In a preview of their May 30 Carnegie Hall appearance, the Wichita State University Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform a “Carnegie Hall Bon Voyage and Thank You Donors Concert” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Andover Central High School Auditorium.

Admission is free and, although a donor-appreciation event, the concert is open to the general public.

The road to New York City has not been easy or inexpensive, but the Carnegie Hall appearance is a great honor for WSU students, said Russ Widener, director of the WSU School of Music.

”Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious performance venues in the world,” Widener said. “Just walking into the hall is an awe-inspiring experience. The best and most famous musicians in the world have been on that stage.”

The experience of actually performing at Carnegie Hall is exhilarating enough, he said, but the sound in the great Isaac Stern Auditorium will be an experience the students will never forget.

The recordings were accepted, and during the summer the School of Music and College of Fine Arts administration began negotiations with MidAmerica Productions on a performance date and a “Concert Land Package” that includes hotel accommodations, rehearsal arrangements, concert timing and repertoire, and a dinner cruise following the concert. Airline arrangements were made with Sunflower Travel in Wichita.

The cost per student totaled less than $2,000. Each student is paying a portion of that, but the school has received $57,000 from the WSU Student Government Association, about $40,000 from the university administration and another $40,000 from private donations. Some people have “adopted a student” for that process, said Widener.

The total cost for the project is more than $200,000, so the school is still in the fundraising process.

Approximately 108 students are making the trip. Some of the wind players and percussionists perform in both the wind ensemble and orchestra.

“New York may be the musical capital of the world,” said Widener. “We will be able to attend some of the finest shows, ballets and concerts while being in the city—in addition to touring and experiencing one of the most magical historical areas of our country.”

To attend or make a donation

The WSU Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform at 1 p.m. Monday, May 30, in the world-famous Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium.

A celebratory reception for the students and music faculty, and featuring special guests WSU President Don and Shirley Beggs, is slated for 4-6 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

For concert tickets: To order using a credit card, call CarnegieCharge at (212) 247-7800 or purchase online via CarnegieCharge. There is a $6 per ticket service charge. The full range of ticket prices through CarnegieCharge is $95, $57 or $35. The $35 tickets are for seats that have no elevator access.

For reception reservations: Email Connie White at the WSU Alumni Association at connie.white@wichita.edu. There is no charge for the reception. In addition to the Beggses, special guests in attendance include Laycock and Markovich; Gary Miller, provost and vice president for academic affairs and research; and Rodney Miller, dean of the College of Fine Arts.

To help out: The School of Music will continue to raise funds for the trip to New York City. A gift of any amount will be appreciated or donors can opt to “Adopt-a-Student” for $1,000. All amounts are tax-deductible.

Make checks payable to WSU Foundation/Orchestra Enrichment Fund and mail to the WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS 67260-0002. You can also use a credit card by indicating the name of the card, its expiration date and the correct cardholder name.