Salt City Orchestra Launches
- Mackenzie Spears
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUTCHINSON, KS (January 21, 2026) Salt City Orchestra - Launches
Many were heartbroken when the Hutchinson Symphony folded. They tried mightily to carry on, but the finances just didn’t add up. A group of folks passionate about local quality music have banded together to form the all-new Salt City Orchestra (SCO). Please know, this is not a reboot of the previous symphony but rather a completely new organization with a new board, bylaws, bank account, and 501(c)(3) status.
The new orchestra will collaborate with the Hutchinson Community College Concert Choir to provide the string section and will perform Elaine Hagenberg's newest choral masterwork, "Illuminare". The performance will take place on March 9th at 7:00 pm in the Stringer Fine Arts Center. Please consider joining them for their first performance.
Many may ask: “If the previous symphony couldn’t make it financially, what makes you think you can?” The answer is simple: minimize expenses. While the Fox Theatre is absolutely a gem and framed the elegance of the evening, it was also not inexpensive. SCO has explored many performance venues, including the HutchCC Performance Hall. It’s far more than adequate, and the cost is minimal. Many other cost-saving options have been employed. The musicians are so passionate about having a hometown orchestra that they are willing to play without compensation for the first year. They are donating their time and talents for the love of music. Donations from individuals and corporations are welcome.
An interesting feature of the new orchestra is that the board consists of 100% musicians. The passion for making beautiful music is the driving force of this team.
They are:
President: Daniel Spears
Vice President: Crystal Blackwelder
Secretary: Alex Meek
Treasurer: Carla Kenyon
Director of Outreach: Bob Kenyon
Board member at large: Bob Rate
Board member at large: Mark Robinson
Back L to R: Daniel Spears, Crystal Blackwelder, Bob Rate
Front L to R: Carla Kenyon, Bob Kenyon
The inaugural concert is being planned for early summer. Drop a note to SaltCityOrchestra@gmail.com to get updates and announcements as the details are finalized.
Let’s give this organization our full support as they supply another opportunity to impact and enhance the artistic quality of our beloved Hutchinson!
Bob Kenyon, Director of Outreach