The Walla Walla University Symphony Orchestra traveled to the East Coast for a unique chance to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as part of a multi-day tour. 

This unique opportunity to play on the main stage of the Kennedy Center came after the symphony's memorable performance at Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2019 that opened the doors for future opportunities. 

This rare opportunity was greatly appreciated by all the orchestra members, including Lisa Luzyl Wa-Mbaleka, a sophomore health science major, and orchestra member, who said, “I was ecstatic to be on the same stage as many great musicians who had performed before me. It was a beautiful experience that I will never forget and it ignited my passion even further for music.”

Beyond the performance at the Kennedy Center, orchestra students also explored Washington, D.C. through evening walking tours of the monuments and memorial sites, and museum visits.

Christina Showalker, sophomore bioengineering major and first chair cellist, said, “The trip was a total blast! I came into it not really being close to or even friends with anyone on the trip, but by the end I can genuinely say that I could call basically everyone in the orchestra a friend. It was the best bonding experience I could ever ask for, and I am so thrilled to share amazing memories with all of the cool people in the orchestra!”

Posted March 14, 2024