Symphony announces full 2021-22 season 

It’s official: the Southeast Kansas Symphony at Pittsburg State University will have a full season of live concerts.

Founded in 1915 by Walter McCray, the man for whom the music building at PSU would be named, the group still is going strong 106 years later.

With four major performances each academic year, except last year in the midst of the pandemic, the group’s goal is to be an integral part of the culture of Southeast Kansas. It’s directed and conducted by Raul Munguía, associate professor of music at PSU.

The upcoming season includes:

Oct. 17 | 3 p.m. | From Russia with Love
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts

The symphony will welcome Russian guest conductor Vladimir Gorbik, senior assistant professor at the Tchaikowsky Moscow State Conservatory, and Italian pianist Luigi Borzillo. The group will be joined by the University Choirs and musicians from Latin America as part of the PSU Department of Music’s international outreach service.

“We are ecstatic to welcome audiences back, and there’s no better way to celebrate the return of live performances than with a full Russian program, a tour-de-force repertoire showcasing every section of the orchestra,” said Munguía.

Standard ticket rates apply for the public; those with a PSU ID are free.

>Dec. 2 | 7 p.m. | Holiday Extravaganza
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts

One of Pittsburg’s favorite musical holiday celebrations returns to the Bicknell Center. The symphony and special guests will share the music of the holiday season in this festive program for the whole family. Performing will be PSU’s newly appointed professor of voice, soprano Lydia Bechtel-Edmonson.  Standard ticket rates apply for the public; those with a PSU ID are free.

Feb. 4 | 7 p.m. | Future Stars
Bicknell Family Center for the Art

The symphony will be joined by the Music Department’s winners of the annual Concerto/Aria Competition. Senior, Madison Westervelt, soprano, and junior Steven Fayne Speer, timpani, will be featured. The orchestra will perform D’un soir triste by Lili Boulanger. Standard ticket rates apply for the public; those with a PSU ID are free.

March 26 | 7 p.m. | Aubrey Logan with the Southeast Kansas Symphony
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts

Award-winning American pop and jazz singer and trombone soloist Aubrey Logan, of Postmodern Jukebox fame, will bring stunning vocals, superb trombone skills, and her signature humor to the Bicknell Center for a one-night performance joined by the symphony. Tickets for this special concert will be $25 for adults, $23 for children and seniors, $20 for faculty and staff, and $13 for PSU students.

April 10 | 5 p.m. | 2nd Annual Outdoor Concert
McCray Hall South Lawn

Enjoy music on a spring afternoon outdoors. Bring your favorite lawn chair, pack a picnic dinner, and immerse yourself in an evening of popular classics. Free.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now for all concerts. All PSU students, faculty, administrators, and personnel may attend ticketed SEK Symphony concerts free of charge. Tickets for the public are $5 for children and retired PSU employees, $12 for seniors and groups, and $15 for adults. They may be purchased at the PSU Ticket Office in the Garfield Weede Building from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling 620-235-4796, or online at https://www.pittstate.edu/office/ticket-office/index.html They also may be purchased at the door starting as early as one hour before the performanc