Music for our Time – A Kansas City Symphony Podcast
We need classical music now more than ever
Experience exclusive recordings of live performances of your Kansas City Symphony plus commentary and interviews with Music Director Michael Stern, guest artists, conductors and members of the orchestra. Host E.J. Becker leads us on this musical journey you’ll hear nowhere else.
Listen to the trailer
Episode 4
Music that Meets the Moment
Our world is changing quickly. Now is the time to have conversations about our actions, reactions, and how we would like the world to be. Symphonic music and the arts can be leaders in making the world a better place. Hosts EJ Becker and Music Director Michael Stern welcome the Symphony’s new Principal Percussionist Josh Jones, and Timothy Adams, Professor at University of Georgia and Chair of the Percussion Department.
Enjoy selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem, and the Fifth Symphony of Shostakovich.
Episode 3
Isaac Stern @ 100 — A Centennial Celebration
Kansas City Symphony Music Director Michael Stern joins host EJ Becker to explore the legacy of Michael’s father, the great American violinist Isaac Stern, as the world celebrates Isaac’s 100th birthday. They’ll discuss the elder Stern’s use of music as a force for change and for good, and Stern’s multitude of contributions to the music world as we know it, including his efforts to save Carnegie Hall. To learn more, please visit IsaacSternLegacy.org.
Special Guests include Vadim Gluzman, Midori and Pinchas Zukerman; Hosted by Michael Stern and EJ Becker.
Episode 2
Voices of Justice
Host EJ Becker leads a conversation with Kansas City Symphony Music Director Michael Stern and world renowned clarinetist and Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, Anthony McGill. This episode features the music of American composer Richard Danielpour along with selections from Beethoven’s one and only opera, Fidelio.
In addition to the music itself, the conversation focuses on listening to the voices around us, in the pursuit of justice. McGill offers his profound understanding of the role that music can play in this difficult time, and extraordinary insight into his position as a leader on the American musical scene.
Episode 1
Music of Elation, Joy and Triumph
Michael Stern and music that makes us feel joyful
Host EJ Becker talks with Kansas City Symphony Music Director Michael Stern, and together they discuss selections of music of elation, joy and triumph. Featured here are selections of works of Mussorgsky, Stravinsky, Sibelius, Beethoven, Respighi and others.