power of music, friendship, and where she truly belongs.

This performance includes excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in A minor, the Guitar Concerto, and more. The music is magically woven into the drama as two actors solve a mystery built around the historic context of the composer’s real life. View the complete excerpt list here.

January 27 & 28, 2026 | 9:45 AM & 10:50 AM
Postcards Across America

Wichita Symphony Orchestra
Daniel Wiley, Conductor

Hop on a musical road trip across America in Postcards Across America! Each piece in this concert takes you to a different place from the tall Rocky Mountains to the wide-open plains, busy riverboats, and lively cities. With fun and exciting music, you’ll hear how composers bring the sights and sounds of our country to life, ending with the classic America the Beautiful.

This performance includes John Williams’ Liberty Fanfare, Copland’s Hoe-Down, Brubaker’s Rocky Mountain Majesty, and more from composers who capture the sights and sounds of different regions in America. View the complete excerpt list here.


How to Attend

Registration for 2025-2026 Young People's Concerts will open in late Summer 2025.

Questions? Email Alyssa at awinkleman@wso.org.

Cost to Attend

USD 259 and Wichita Private Schools

Schools outside of USD 259


YPC Materials

General YPC Materials
Home Activities

If you are looking for activities or musically-themed lessons for children who are unexpectedly home from school, browse these resources that we send to teachers prior to our Young People's Concerts! These activities are ideal for elementary aged children.

Virtual Young People's Concerts

Through partnership with USD 259, Ion Concert Media, Apples & Arrows, Cowtown, and Botanica, the Wichita Symphony is pleased to present three virtual Young People's Concerts which can be enjoyed at home or in the classroom.

Click Here for Virtual YPCs


Young People's Concerts are made possible by the generous support of

Bank of America
The Sam & Rie Bloomfield Foundation
Jackie & Hank Byars
Capitol Federal Foundation
Evergy
Philip & Laura Knight
Koch Family Foundation
Lattner Family Foundation
Dwane L. & Velma Lunt Wallace Charitable Foundation
Wichita Symphony Ambassadors

The Wichita Symphony receives funding for general operational support from the

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