From the music director…


I’m excited to share with you the exciting programs that we’ve curated for my first season as music director of the NMKSO. I hope you’ll join us for each special concert in our 66th Season!

We open the season with a special collaboration with Opera Kansas—we’re excited to present a concert version of Mozart’s classic fairytale, The Magic Flute. From a giant serpent to magical bells and flutes, an evil queen, a mysterious priest, and a great love story, there’s something for everyone in this program. Bring the whole family to “The Magic Flute IN Concert” on Oct. 16 at 4:00 p.m. at the Newton High School Auditorium.

We return in January to celebrate local young artists and to remember the victims of the current conflict in Ukraine. This program is very special to me—we are pairing Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968 with Smetana’s Tabor from My Country. Husa’s powerful work reflects on the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968 and draws musical themes from the earlier work by Smetana. The concert once again features winners of the Dwight Beckham Young Soloists Competition. Please join us for “Chimes of Freedom,” at 4:00 p.m. on Jan. 29 in Memorial Hall at Bethel College.

The Summer Chamber Music Concert on June 11, at 3:00 p.m., features chamber works with James Jones and NMKSO musicians.

With appreciation of your support through the years, I encourage you to renew your season tickets and contributions.

Dr. Chris David Westover-Muñoz Music Director