NEWS RELEASE
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
March 5, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WICHITA SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES 2026-2027 SEASON
Wichita, KS — The Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Daniel Hege are thrilled to announce a 2026-2027 season defined by powerful narratives and breathtaking performances. From the hidden defiance of Shostakovich to the cosmic fanfare of Star Wars, the upcoming season at Century II Concert Hall invites the community to experience world-class artistry right here in Wichita.
“We’ve curated a roster of soloists who are true musical explorers,” says Music Director and Conductor Daniel Hege. “To have a ‘genius’ like Chris Thile sharing his wit, Clayton Stephenson bringing his extraordinary narrative gift to Tchaikovsky, and our own Rachelle Goter stepping into the spotlight—it creates an electric atmosphere on stage.”
“The moments that stay with you aren’t always the loudest ones,” adds Executive Director Tim Storhoff. “They happen when a performance pulls you in—from quiet focus to a standing ovation. This season, music reflects the human experience, bringing stories of drama, grit, and joy to life on our stage.”
Season highlights include:
Season subscriptions are available now starting with as few as three concerts to bundle and save, plus special Early Bird pricing is available through April 20, 2026.
For tickets and more information, visit WichitaSymphony.org or contact the Symphony box office at (316) 267-7658.
Fate, Fury & Beethoven's Fifth
Sun., October 4, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Emily Bruskin, violin & Julia Bruskin, cello
Daniel Hege, conductor
POLINA NAZAYKINSKAYA Fractures
JOHANNES BRAHMS Double Concerto in A minor for Violin and Cello, Op. 102
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5
Defiance
Sat., October 24, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Clayton Stephenson, piano
Daniel Hege, conductor
JESSIE MONTGOMERY Overture
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 1
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 5
Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner
Sat., November 7, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Tina Turner's record-breaking career is one of music's greatest stories of resilience and triumph. A true icon and survivor, her legacy is brought to life by two-time Grammy winner Tamika Lawrence and Broadway's Shaleah Adkisson. Join us to celebrate the journey of Anna Mae Bullock through the powerhouse hits that defined a generation.
Handel's Messiah
Sun., December 6, 2026 | 3:00 PM
Wichita Symphony Chorus
Daniel Hege, conductor
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL Messiah
A Breath of Fresh Air
Sat., January 23, 2027 | 7:30 PM
Julie Coucheron, piano
Vinay Parameswaran, conductor
VIVIAN FUNG Parade
FELIX MENDELSSOHN Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"
Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun In Concert
Sat., Feb 6, 2027 | 7:30 PM and Sun., Feb 7, 2027 | 3:00 PM
In Collaboration with Music Theatre Wichita
Daniel Hege, conductor
When Buffalo Bill's Wild West show rolls into town, star marksman Frank Butler meets his match in the spirited, sharp-shooting country girl Annie Oakley. This beloved Broadway classic comes to life in a spectacular concert adaptation that proves there really is "No Business Like Show Business."
Intertwined Destinies
Sun., February 21, 2027 | 3:00 PM
Gabriela Martinez, piano
Daniel Hege, conductor
JOHANNES BRAHMS Tragic Overture
CLARA SCHUMANN Piano Concerto
ROBERT SCHUMANN Symphony No. 2, Op. 61
An Evening with Chris Thile
Sat., March 20, 2027 | 7:30 PM
Chris Thile, mandolin
Daniel Hege, conductor
QUINN MASON Toast of the Town
AARON COPLAND Appalachian Spring
CHRIS THILE ATTENTION! (a narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra)
Wind, Waves & Skyfire
Sun., April 18, 2027 | 3:00 PM
Rachelle Goter, clarinet
Daniel Hege, conductor
SAMUEL BARBER School for Scandal Overture
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Concerto in A major, K. 622
STACY GARROP Spectacle of Light
CLAUDE DEBUSSY La Mer
Star Wars at 50: A Galactic Jubilee
Sat., May 8, 2027 | 7:30 PM & Sun., May 9, 2027 | 3:00 PM
Daniel Hege, Conductor
In 1977, a single brass fanfare by John Williams changed the sound of cinema forever. Join us for a monumental 50th-anniversary symphonic odyssey that spans the entire Skywalker Saga and hit series like The Mandalorian, bringing every iconic theme to life in spectacular detail.
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FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Contact: Alex Freund, Creative Marketing & Brand Manager
Phone: (316) 267-5259, ext. 104
Email: afreund@wso.org
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