Press Releases

Media Contact:  Jeff Barker  (816) 218-2626  jbarker@kcsymphony.org

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | August 24, 2021 — The Kansas City Symphony is pleased to announce the hiring of John
Roloff as its Chief Operating Officer.

Roloff was most recently the Vice President of Orchestra and Facility Operations for the Milwaukee Symphony
Orchestra (MSO), having joined that organization in 2015 as the Director of Operations and Facilities. He was
responsible for production of all MSO presentations and served as executive producer for all MSO media
activities, including the orchestra’s nationally syndicated radio series heard by more than two million listeners
annually. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he managed the start-up and production of MSO Live, the
orchestra’s streaming video program.

In addition, he was instrumental in the design, renovation and restoration of Milwaukee’s Bradley Symphony
Center (formerly the Warner Grand Theater), serving as the primary staff contact to multiple contractors,
architects and other consultants. After the building opened in January 2021, he led the team that transitioned
concert and administrative activities to the facility and oversaw the day-to-day operations of the venue.

“I am delighted to have John joining the KCS team,” said Executive Director Danny Beckley. “His particular
experience and success in orchestra management will expand the capabilities and capacity of our tremendous
staff, and I look forward to working closely with John in leading the administration.”

In addition to helping manage the Kansas City Symphony’s return to the Kauffman Center for the Performing
Arts, Roloff will be deeply involved with creating opportunities for the public to interact with the Symphony at
their new headquarters, the former Webster School building at 17th and Wyandotte streets.

John Roloff

“The new headquarters facility presents multiple opportunities for the Kansas City Symphony to experiment
with and expand its programming and mission,” said Roloff. “Coming out of the pandemic, I believe there is
going to be a strong desire for everyone to experience new things in a group setting. The facility will be utilized
in a variety of ways and provide spaces for people to gather for learning, socialization and entertainment.”

Kristin Velicer, Acting Associate Principal Second Violin and Chair of the Kansas City Symphony Musicians’
Committee, commented, “John brings a wealth of experience and a depth of knowledge that will help propel
our continued artistic and organizational growth. He understands the deep cross-constituency relationships
we share here and values the importance of collaboration to support these connections. We look forward to
working with him and we welcome him to the Symphony family.”

Roloff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Central College in Pella, Iowa and a Master of Business
Administration degree from the Henry B. Tippie School of Management at the University of Iowa. He is a
regular participant in the League of American Orchestras’ training programs and was selected to participate in
the Emerging Leaders Program during the 2017-18 season. Outside of work, his hobbies include golf, cooking,
travel and backpacking.

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About the Kansas City Symphony
Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances
of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music
Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, reaching more than 250,000 community members. The
Symphony welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet
and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Complementing its full schedule of concerts, the Symphony enriches the lives of Kansas City residents by providing music education opportunities
for children and adults, such as KinderKonzerts, Young People’s Concerts, an instrument petting zoo and concert comments. The Mobile Music Box,
a popup stage created by the Symphony during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaches thousands of audience members each season with dozens of
chamber music concerts throughout the Kansas City metro area.

The Symphony has released nine highly praised CDs to date with Reference Recordings. The latest release features one-movement symphonies by
Samuel Barber, Jean Sibelius and Alexander Scriabin. The Symphony and Michael Stern also have recorded for the Naxos label. Kansas City’s new
classical music radio station, 91.9 ClassicalKC, broadcasts Kansas City Symphony performances each week. For more information on the Symphony,
please visit kcsymphony.org.

Media Contact:  Jeff Barker  (816) 218-2626  jbarker@kcsymphony.org

Kansas City Symphony announces its 2021/22 Season

Subscriptions available now for Classical, Pops & Family Series, plus Holiday Concerts and Special Presentations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | June 2, 2021 — The Kansas City Symphony announced its 2021/22 concert season today, returning to the stage in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with in-person audiences and full capacity this September. Current season subscribers have until July 15, 2021 to renew or upgrade their existing subscription, and persons wanting to subscribe for the first time may now choose any unsubscribed seats.

“We’ve missed performing in Helzberg Hall in front of live audiences so much” said Executive Director Danny Beckley. “There is a spark that happens when musicians perform before a live audience. You can see and hear our musicians’ passion. And we see on your face how the music makes you feel. It’s a unique connection unlike any other, something we crave, something we are all ready to experience again. We’ve programmed a season full of unique and special moments. We’ll be joined by an exciting group of guest conductors and soloists, we’ll feature world premieres and commissions, plus some of the greatest classical pieces ever written, including Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony and Beethoven’s Ninth performed with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus.”

Music Director Michael Stern adds, “The need for healing that comes through music and community is important like never before. I believe we are about to begin a great new chapter — because of the resilience and dedication of our extraordinary musicians and staff, the steady and confident leadership of our Board of Directors, and all of you who understand how special a place Kansas City is. Welcoming full audiences back to Helzberg Hall will be emotional for all of us. Ever since my first concert here in 2005, my goal was always to build something of real meaning for music and for Kansas City, and to strive for something higher. I cannot wait to see you all at our concerts again in this exciting new season. I feel as energized now as I did when I first arrived, and I know that feeling is only going to get stronger.”

