News Release: War Horse in Concert Reviews

NEWS RELEASE
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
October 28, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP BY WICHITA SYMPHONY AND WICHITA REPERTORY THEATER LED TO NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF WAR HORSE IN CONCERT

Wichita, KS – The Century II Concert Hall was packed this past Sunday when the Wichita Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and Wichita Repertory Theater (ICTRep) presented the North American premiere of War Horse in Concert. This unforgettable performance combined the sweeping score by composer Adrian Sutton with ICTRep narrators, Butler Community College Concert Choir, and animated sketches by Rae Smith alongside the full symphony orchestra.

Pictured above: War Horse in Concert with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Butler Community College Concert Choir, and (left to right) Shaun-Michael Morse, Gavin Tanner, Julie Longhofer, Sydney Alder, and Joseph Urick.

Together, WSO and ICTRep delivered a concert that captured the essence of Michael Morpurgo’s story with poignancy and power, bringing Joey and young Albert’s story amidst World War I to life. Concert attendees shared rave reviews:

“This is one of the best shows I’ve seen anywhere. Immersive and completely amazing in every way.”

“Such a beautifully moving piece about good humanity found on all sides of a conflict. Kindness can be found in the worst situations.”

“Moving and emotionally charged music. A fabulous storyline presented by exceptional performances! Would love to see it again! Loved every minute!”

Pictured above: Sydney Alder and Joseph Urick.

“This performance was perfect. Bravo to everyone who made this happen. The audience was spellbound, you literally could have heard a pin drop. I was completely immersed as the story was presented and was moved to tears. thank you, so much every one of you talented people.”

“Wonderful performance! Everyone did an exceptional job. From the moment we entered the concert hall 5/5 stars.”

“It was beyond what I could imagine. I was thrilled that all the choir members were also actors. It was exciting to be one of the first in North America to experience this multimedia experience with our exceptional Wichita Symphony.”

Pictured above: War Horse in Concert with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Butler Community College Concert Choir, and Julie Longhofer.

“One of the best programs the WSO has put on in my 30+ years as a season ticket holder.”

“It was so exciting to be a part of the War Horse premiere! From the beginning, we were moved by the beauty of the orchestral sounds accompanied by the tremendous visuals of this story! The choral group and actors also added another level of enjoyment to the performance. The red imagery and beautiful poppies were a great reminder of the sacrifice the soldiers, including the equine, gave to their country. The collaboration with ICTRep was a delight for the senses.”

Pictured above: Gavin Tanner and Sydney Alder with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Bulter Community College Concert Choir.

War Horse in Concert will be broadcast on Radio Kansas on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

Michael Morpurgo’s book War Horse was first adapted for stage with life-size puppets at The National Theatre in 2007, then brought to the silver screen with Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated 2011 film (orchestrated by John Williams). This WSO and ICTRep partnership production was first brought to life as War Horse: The Story in Concert through full orchestral score (composed by Adrian Sutton), narration, and chorus in 2017 with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Contact: Nina Longhofer, Marketing Director
Phone: (316) 267-5259, ext. 112
Email: nlonghofer@wso.org

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