4/16/26

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University will present the world premiere of “Collisions,” an original musical theatre composition by Catherine Trieschmann and Alex Underwood, as the featured performance of the university’s ninth annual New Music Festival. The free concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. on April 25 in the Beach-Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

The new work brings together professional and student performers. Featured performers include Broadway singer Julie Foldesi, opera soloist Katelyn Mattson, and local students. The FHSU New Music Ensemble, composed of university music faculty, will perform the orchestration.

“There is so much going on musically that our students and community in this rural area are never exposed to,” said Kristin Pisano, associate professor of music and founder of the New Music Festival. “Having students involved in the evening performance is also important because it’s so beneficial for them to see how things work in a professional setting.”

“Collisions” was commissioned by the FHSU New Music Ensemble, a faculty group dedicated to performing and promoting works by living composers. This year’s festival marks a milestone as the first to feature musical theatre.

As part of the festival, Underwood and Trieschmann will present a lecture at 1:30 p.m. on April 24 in Palmer Hall, Room 115 (Malloy Hall), offering insight into their creative process and collaboration.

The April 25 performance will feature an ensemble of faculty and guest artists, including Brian Buckstead, violin; Ben Cline, cello; Alex Underwood, piano; Hilary Shepard, flute; Kristin Pisano, clarinet; and Luke Helker, percussion, along with students from Hays High School and Fort Hays State University.

Trieschmann is an award-winning playwright whose work has been produced Off-Broadway, Off-West End in London, and in major regional and international theaters. She currently serves as director of theatre at Fort Hays State University.

Underwood is an accomplished choral conductor, music director, and composer. With more than a decade of experience as a public school educator, he currently leads the music and drama program at Hays High School.

Together, Trieschmann and Underwood have collaborated on several musical projects, including “Ghost Girl,” which received an honorable mention from the Relentless Musical Award, the largest prize for new musicals in the United States.

For more information about the New Music Festival, visit the Fort Hays State University website or contact the Department of Music and Theatre.