CLASSICAL SERIES PROGRAMS

September 24-26, 2021
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN  Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus
GABRIEL KAHANE  Piano Concerto (world premiere, Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
GUSTAV MAHLER  Symphony No. 1, “Titan”
Michael Stern, conductor
Jeffrey Kahane, piano

October 29-31, 2021
STUART MURRAY TURNBULL  Odyssey (world premiere)
MAX BRUCH  Violin Concerto No.1
JOHANNES BRAHMS  Symphony No. 1
Michael Stern, conductor
Randall Goosby, violin

November 5-7, 2021
FLORENCE PRICE  The Oak
RICHARD STRAUSS  Burleske in D Minor
NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV  Scheherazade
Peter Oundjian, guest conductor
Janice Carissa, piano

November 26-28, 2021
SAMUEL BARBER  Essay No.2
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN  Piano Concerto No. 4
ROBERT SCHUMANN  Symphony No. 3, “Rhenish”
Johannes Debus, guest conductor 
Eric Lu, piano

January 14-16, 2022
WILLIAM GRANT STILL  Poem for Orchestra
GEORGE GERSHWIN  Piano Concerto in F
DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH  Symphony No. 5
Joshua Weilerstein, guest conductor
Jon Kimura Parker, piano

 January 28-30, 2022
RICHARD STRAUSS  Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration)
JOEL THOMPSON  New work (Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
SERGEI PROKOFIEV  Violin Concerto No. 2
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN  Leonore Overture No. 3
Michael Stern, conductor
Vadim Gluzman, violin

 February 4-6, 2022
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK  Othello Overture
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY  Variations on a Rococo Theme
SERGEI PROKOFIEV  Symphony No. 5
Eduardo Strausser, guest conductor
Zlatomir Fung, cello

March 4-6, 2022
HENRY PURCELL/BENJAMIN BRITTEN  Chacony in G Minor
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART  Piano Concerto No. 24
EDWARD ELGAR  Symphony No. 1
Michael Francis, guest conductor
Martina Filjak, piano

March 25-27, 2022
ANNA CLYNE  This Midnight Hour
CLAUDE DEBUSSY  La mer
JOHANNES BRAHMS  Violin Concerto
Michael Stern, conductor
Midori, violin

 April 1-3, 2022
JOAN TOWER  Tambor
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART  Clarinet Concerto
IGOR STRAVINSKY  Pétrouchka, 1947 revision
Christian Reif, guest conductor
Raymond Santos, principal clarinet, Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair

 April 22-24, 2022
AARON COPLAND  El Salón México
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF  Piano Concerto No. 4
ZOLTÁN KODÁLY  Dances of Galánta
BÉLA BARTÓK  Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin
Paolo Bortolameolli, guest conductor
Conrad Tao, piano

 June 3-5, 2022
MAURICE RAVEL  Mother Goose Suite
CHRIS ROGERSON  Violin Concerto (world premiere, Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS  Symphony No. 3, “Organ”
Gemma New, guest conductor
Benjamin Beilman, violin
Jan Kraybill, organ

 June 17-19, 2022
LILI BOULANGER  D’un matin de printemps
JEAN SIBELIUS  Violin Concerto
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY  Suite from The Sleeping Beauty
Ryan Bancroft, guest conductor
Augustin Hadelich, violin

 June 24-26, 2022
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL  “Zadok the Priest,” Coronation Anthem No. 1
JESSIE MONTGOMERY  Piano Concerto (Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
LUDVIG VAN BEETHOVEN  Symphony No. 9, “Choral”
Michael Stern, conductor
Awadagin Pratt, piano
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Caitlin Lynch, soprano
Kelley O’Connor, mezzo-soprano
Derrek Stark, tenor

POPS SERIES PROGRAMS

October 22-24, 2021
THE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

 January 7-9, 2022
REVOLUTION: THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES – A SYMPHONIC EXPERIENCE
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

 April 7-9, 2022
FRANK AND ELLA, TOGETHER AGAIN
Jack Everly, guest conductor
Capathia Jenkins, vocalist
Tony DeSare, vocalist

 May 20-22, 2022
Windborne’s THE MUSIC OF QUEEN
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Brody Dolyniuk, vocalist

FAMILY SERIES PROGRAMS

Sunday, October 3, 2021
HALLOWEEN SYMPHONY SPOOKTACULAR!
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

Sunday, November 21, 2021
THE COMPOSER IS DEAD AND OTHER MUSICAL MYSTERIES
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

Sunday, December 19, 2021
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Ashley Brown, vocalist

Sunday, March 13, 2022
BUCKETS N BOARDS
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Matt Levingston, entertainer
Gareth Sever, entertainer

