OSU Symphony Orchestra presents ‘Music Without Walls’
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | news@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra will conclude its season with “Music Without Walls” at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the Kicker Soundstage at Block 34 in downtown Stillwater.
This free outdoor concert is open to the entire OSU and Stillwater community and is presented as part of OSU’s annual Arts Week celebration. A pre-concert performance by the OSU Graduate Woodwind Quintet and the Saxophone Ensemble will begin the afternoon festivities.
The OSU Symphony Orchestra is the premier orchestral ensemble of the Greenwood School of Music, bringing together exceptional undergraduate and graduate musicians from across the university. Through ambitious repertoire and meaningful community engagement, the ensemble prepares students for careers as performers, educators and arts leaders while sharing high-quality performances beyond campus.
Under the direction of Dr. Luca Antonucci, conductor, alongside graduate teaching assistants Pedro Vieira and Alyson Rake, the orchestra will present a concert of music inspired by the outdoors.
The program opens with “Dances in the Canebrakes” by Florence Price, a joyful set of dances rooted in American musical traditions. Originally written for piano and later orchestrated by William Grant Still, the piece blends rhythmic vitality with rich orchestral color. The work will be conducted by Vieira and Rake.
The concert concludes with “Symphony No. 1” by Gustav Mahler, often nicknamed “Titan.” From its opening depiction of nature awakening in spring to its dramatic and triumphant finale featuring seven standing horn players, Mahler’s monumental symphony offers an emotional journey of remarkable intensity and beauty.
“Outdoor symphonic concerts have long been a beloved tradition in the United States and around the world,” Antonucci said. “We are excited to bring this experience to Stillwater and share vibrant, nature-inspired works that highlight the artistry and dedication of our student musicians.”
In addition to live music, the event will feature appearances by therapy dog teams from Pete’s Pet Posse, local food trucks and interactive activities hosted by the departments of Theatre and Art, Graphic Design and Art History.
By bringing a full symphony orchestra into a public outdoor space, the Greenwood School of Music continues to advance OSU’s land-grant mission to make education, culture and creative experiences accessible to all.
Families, students, alumni and community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an afternoon of music, community and celebration in the heart of downtown Stillwater.
For more information about the OSU Symphony Orchestra, please visit music.okstate.edu.
**NOTE: In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held in the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts, Concert Hall.