Hays Symphony to present final concert of 2024–2025 season

HAYS, Kan. (April 8, 2025) — The Hays Symphony will conclude its 2024–2025 season with Romantic Visions, a program celebrating the passion of Romantic-era music and the spirit of spring.

The final concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. May 3 at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the Fort Hays State University campus, 600 Park St.

Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance at hayssymphony.org.

The program will open with Douglas Lilburn’s Concert Overture in D, followed by Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, featuring pianist and FHSU faculty member Irena Ravitskaya as soloist.

The concert will close with Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, known as the Spring Symphony, a work often noted to be bursting with optimism and lyrical joy.

“Feelings of romance flourish in Grieg's Piano Concerto and cling to springtime in Schumann's Symphony No. 1,” said Brian Buckstead, music director and conductor. “This program brings together a perfect balance of warmth, energy, and emotional depth. I’m proud of the dedication and artistry shown by the musicians all season long, and I can’t think of a more beautiful way to end the year.”

The 2024–2025 season has marked another strong year for the Hays Symphony, featuring diverse programming and expanded community outreach.

From its fall kickoff concert through holiday and midseason performances, the Symphony has maintained its commitment to enriching the cultural life of the region through free, high-quality musical experiences.

Sandy Jacobs, President of the Hays Symphony Guild, expressed gratitude for the support that made this year’s programming possible.

“We’ve had an amazing season filled with powerful performances and dedicated collaboration,” Jacobs said. “This final concert is a celebration of the musicians, the sponsors, and every individual who supported us along the way. We are especially grateful to Dick and Kay Werth of Auto World, whose generous sponsorship is making this final concert possible. And our sincere thanks go to Insurance Planning, who is sponsoring the reception following the performance.”

Jacobs also said that the symphony is more than just music, it’s a reflection of community pride and cultural investment.

“Every note played on that stage is made possible by people who believe in the value of the arts,” she said. “We invite everyone to join us on May 3 to celebrate the conclusion of this incredible season and to thank those who have made it all possible.”

Following the concert, attendees are invited to a free public reception in the Beach/Schmidt lobby, where they can meet the musicians, mingle with fellow concertgoers, and celebrate the end of a remarkable season.

Free tickets are recommended for this concert and can be reserved online at hayssymphony.org.

For full program details, or to learn how to support the Symphony through donations or sponsorships, visit the official website.