HOLIDAY CONCERTS

December 10-12, 2021
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Patrick Dupré Quigley, guest conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director

December 16-19, 2021
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Ashley Brown, vocalist

December 22-24, 2021
HOME ALONE: Film + Live Orchestra
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

 January 20-23, 2022
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX™ IN CONCERT: Film + Live Orchestra
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, January 20-22, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

 February 10-13, 2022
STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI™ IN CONCERT: Film + Live Orchestra
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 10-12, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 1 p.m.
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

April 12-14, 2022
ABBA THE CONCERT: A TRIBUTE TO ABBA
Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

June 9-10, 2022
Windborne’s THE MUSIC OF THE ROLLING STONES: MICK JAGGER & KEITH RICHARDS 1969
Brent Havens, guest conductor
Tony Vincent, vocalist

More information about these concerts, including times, prices and how to subscribe, is available at the Kansas City Symphony’s website, kcsymphony.org, or by calling the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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About the Kansas City Symphony

Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series, and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Complementing its full schedule of concerts, the Symphony enriches the lives of Kansas City residents by providing music education opportunities for children and adults, such as KinderKonzerts, Young People’s Concerts, an instrument petting zoo and concert comments. Highlights each season include a range of free master classes, events and concerts reaching more than 250,000 community members.

The Symphony has released nine highly praised CDs to date with Reference Recordings. The latest release features One Movement Symphonies of Samuel Barber, Jean Sibelius and Alexander Scriabin. The Symphony and Michael Stern also have recorded for the Naxos label. Kansas City’s new classical music radio station, 91.9 ClassicalKC, broadcasts Kansas City Symphony performances each week. For more information on the Symphony, please visit kcsymphony.org.

Media Contact: Jeff Barker, (816) 218-2626, jbarker@kcsymphony.org

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | April 27, 2021 — The Kansas City Symphony announced today they are welcoming in-person audiences to three concerts this May and June, 2021, inside their performance home at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

“We have been patiently awaiting the time we can again perform for an audience in Helzberg Hall,” commented Executive Director Danny Beckley. “We have been working with the University of Kansas Health System throughout the pandemic. They have advised us on how to maximize the safety of all involved in the production of our online concerts at MySymphonySeat.org, as well as on when the time would be right to welcome back in-person audiences. Working together with the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, we believe that we can safely perform for live audiences once again. There will of course be protocols in place, such as seat distancing requirements, mask mandates and extensive cleaning procedures. But it is time for our return to in-person attendance, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Music Director Michael Stern underscores what an emotional moment this is for everyone connected to the Kansas City Symphony. “We will again feel the exhilaration of being together with our audiences in Helzberg Hall,” says Stern. “At no point during this season or last did the music ever stop for us. We brought music around the community all season long, and I was grateful for all the internet connectedness that our digital world afforded us. But there is no substitute for the special communion that occurs between all of us on stage and those listening in person, surrounded by the miraculous acoustics of Helzberg Hall. The varied repertoire and balance of the concerts over these last weeks of our season was planned not only to bring back compelling programs performed live, but also, despite social distancing limits on stage, to allow virtually every Kansas City Symphony musician the opportunity to reconnect with our audience. After this long year of postponements, cancelations, distancing and absences, bringing music back to Kansas City is more urgent, necessary and meaningful than ever.”

Kristin Velicer, Acting Associate Principal Second Violin and Chair of the Kansas City Symphony Musicians’ Committee, adds, “The musicians are absolutely thrilled to welcome our audiences back to Helzberg Hall for in-person concerts! We cannot wait to bring the excitement, energy and beauty of live performances to everyone. The musicians are so grateful and so appreciative of the support the community has shown us throughout this past year. We are all looking forward to filling our beautiful hall with music once again and celebrating a joyous reunion with our wonderful audiences.”

Current 2020/21 Classical Series subscribers will be able to select tickets for the following upcoming concerts:

1) Wednesday, May 26 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 28 at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
COPLAND Fanfare for the Common Man
HAILSTORK Amazing Grace
R. STRAUSS Wind Serenade
CARLOS SIMON The Warmth from Other Suns
STRAVINSKY Suite from Pulcinella

2) Friday, June 4 at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 5 at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
W.A. MOZART Serenade for Winds in E-flat Major
DUKAS Fanfare from La Peri
TIM HIGGINS Sinfonietta
GRAINGER/HIGGINS Lincolnshire Posy

3) Thursday, June 17 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 18 at 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 19 at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 20 at 2 p.m.
Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
DEBUSSY/FRADIANI Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune
BARBER Medea
F.J. HAYDN Symphony No. 64, “Tempo mutantur”

Current Symphony Classical Series subscribers are able to select tickets based on their current number of subscribed seats and their section. For example, if your subscription includes two seats, you may select two seats for each of the upcoming concerts with in-person attendance within the seating area of your subscription. You may choose any of the available days and times for each performance regardless of whether you have a Friday, Saturday or Sunday subscription. The Kansas City, Missouri Health Department has given approval for us to seat 20% of the hall, so it is very likely your seating assignment for the May and June concerts will be different than your current subscription seats.

