Holly Mulcahy

Some of the best ideas do not need reinventing. They just need a fresh perspective and the right moment to bring them back to life. That is exactly what happened with Take a Friend to the Orchestra, an initiative I recently reintroduced at the Wichita Symphony in my role as Curator of Audience Engagement and Innovation. Originally launched years ago, this initiative was designed to welcome new audiences to the symphony but had faded into the background. As I looked for ways to make concerts feel more inviting and personal, I saw … Continue Reading

Looking for a workplace perk that boosts productivity, reduces sick days, and keeps employees engaged? The answer isn’t another wellness app or free snack bar, it’s in the arts. Subsidizing tickets to concerts, plays, or museums isn’t just a feel-good gesture; it’s a cost-effective, data-backed investment. The benefits of arts engagement go beyond smiles and applause. A major UK study quantified the impact of cultural engagement on health, wellbeing, and productivity, and the results are hard to ignore: Individual Impacts: Improved quality of life (QoL) measured in Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). One … Continue Reading

In my previous article, we discussed how traditional notions of “education” can sometimes make learning about music feel like a chore. Now, let’s dive deeper into how we can implement an inviting and engaging approach to music discovery. Transforming the Experience To make music discovery an enjoyable and meaningful experience, we need to shift our approach from a formal, education-centric model to one that feels like a creative adventure. This transformation requires rethinking how we present and interact with our audiences. Create Interactive Experiences Engage your audience with interactive elements that invite … Continue Reading

When we talk about integrating music into our communities, the term “education” often comes up. But let’s be honest—doesn’t “education” sometimes sound a bit dry, almost like a chore? It can come across as something daunting, like homework, or creates a barrier to participation. Most arts organizations and orchestras include the word “education” in their mission statements. The language on websites, in programs, and in press releases frequently focuses on “education,” which can make enjoying and discovering music seem less inviting and more like a tedious obligation. From my own experience, I … Continue Reading

“Well, if that’s your story, then classical music is cancelled!” That’s what I would jokingly say whenever someone lamented, “Nobody knows or even cares that there’s an orchestra in our city. Nobody understands us, our value, or our worth.” This sentiment is all too common among orchestras across the country. So, how can orchestras make their value and worth known, understood, and relatable? While having a logo and a well-designed website is a good start, the most powerful tool to capture attention and hearts is a compelling narrative. With all the social … Continue Reading