Holly Mulcahy

After hearing Scheherazade at an early age, Holly Mulcahy fell in love with the violin and knew it would be her future. She currently serves as concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. She spends her summers at the celebrated Grand Teton Music Festival. Believing in music as a healing and coping source, Holly founded Arts Capacity, a charitable 501(c)3 which focuses on bringing live chamber music, art, artists, and composers to prisons. Arts Capacity addresses many emotional and character-building issues people face as they prepare for release into society. Holly performs on a 1917 Giovanni Cavani violin, previously owned by the late renowned soloist Eugene Fodor, and a bespoke bow made by award winning master bow maker, Douglas Raguse.

The Next Concerto is…

Thu, Feb 18, 2016Wed, Dec 23, 2015 by Holly Mulcahy

As of right now, the next concerto I play with my orchestra is top secret. That is until the Chattanooga Symphony’s 2016-17 concert season is announced. I’ve been having a lot of fun dropping hints on Facebook and Twitter about which concerto it is though. But I figured it would be interesting to share how and why I picked this concerto. Since I began my tenure with the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, I’d made it clear that I wanted to perform concertos by living American composers. Jennifer Higdon’s Violin Concerto was the … Continue Reading

Say This, Not That!

Wed, Dec 23, 2015Mon, Nov 23, 2015 by Holly Mulcahy

The headlines are usually 20 Things Never To Say To a Musician, or, 10 Things That Annoy Violinists. While the lists of ubiquitous (and sometimes hilarious) assaults on a musician’s line of work are usually fact based, the knee jerk replies can be a door closer in conversations. People are just trying to get a conversation going. Many times they are seeking acceptance and approval from musicians. So keep the conversation going! I’ve taken a few of the most popular things people say to musicians and divided them in to mini categories. … Continue Reading

The Three B’s: Bach, Bacon, and Biscuits

Wed, Dec 23, 2015Sat, Oct 24, 2015 by Holly Mulcahy

Comfort food. Just saying the words Comfort Food conjures up images of simple joys, comforting flavors, memories of smells and tastes that may have traveled centuries within a family. In planning for the upcoming Chattanooga Symphony & Opera chamber concert which will feature the Bach Concerto for Oboe and Violin (November 8th at 3PM at the Read House), it occurred to me that this is a form of comfort food for the soul. Ideas about pairing this musical delicacy with an edible creation by Zeke Arter, owner of Maple Street Biscuit Company, … Continue Reading

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Wed, Dec 23, 2015Sun, Oct 18, 2015 by Holly Mulcahy

One of the things that makes Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera special is the connections one feels. There are connections to music, community, nature, friendships, education, and businesses. Connections happen at breakfast On regular occasions CSO musicians make their way to Maple Street Biscuit Company to take in a breakfast before a day hike. One particular morning after saying hello to the owner, Zeke, we bumped into a board member and symphony supporter, Harriet Whittaker, who happened to be hosting a few musicians during opening week. [twocol_one][/twocol_one] [twocol_one_last][/twocol_one_last] While enjoying … Continue Reading

Bowing for Mahlers; decisions on bowing directions

Sun, May 22, 2022Fri, Sep 4, 2015 by Holly Mulcahy

One of the neatest things to watch while at an orchestra concert is the synchronized bows of the string section. It’s almost like a well-choreographed ballet in some cases. While this is something I take for granted anymore, most people don’t know how or why the bows end up going in the same direction. I get asked occasionally about this and I’m always surprised how many people are interested in learning about it, so I’ve decided to share what goes on behind the scenes to make the whole section bow in the … Continue Reading