Please contact the Symphony to reserve tickets for the May and June concerts. You can easily choose concerts by completing the online form at kcsymphony.org/ticketing. You may also contact the Symphony Box Office by calling (816) 471-0400, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Health and safety information and protocols are available on the Symphony’s website at kcsymphony.org/covid-19-procedures.

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About the Kansas City Symphony
Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series, and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Complementing its full schedule of concerts, the Symphony enriches the lives of Kansas City residents by providing music education opportunities for children and adults, such as KinderKonzerts, Young People’s Concerts, an instrument petting zoo and concert comments. Highlights each season include a range of free master classes, events and concerts reaching more than 250,000 community members.

The Symphony has released eight highly praised CDs to date with Reference Recordings. The latest release features Jonathan Leshnoff’s Symphony No. 3 and his piano concerto performed by Joyce Yang. The Symphony and Michael Stern also have recorded for the Naxos label. Kansas City’s new classical music radio station, 91.9 ClassicalKC, broadcasts Kansas City Symphony performances each week. For more information on the Symphony, please visit kcsymphony.org.

Media Contact: Jeff Barker, (816) 218-2626, jbarker@kcsymphony.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: KC SYMPHONY NEWS

• Symphony’s Mobile Music Box stage to bring free outdoor concerts to metro neighborhoods this spring
• More concerts to stream on MySymphonySeat.org, plus a new app to make Smart TV viewing easy
• Bank of America Celebration at the Station event update

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | April 21, 2021 — The Kansas City Symphony has many new and exciting things planned for this spring, including a return to area neighborhoods with the Mobile Music Box stage and additional online concerts streamed on MySymphonySeat.org, with a new app to make Smart TV viewing easy.

Mobile Music Box Concerts

The Symphony’s Mobile Music Box stage debuted last fall, traveling to nearly every zip code in the Kansas City metro area and entertaining nearly 15,000 people with familiar classical compositions plus a wide variety of diverse modern works. Our Symphony musicians are excited to return this spring and summer with even more free chamber music concerts in our cities and suburbs. For a listing of upcoming public performances featuring the Mobile Music Box, visit the Symphony online at kcsymphony.org and sign up to receive email alerts. You can also stay up to date by following the Symphony on Facebook and Instagram. More concerts are announced weekly, always weather permitting! Upcoming concerts include:

Friday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m. > Theis Park, 47th Street & Oak Street, Kansas City, MO
Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. > PNC Petite Performance for Children: Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Avenue, Prairie Village, KS
Wednesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. > Indian Mound Park, Gladstone Blvd & Belmont Blvd, Kansas City, MO
Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. > Old Mission United Methodist Church parking lot, 5519 State Park Road, Fairway, KS

MySymphonySeat.org Concerts + New Symphony App for Smart TV Viewing

The Symphony’s new concert streaming platform, MySymphonySeat.org, is where season subscribers can watch our concerts from the comfort and safety of home. Thousands have enjoyed crisp, clear digital video and audio, featuring 12 cameras for a broad array of interesting perspectives, and the ability to watch on your Smart TV. Concerts are available to stream on-demand for at least 30 days after they premiere, can be watched multiple times, and can be viewed anywhere at any time on any device; smartphones, laptops, desktops, tablets and now Smart TVs. The KC Symphony app to enable Smart TV concert viewing is available for download through AppleTV, AndroidTV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick. You also may download to your phone or tablet from your app store of choice. Upcoming streamed concerts on MySymphonySeat.org include:

Sunday, April 25 at 5 p.m.
EDVARD GRIEG Holberg Suite, op. 40 (From Holberg’s Time)
BÉLA BARTÓK Divertimento for String Orchestra

Sunday, May 2 at 5p.m.
IGOR STRAVINSKY Octet (1952 revision)
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK Serenade in D Minor, op. 44

Sunday, May 16 at 5 p.m.
WILLIAM GRANT STILL Mother and Child
ARNOLD SCHOENBERG Verklärte Nacht

Sunday, May 23 at 5 p.m.
AARON COPLAND Three Latin-American Sketches
ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD Symphonic Serenade in B-flat Major, op. 39

MySymphonySeat.org streamed programs are made possible by generous support from the Kansas City Symphony’s Annette Bloch NextGen Venture Fund.

Bank of America Celebration at the Station Update

Unfortunately, we will not be presenting Bank of America Celebration at the Station this year on Memorial Day Weekend.

“Bank of America Celebration at the Station is an event we all love, a heartfelt celebration of our veterans and active duty military,” commented Kansas City Symphony Executive Director Danny Beckley. “The consensus of health professionals is clear that keeping people properly distanced is vitally important to containing the spread of COVID-19. Even with more and more people being vaccinated, it’s just not the time to hold an event that attracts 50,000 people. We believe next year will be a much safer time for large, public events.”

