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.

Do Over

Tue, Jan 7, 2014Tue, Jan 7, 2014 by Holly Mulcahy

Everyone wishes at one point that they could go back and tell the younger version of themselves a thing or two. When I teach violin lessons to budding conservatory students or to recent graduates trying to get orchestral jobs, I share what I wish I had been told. These are concepts no music conservatory has in the curriculum. During the next few blog entries, I will share some of these ideas and thoughts that people involved in the arts should know but aren’t usually taught. In February we’ll examine what makes us … Continue Reading

Tourists, Treasures, and Time

Sat, Dec 21, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

Inviting my parents to come to one of my concerts this season was a something I’d looked forward to for months. Of course I was excited for them to see the orchestra, but I was equally excited to introduce them to the remarkable city of Chattanooga. In many cases, one can say all the nice things they want about a place, but until it is experienced in person, it really doesn’t mean as much. This was the case for Chattanooga and my parents. I had told them how lovely the river front … Continue Reading

Bags, Boutiques, and Bach (and an emergency shopping trip!)

Tue, Nov 19, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

Bags Upon arriving in Chattanooga’s airport over the weekend, I found out my luggage didn’t make it. The possibility of getting the luggage on a later flight was slim but I held out hope. Worst case scenario would be I would just have to pick up a new shirt and a few small items to hold me over. But Murphy’s Law was being observed, and the flight my luggage that was redirected on was canceled. All of my clothes and concert attire was not going to arrive to me until 48 hours … Continue Reading

Cell Phones and Cash Flow

Mon, Nov 4, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

There is nothing more annoying than hearing a cell phone ring during a quiet part of an orchestra concert. The noise disrupts the music, musicians, and the ticket buyers. But can there be a way for orchestras to profit off of this annoyance? Sure: Have a cell phone check. Like a coat check, a few bucks to insure that you wouldn’t be the fool that left the cell phone on would be well worth it. If there was worry about missing a message, perhaps a quick check at intermission. If one was … Continue Reading

The Three R’s: Radio, Restaurants, & Rhythm

Mon, Oct 14, 2013Mon, Oct 14, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

Starting work as the new concertmaster of The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) meant hitting the ground running. First order of business was to be a guest on CSO Music Director Kayoko Dan’s radio show, Chat Symphony Hour; which serves as a sincere connection to a community and a fun way to share musical ideas and interests with listeners. Radio When I found out that the radio station was a dedicated classical music radio station, I was inwardly doing jumps for joy. Maybe I’m biased, but since I grew up in a … Continue Reading