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.

How to Alienate Your Audiences: 2013

Tue, Jul 12, 2022Mon, Oct 7, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

In 2008 and 2009, I wrote a four part series using parody to show how various groups could better alienate their classical music audience. Each of the groups, Audiences, Musicians, Managers, and Music Directors, had 10 steps that would surely alienate any patron and enough time has passed that it is time to update some new items in the lists; after all, most of us are at the beginning of a new concert season and we all want to find new and exciting ways to alienate our audiences! Audiences Be sure to … Continue Reading

A Journey Of Legacy, Appreciation, and Heart

Mon, Sep 2, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

The legacy and longevity of the Minnesota Orchestra is at a tipping point. While there have been many excellent articles, online discussions, and interviews about how the orchestra got to this point, it is extremely important to remind ourselves in as many ways possible just what is at stake. Perhaps one way to realize this is to liken the cultural institution to Amish Friendship Bread, which is a type of sour dough that takes about 10 days to create and users are encouraged to pass along the starter along with finished loaves. … Continue Reading

The Gift

Mon, Aug 5, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

It was while shopping for a friend’s birthday present as a 9 year old that I learned a very important lesson. Part of my allowance money was used to purchase this gift, but it wasn’t the value of money or the act of giving that was the lesson; it was the thought involved in the process. As I reached for a puzzle, my mother asked me, “Would you want to receive this as a gift?” The answer was no. “Think, what would you want to receive as a gift if it was … Continue Reading

Concertmaster Connections: An Introduction

Fri, Sep 20, 2013Mon, Jul 1, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

Whenever a new neighbor would move into a house on our block, my mother would bake some cookies or some bread, walk over with the edibles and welcome the new people to the neighborhood. One year she insisted I come along, which was torture because I was shy. I remember asking her, “Why do this when nobody did it when we moved in?” It turns out that others might have been shy, too. I’m grateful that my mom made me tag along that day because it taught me the importance of reaching … Continue Reading

House Party Concert Guide!

Mon, May 27, 2013 by Holly Mulcahy

[fivecol_one] Who [/fivecol_one] [fivecol_four_last]You are cordially invited to host a gathering of your friends (and friends of friends!) at your house to enjoy an intimate classical music concert![/fivecol_four_last] [fivecol_one] What [/fivecol_one] [fivecol_four_last]Concert will be either a solo musician or small ensemble performing for about 45+/- minutes. Cocktails and dinner, or brunch and coffee, or BBQ and beer will be served![/fivecol_four_last] [fivecol_one] When Where [/fivecol_one] [fivecol_four_last]Party and concert is at your house at a time of day when everyone will be in the mood to enjoy and neighbors might not be disturbed.[/fivecol_four_last] [fivecol_one] … Continue Reading