“It’s important for all of us to do our part in following health and safety guidelines,” said Matt Linski, President of Bank of America Kansas City. “We look forward to the time it will be possible to gather safely with our valued partners and community members to continue the longstanding tradition of honoring our nation’s military at Bank of America Celebration at the Station.”

Matthew Naylor, President and CEO of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, remarked, “Each year, Bank of America Celebration at the Station represents the unofficial start of summer and a chance to gather to recognize those who sacrificed their lives while serving their country. It is an iconic Kansas City event, made memorable each year by fireworks over the Memorial, but we understand and support the decision to postpone for another year. We look forward to welcoming people back to Kansas City’s front porch to enjoy Bank of America Celebration at the Station in 2022.”

George Guastello, Union Station’s President and CEO, adds, “Bank of America Celebration at the Station is iconic and one of the most anticipated summer kick-off gatherings in Kansas City. In this unprecedented time of social distancing, it’s prudent to postpone the Celebration in favor of guest safety. That said, we can’t wait for the return of this annual event, with Union Station as the backdrop and the Kansas City Symphony filling our grand outdoor spaces with patriotic music and performances. In the meantime, we’ll continue in multiple ways the tradition of saluting our nation’s military and veterans and honoring their service and sacrifice. And, of course, we’ll be proud to have Union Station, Kansas City’s Visual Voice, keep alive the spirit of what Celebration at the Station embodies. It’s our shared history, and we will return to it in person soon enough. What a grand community reunion that will be.”

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About the Kansas City Symphony
Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series, and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Complementing its full schedule of concerts, the Symphony enriches the lives of Kansas City residents by providing music education opportunities for children and adults, such as KinderKonzerts, Young People’s Concerts, an instrument petting zoo and concert comments. Highlights each season include a range of free master classes, events and concerts reaching more than 250,000 community members.

The Symphony has released eight highly praised CDs to date with Reference Recordings. The latest release features Jonathan Leshnoff’s Symphony No. 3 and his piano concerto performed by Joyce Yang. The Symphony and Michael Stern also have recorded for the Naxos label. Kansas City’s new classical music radio station, 91.9 ClassicalKC, broadcasts Kansas City Symphony performances each week. For more information on the Symphony, please visit kcsymphony.org.

Kansas City Symphony announces new headquarters at Webster School building in Crossroads Arts District, Downtown KC

Media Contact: Jeff Barker (816) 218-2626 jbarker@kcsymphony.org

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Symphony announced today that it will be creating new headquarters at the Webster School building at 1644 Wyandotte Street in downtown Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. The Symphony, which currently has administrative offices across the street at 1703 Wyandotte, expects to centralize administrative, musical and creative operations in the new headquarters this summer.

“The Webster School building will be the front door to the Kansas City Symphony, where we will provide new ways for the community to interact with us through recitals, educational programs, events and opportunities to meet our musicians,” says Danny Beckley, Kansas City Symphony executive director. “This will be a perfect complement to our mainstage performances just next door in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This historic space will help us provide context to the art of symphonic music, which will deepen engagement with our community.”

Beckley continues, “We are deeply grateful to Shirley Bush Helzberg and her family for making this incredible opportunity available to the Symphony. This facility will become a new cultural asset for the people of Kansas City, promoting the advancement of the symphonic arts. Our musicians will gain individual and small group practice space accessible 365 days a year. Having the energy of our musicians in this space is an evolution of our culture of creativity and open-armed service to the community. We are excited by the opportunities for new relationships made possible by the nature of the building.”

“The Kansas City Symphony is a leader among American orchestras, with its culture of transparency, respect and trust and its partnership with its musicians,” says Shirley Bush Helzberg, local entrepreneur, philanthropist and past Symphony board chair. “This move will enable the Symphony to continue to build on these strengths. It will also further the Symphony’s role in the community, guaranteeing sustainability and vitality for years to come. My family and I can think of no better purpose for the Webster School building. We are delighted that our Symphony will have a new home, and will be able to welcome the people of Kansas City back to a space they know and love.”

Kansas City Symphony Music Director Michael Stern also shares a passion for the project. “For me, the historic Webster School building and the Kansas City Symphony have been closely intertwined since I began my tenure with the orchestra here in 2005. Webster House was always a labor of love for Shirley Bush Helzberg, and she remains at the heart of our Symphony family. But the building itself is more than just an elegant and iconic landmark in the Crossroads. It has been the place for countless musical gatherings, celebrations and events in which the Symphony and the community could come together. That bond was only strengthened after 2011 when the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts opened right up the hill. It therefore seems so right that Webster School will be the home to our Kansas City Symphony. Aside from the possibilities that it will afford us for our day-to-day operations, it will be a home for our musicians, and it will allow us not only to present performances and other events but also to interact with all of our constituencies in new ways. I think this is wonderful for the Symphony, and wonderful for Kansas City.”

