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Lilia Potter, freshman music education major, portrays the role of baker’s wife. The orchestra performed from 7:30-10 p.m.
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Kyle Wiley Pickett, music director and conductor of the orchestra, guides the group throughout the concert. The Topeka Symphony Orchestra collaborated with Topeka Civic Theatre for this performance.
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Musicians and the actors perform on their respective goals. They performed “In the Woods” in two parts.
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Pickett gives a brief introduction to the performance. Topeka Symphony Orchestra performed on May 10.
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Kevin Burton (right), executive director of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, and Pickett (left), express gratitude to the anonymous donor for supporting their performance. Burton received a Bachelor of Arts in history from Washburn University in 2011.
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Topeka Civic Theatre artists performing in their respective roles. Around 1,000 spectators were present in White Concert Hall.
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Jayna McFarland, Washburn alumna (07’), plays the role of Cinderella. This was the second time that the Topeka Symphony Orchestra collaborated with Topeka Civic Theatre for the program.
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All the actors performing “Into the Woods” are in a straight line while performing their last part. This was the last orchestra of the 2024-25 season.
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The group of cellists perform during the concert. The Topeka Symphony concert was held at White Concert Hall.
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The Topeka Symphony Orchestra performs “Into the Woods” orchestrated by Jonathan Tunick and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. “Into the Woods” was presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
On Saturday, May 10, the Topeka Symphony Orchestra concert took place in White Concert Hall. Kevin Burton (‘11), executive director of the orchestra, kicked off the event by discussing the performance in partnership with Topeka Civic Theatre. Around 1,000 spectators were present.
Burton highlights their collaboration with Topeka Civic Theatre for this orchestral performance.
“This is the second time we’ve partnered with a big aesthetic theater,” Burton said. He said these partnerships have provided the community with the unique opportunity to see a full orchestra on stage for performance singing, something that he says is not usually available much anymore.
Austin Barry, trumpet player, has 16 years of experience playing trumpet. Barry expresses what makes the Topeka Symphony Orchestra different from others.
“There’s a really great sense of community [here],” Barry said. “I get to play with a lot of people that I’m very familiar with. It’s really nice seeing so many friendly faces in certain groups. Things can feel pretty cutthroat, but this place feels very warm and very welcoming. It’s a really nice kind of vibe.”
Kyle Wiley Pickett, music director and conductor of the orchestra, shared details about next year’s upcoming programs.
“Next year’s season here at the Topeka Symphony is going to be called ‘Bingeworthy’,” Pickett said. “Every single concert is a storytelling concert with characters and compelling narratives. You won’t be able to look away. Great pieces like Don Juan and Petrushka, and we’ll close the season out next year with a pops concert, and it’s all the music of John Williams. It’s going to be a great season.”
This performance marked the final concert of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra’s 2024-25 season. The orchestra will open its next season on Sept. 27, 2025, with a performance of Don Juan.
Edited by Reid McEvoy and Stuti Khadka.
