Topeka, KS – This year’s annual Washburn University President’s Concert features an extra twist – the premier of a new piece commissioned in honor of the 150^th anniversary of the university.

    “This is always a special concert for us,” said Chris Kelts, director of the Washburn University orchestra.  “This is the highlight performance of the year and the chance for our students to showcase their talents.

    “But this year’s theme – 150 years of music – also is our chance to celebrate the history of the university,” Kelts said. 

    In addition, this year’s performance will mark the premier performance of a new piece of music by composer Joel Puckett named by listeners as one of National Public Radio’s favorite composers and hailed by the Washington Post as a “visionary.”

   The piece – Opus 150 – showcases the combined talents of the Washburn University Wind Ensemble with the Washburn University Choirs. 

   In addition to the premier of Opus 150, the concert will feature a performance of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto in C Major with the Washburn University Symphony Orchestra along with tenor Genaro Mendez, violinist Yu-Fang Chan, Michael Murray on the cello and pianist Robert Carney.

  The free concert will be held on Friday, May 8 in the White Concert Hall on the Washburn University Campus.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.