One of the lead funders of the project is The Sunderland Foundation, led by Chairman and Symphony board member Kent Sunderland. “The Sunderland Foundation has a long history of supporting brick-and-mortar projects for Kansas City-based nonprofits. The availability of the Webster School property presents a unique opportunity to once again transform this special building, this time into a hub of artistic activity for our outstanding Symphony,” says Sunderland. “We are pleased to fund the creation of a vibrant space for the Kansas City Symphony to operate, grow, dream and reimagine the role of a symphony orchestra in our beautiful city for decades to come.”

“All of us at the Kansas City Symphony are so grateful to Shirley Bush Helzberg for the opportunity to call the historic Webster School our new home,” says Pat McCown, Kansas City Symphony board chair. “Webster School’s adjacency to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the opportunity for musicians to have practice, rehearsal and performance spaces, and the increased accessibility for our patrons, guests, musicians and supporters is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The Symphony is working with Helix Design and Straub Construction to create a modern space while preserving the character of this storied building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. All work to be done is completely in harmony with that designation. The outdoor courtyard and first floor will be configured to host public gatherings that may include musician recitals, music classes and events, as well as art and historical displays. Entertaining areas, including the restaurant, kitchen and bar areas, will be preserved for hosting special Symphony events.

Alissa Wehmueller, Principal at Helix Architecture + Design, adds, “Helix worked on the original Webster House restoration almost 20 years ago. Whenever we have the opportunity to work in a historic building that has as much depth and ornate detail as Webster House, we are very intentional in how we can approach the project with a light touch and amplify those existing features. The exposed brick, wood accents and glass windows served as a great foundation for a few key interventions. The process will be a collaborative effort with our engineers, Avant Acoustics and Lankford Fendler, to carefully address the acoustics of the building. Whether it’s isolating noise between practice rooms or transforming a dining room into a recital space, we want every musician, Symphony employee and community member to appreciate the beauty of the building and truly enjoy their experience.”

Webster School opened in 1886 and served the Kansas City School District for 45 years, closing in 1932. A variety of agencies and businesses occupied Webster School until 2002, when Helzberg painstakingly restored the building and opened Webster House. Now, the landmark’s new purpose as headquarters to a major American orchestra will further solidify its iconic stature on Kansas City’s skyline.

The Symphony will name its new home in the coming months.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | December 17, 2020 — The Kansas City Symphony plans to return to the Helzberg Hall stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts beginning January 17, 2021. Classical and Pops series concerts will be performed for limited in-person audiences, and subscribers also will have the option to watch concerts on the Symphony’s new streaming platform, MySymphonySeat.org.

Symphony Executive Director Danny Beckley echoes the excitement of the organization, its musicians and the community. “We are energized and elated to resume orchestral performances in person and online. While we have been able to perform for audiences throughout the fall in chamber ensembles, the sound and repertoire of an orchestra — even a smaller orchestra — is something special that we all have missed over these last many months.” The Symphony plans to be able to accommodate in-person audiences of up to 300 per performance.

Music Director Michael Stern is excited about the Symphony’s return to the Helzberg Hall stage. “Since March, our Kansas City Symphony concert schedule has been canceled, postponed, interrupted and delayed — but the music has not stopped. Our KC Symphony musicians have blanketed digital streaming and social media for months, and our Mobile Music Box concerts brought ensembles of live music all over the KC Metro. Nevertheless, we have ached to be back in Helzberg Hall with all of you, sharing together the music we so love. And while the strict necessities of the continuing global health crisis prevent us from resuming business as usual, I am thrilled to tell you this: we are coming back.”

Stern continues. “Beginning next month, we have curated an ongoing series of programs comprising more performance offerings than even our regular subscription series. From mid-January through mid-April, we have planned at least 12 performances, with all appropriate social distancing onstage and off, for a limited capacity live audience at Helzberg Hall. All of these concerts, 10 in our Classical Series and 2 in our Pops Series, led by Jack Everly, will be captured to allow all of our audience to access them safely at home. We will offer a new online program each week, and with each of them you will have a unique opportunity to be with us on stage, and hearing and seeing our performances in a new way. The choice of music mines the richness of some of the greatest music ever written for string orchestra, from Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, through Verdi, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, through the diversity of some of the most compelling voices of our time. The spotlight will be on soloists from our KCS family, in concertos featuring winds, brass, harp, percussion, as well as organ. And as health regulations permit, our woodwinds and brass will join us onstage and online to bring you masterpieces by Copland, Dvořák, Stravinsky and more. Then, beginning in April and going ever forward, we will bring you even more — stay tuned for that.”

Most orchestral content will be available exclusively for our concert subscribers, and we invite people to become subscribers if they are not already. Some streaming content also will be available to the general public.

