In 2023, WASC is celebrating the 50th anniversary of our strong relationship between Wichita and Orléans, France.

In August 1944, American soldiers, including the 137th Infantry from the Kansas 35th Division, liberated the people of Orléans, France from the Nazi occupation. Thus began the friendship between our two cities and, in 1973, Wichita and Orléans formally became Sister Cities.

Spearheading this 50th anniversary celebration was an international partnership during the month of February which included both the Wichita Area Sister Cities (WASC) and the Orléans-Wichita association, alongside WSU’s School of Music and French Department and their counterparts across the pond, the Orchestre Symphonique d’Orléans.

Together, WASC and WSU produced concerts and masterclasses in both Orléans and Wichita. In honor of this historic anniversary, the concerts featured music from American and French composers. Here are the Youtube videos of the two WSU concerts featuring Vincent Mitterrand:

February 19th - Vincent performed in the Faculty Artist Chamber Music Chamber recital featuring WSU French faculty for the 2nd half. Click here for the link to this concert. 

February 21st - Vincent performed the "Concerto for Trumpet" by French composer Henri Tomasi with the WSU Wind Ensemble. Click here for the link to this concert.