NEWS RELEASE
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
March 18, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WICHITA SYMPHONY 80TH SEASON CLOSES WITH A TRIUMPHANT ODE TO JOY
Wichita, KS – The 2024-2025 season of the Wichita Symphony concludes with a powerful and uplifting performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM at Century II Concert Hall. This highly anticipated concert promises to be an unforgettable evening as the orchestra and chorus perform the glorious “Ode to Joy” and bring this celebratory anniversary season to a resounding close.
Led by Music Director Daniel Hege, the WSO will be joined by the Wichita Symphony Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Ryan Beeken, Director of Choral Activities at Wichita State University. Featured soloists include Wichita State University faculty, previously seen with the Wichita Symphony in April 2019, soprano Cristina Castaldi and bass Alan Held. Castaldi and Held will be joined by Assistant Professor of Music, mezzo-soprano, Hilary Taylor, as well as WSU graduate tenor Cole McIlquham. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, a masterpiece renowned for its choral finale and message of universal brotherhood, will serve as the perfect capstone to a season dedicated to the power of music to inspire and uplift.
“Beethoven’s Ninth reminds us of the unifying power of music,” says Daniel Hege. “Its themes of hope, joy, and humanity transcend time, making it the perfect way to conclude our triumphant anniversary season.”
The concert opens with “Umoja” by Valerie Coleman, the perfect complement to “Ode to Joy.” Bursting with infectious rhythms, colorful harmonies, and joyful melodies, “Umoja,” which means “unity” in Swahili, sets the stage for an evening of celebration and togetherness.
Audiences are encouraged to secure their seats early for Beethoven 9, presented by the Wichita Symphony concluding its 80th Anniversary Season on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM at Century II Concert Hall. Tickets are available now with no fees only at WichitaSymphony.org or by calling (316) 267-7658. Adult tickets start at $30 and student tickets are only $10.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Contact: Nina Longhofer, Marketing Director
Phone: (316) 267-5259, ext. 104
Email: nlonghofer@wso.org
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