Attending concerts at the Kauffman Center, safely

We have engaged experts from The University of Kansas Health System to make recommendations based on pandemic conditions and provide ongoing assessments. Following this guidance for in-person concerts January through March, we are taking the following precautions:

• Helzberg Hall will be limited to approximately 20 percent capacity, to provide appropriate physical distancing of our patrons. As a result, your regular season seats may not be available for these concerts; however, we will do our best to seat you as close as possible to your subscribed section.
• Everyone entering the building will be required to wear a mask at all times during the performance and while inside the Kauffman Center. No exceptions will be made.
• Performances will be approximately one hour and presented without intermission.
• Food and beverage service, valet service, gift shops, drinking fountains and coat check will not be available.
• Further protections include temperature checks upon entry, capacity limits on elevators, and extensive cleaning before, during and after concerts of all common areas and the concert hall.

Additional measures may be taken in accordance with public safety standards.

Seating in Helzberg Hall

Due to physical distancing requirements, the seats subscribers currently have will not be available for Symphony concerts taking place in January through March 2021. The Symphony Box Office will help subscribers select seats for this timeframe. Concerts will be held on different days and times than normal.

To view specific concert programs, days and dates, please visit kcsymphony.org/ticketing.

Details on how to attend performances in-person and access them online have been mailed to current subscribers, and are posted on the Symphony’s website, kcsymphony.org. Our Symphony Box Office has been reaching out to subscribers to determine their preference of attending in person or enjoying our concerts online.

MySymphonySeat.org debuts

The Symphony is launching a special subscriber-only website, MySymphonySeat.org. This site will feature Kansas City Symphony performances in Helzberg Hall, streamed live and on demand. Additionally, the Symphony will present interviews, concert talks, special looks behind the scenes and more with Music Director Michael Stern, our musicians and guest artists. Subscribers will also be able to watch KC Symphony concerts on their Smart TVs by simply logging in to their account. MySymphonySeat.org is a benefit for subscribers to one or more Symphony concert series — Masterworks, Bravo, Ovation or Pops. Family Series programming will be announced soon.

New concert subscriptions for our 2020/21 Classical Series start at only $171 for the season. Persons wishing to purchase a new season subscription may do so by calling the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400 or visiting kcsymphony.org.

“We are doing everything possible to deliver the very best musical experiences to our 2020/21 subscribers,” Beckley says. “Your concert subscription helps sustain your Symphony during this time, and makes possible the innovative ways that we will bring music to you online and in person over the coming months. We do see the light at the end of the tunnel — this spring holds great promise with the recent vaccine news — and in the meantime we will deliver a range of orchestral and ensemble offerings to our subscribers.”

April, May and June 2021 programming will be announced in late February. The Symphony’s 2021/22 season will be announced in May.

“We bring you this music because we love it so, every note, and we know you will too,” Stern adds. “We bring you these concerts because while we must be ever vigilant and safe in order to mitigate the ongoing threat, we continue to believe that music, and our connection to one another and to all of you, will help all of us get to the other side of this challenging period. And we bring you the best of ourselves because, together, we believe in our community and the engagement and uplift that music gives to all of us. Here’s hoping you and your families remain safe throughout this holiday season, and we cannot wait to be with you in the New Year.”

About the Kansas City Symphony

Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series, and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Complementing its full schedule of concerts, the Symphony enriches the lives of Kansas City residents by providing music education opportunities for children and adults, such as KinderKonzerts, Young People’s Concerts, an instrument petting zoo and concert comments. Highlights each season include a range of free master classes, events and concerts reaching more than 250,000 community members.

The Symphony has released eight highly praised CDs to date with Reference Recordings. The latest release introduces two world-premiere recordings; Jonathan Leshnoff’s Piano Concerto, featuring pianist Joyce Yang, and his Symphony No. 3 with baritone Stephen Powell. The Symphony and Michael Stern also have recorded for the Naxos label. Kansas City’s new classical music radio station, ClassicalKC 91.9 FM, broadcasts Kansas City Symphony performances each week. For more information on the Symphony, please visit kcsymphony.org.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | September 9, 2020 — The Kansas City Symphony is pleased to announce a fall schedule of free outdoor chamber music concerts, performed by various ensembles of KC Symphony musicians.

According to the Symphony’s Executive Director Danny Beckley, “We see the present conditions as an opportunity to innovate, and in the weeks ahead you are going to see the Kansas City Symphony reaching into every corner of the Kansas City region to deliver excellent music performances. We greatly miss performing in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, however with every challenge comes an opportunity. The present conditions give us an opportunity to launch a new series of performances in neighborhoods, parks, and public gathering places to reach new audiences in a most accessible fashion.”

Live music, “Doordash-style”
The Symphony has scheduled a robust offering of outdoor chamber music performances, in parks and neighborhoods throughout the Kansas City area. “This fall, you will see us in your community, giving socially distanced concerts outdoors. Consider this like getting delivery from your favorite restaurant; but instead of pizza or barbecue to your front door, we’ll be delivering a brass quintet or string quartet to your neighborhood. We’ll also be debuting an innovative and fun way to stage these concerts in the very near future.” The Symphony will work with all of our community partners to encourage and require safety measures including social distancing and masks for those in attendance.

