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Features

Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts

The series started in 1982 as Hesston Performing Arts (HPA) with funding and planning provided by Hesston College and the Hesston community. In 1998 HPA planners launched a partnership with Bethel College, and the series name changed to Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts. Hesston College in Hesston and Bethel College in North Newton host performances each year. View the current HBPA schedule.

Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra

The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra is a quality community ensemble committed to playing a variety of enduring symphonic music. As a community orchestra it provides a satisfying experience for both seasoned and young musicians, in a wide range of repertoire.

Its goals are to…

• Foster a high quality players' orchestra under excellent conductors
• Continue improvement in individual player proficiency and artistry
• Create a satisfying listening experience for audiences
• Extend its base of solid community support and interest

Musicians

• Are drawn from a pool of more than 100
• Each concert engages 60-70 musicians, e.g. for a recent concert:
  • 20 + community members
  • 16 teachers/professionals
  • 10 college students
  • 10 high school students
• Are from the Newton Harvey County area of a 60 mile radius, or further if ties to the orchestra
• Concertmaster Adrienne Dougherty is a Wichita Symphony Orchestra player, as are several other NMKSO string players

Conductors

• Music Director/Conductor Thomas W. Douglas of Pittsburgh, Penn.
• Guest Conductors from around the country have also led the orchestra, including Bethel alumnus Daniel Hege, current conductor of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra.

Concerts

• Two Classics Concerts per season in the Fall and Winter/Spring are rehearsed over a weekend and presented on Sunday afternoon
• An annual Pops Concert at Athletic Park with Chisholm Trail Festival reaches the larger community
• The summer Harvey Festival offers quality chamber music for an intimate music experience
• A May concert in collaboration with the Bethel College oratorio chorus, conducted by Dr. William Eash

For information regarding the orchestra contact Jill Gatz, manager at (316) 283-0814.

The Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit organization supported by donations from businesses and individuals. Send contributions to NMKSO, P.O. Box 245, North Newton, KS 67117.