Wichita Symphony Orchestra presents "Suite Tributes"

Concertmaster Holly Mulcahy begins the season with Jim Stephenson’s Violin Concerto, subtitled “Tributes.” The composer states the music is a tribute to those who inspired the work - composers and performers, past and present. As we open the season, we’ll let the music be a tribute to our audience for supporting and attending your Wichita Symphony for seventy-nine years!

In Richard Strauss’s opera Der Rosenkavalier, the tribute comes in the form of a silver rose sent by an aging and boorish Baron to his young betrothed via a middleman, a young, handsome count. We can guess what happens next, but in the captivating music of this orchestral suite, Strauss imbues his music with wit, affection, and the glorious Viennese waltz. It’s a gorgeous orchestra sound to sweep you off your feet.

Satisfied smiles are guaranteed!

AARON COPLAND ^Fanfare for the Common Man
JIM STEPHENSON Violin Concerto "Tributes"
     featuring Holly Mulcahy, violin
ARAM KHACHATURIAN ^"Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia"
     from Spartacus: Suite No. 2
RICHARD STRAUSS Rosenkavalier Suite

"Tributes Violin Concerto encompasses every quality I seek in a violin concerto, from the gripping opening to the seductive melodies in the second movement to the blazing ending. It leaves the audience and performers satisfied and happy! What a pleasure to perform!" - Holly Mulcahy, Concertmaster and Partner for Audience Engagement, The Trust Company of Kansas Chair

^Selected by Lisa and Jim Vayda, Symphony Insider winning bidders at Savor the Symphony in January 2023.