Details of free Symphony chamber music concerts during September are listed below. Additional performances are being added each week, so stay tuned to the Kansas City Symphony on Facebook, Instagram, and kcsymphony.org for dates, times and locations of outdoor performances in the months ahead.
The Symphony deeply appreciates our community partners for hosting these fall concert events — thank you!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 AT 6 P.M.
Symphony in the Park
Columbus Square Park, Missouri Avenue & Holmes St., Kansas City, MO

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 12:00 AND 12:45 P.M.
Ruby Jean’s Juicery
3000 Troost, Kansas City, MO

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 7 P.M.
Friday Nights @ The Y
Olathe Family YMCA, 21400 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 10 A.M.
Symphony in the Park
Frank Vaydik Park, 5940 NW Waukomis Dr., Kansas City, MO

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 AT 4 P.M.
Symphony in the Park
Indian Mound Park, Gladstone Boulevard & Belmont Boulevard, Kansas City, MO
The concert event will be held on the north side of the Mound. Please park on the east side of the Mound. The road will be blocked off to keep traffic from driving through, but the street will be available for parking. Feel free to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a cooler. There will be chalk circles to help with distancing. We ask that people keep masks on while coming and going from your seat, but you are welcome to take them off while seated. Thank you to the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association and KC Parks for hosting.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 5 P.M.
Guadalupe Centers
1015 Avienda Cesar Chavez, Kansas City, MO
Please join us for a fun and free chamber music concert outside of the main administration building for Guadalupe Centers that your entire family will enjoy.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 AT 6:30 P.M.
Symphony Sundays in Macken Park
1002 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, MO

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AT 6:30 P.M.
Symphony in the Park
Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, KS
Our KC Symphony chamber music players present a delightful free program on the Thompson Park stage, in the heart of beautiful Downtown Overland Park.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT 6 P.M.
Salvation Army Harbor Light Village
6723 State Avenue, Kansas City KS
We’re bringing the music to our friends in KCK, with a KC Symphony chamber music ensemble performing free for your family.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 6 P.M.
Symphony in the Park
Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Rd., Olathe, KS
Enjoy a beautiful evening of chamber music in the park with musicians of the Kansas City Symphony.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 AT 7:30 P.M.
The Black Box
1060 Union Avenue, Kansas City’s West Bottoms
This outdoor concert is free but reservations are required for table seating, limit of 4 seats per household. Click here to make a reservation. You may also bring lawn chairs and blankets for GA seating both inside the event gates (limited availability) and outside the gates. Please remember to social distance and wear your masks.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 AT 10 A.M.
Johnson Drive Sidewalk Sale
Along Johnson Drive in Downtown Mission, KS
Please join the Mission Business District for their bi-annual sidewalk sale on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on beautiful Johnson Drive. We kick it off at 10 a.m. with a KC Symphony performance at the Mission Market, 5727 Johnson Drive. Hosted by Mission:Forward. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 AT 6:30 P.M.
Symphony Sundays in Macken Park
1002 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, MO

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 6 P.M.
Salvation Army of Olathe
420 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS
Hello, Olathe! Please join us for a wonderful KC Symphony chamber music concert. It’s free family fun for all!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 AT 7 P.M.
Friday Nights @ The Y
North Kansas City YMCA, 1999 Iron St., North Kansas City, MO
Soak in the Symphony sounds at the North Kansas City YMCA with a free Friday Nights @ The Y chamber music performance.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 AT 10 A.M.
Symphony in the Park
Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Avenue, Prairie Village, KS
Wake up with a beautiful stroll around Meadowbrook Park and enjoy “pop-up” performances by KC Symphony ensembles at various locations along the pathway.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT 6:30 P.M.
Symphony Sundays in Macken Park
1002 Clark Ferguson Drive, North Kansas City, MO

About the Kansas City Symphony
Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series, and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Complementing its full schedule of concerts, the Symphony enriches the lives of Kansas City residents by providing music education opportunities for children and adults, such as KinderKonzerts, Young People’s Concerts, an instrument petting zoo and concert comments. Highlights each season include a range of free master classes, events and concerts reaching more than 250,000 community members.

The Symphony has released seven highly praised CDs to date with Reference Recordings. The latest release features Holst’s The Planets and The Perfect Fool. The Symphony and Michael Stern also have recorded for the Naxos label. Kansas City’s new classical music radio station, ClassicalKC 91.9 FM, broadcasts Kansas City Symphony performances each week. For more information on the Symphony, please visit kcsymphony.org.

To address building occupancy restrictions and social distancing guidelines, the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and Harriman-Jewell Series conclude it is not possible to perform and today announce postponement or cancellation of their on-stage programming at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts through December 31, 2020.

The Kansas City Symphony has unveiled its newest podcast — “Music of Our Time.”

The podcast features exclusive, live recordings of Kansas City Symphony performances in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts from the past decade. It also includes commentary and interviews with Music Director Michael Stern, guest artists, conductors and orchestra members.