October 9, 2023
Press Releases
KANSAS CITY, Mo. | October 9, 2023 — The Kansas City Symphony is excited to announce and welcome several guest conductors to the podium for its 2023/24 season. Newcomer Caleb Young will lead the orchestra in several programs and previous associate conductors Damon Gupton, Jason Seber and Gonzalo Farias also return to Kansas City.
Caleb Young enjoys a busy international conducting schedule and made his debut with the LA Phil at the Hollywood Bowl this past summer. His long-term work in Los Angeles with John Williams, as his assistant conductor, also takes Young to the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic orchestras. Additional work throughout Europe (Denmark, Ireland, et al) and Canada has kept Caleb Young in demand across the globe. Young was handpicked to join the inaugural class of the highly selective two-year Lead! Artists program, where he received mentorship from legendary Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste and other renowned conductors including Esa-Pekka Salonen, Hannu Lintu, and Sakari Oramo. As an alumnus of the LEAD! Foundation Academy’s conductors’ masterclass, Young was named part of “the next generation of leaders in classical music” by Finland’s Fiskars Summer Festival, and was further awarded the honor of conducting the Finnish Chamber Orchestra alongside Saraste and Salonen, a performance which received glowing reviews.
Caleb first conducted the Kansas City Symphony in education programs last spring and his connection with the orchestra was immediately recognizable. This season Caleb will conduct one of Kansas City’s favorite holiday traditions, “Christmas Festival,” as well as “Heroes and Villains” and “Around the World in 80 Days” on the KC Symphony’s family series. Caleb also will lead a special performance with Irish vocalist Cathie Ryan in March and sixteen total education concerts throughout the season.
“There is no better feeling as a conductor than having an immediate connection with an orchestra and I felt that chemistry right away last season in Kansas City,” commented Young. “I’m extremely fortunate to be making music with such a generous group of world-class musicians, in one of the finest halls in the world. I couldn’t be more excited for this upcoming venture together, on so many different programs, this season.”
Damon Gupton, the Symphony’s associate conductor during the 2006/07 season, made his Helzberg Hall debut with the orchestra at the end of September 2023 in concert with Tower of Power and the Kansas City Symphony. Damon will return to lead two performances of “A Muppet Christmas Carol” in December.
Jason Seber joins the Orchestra for “Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner” in April. Seber also conducts four film + live orchestra performances of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” the annual Cabaret Concert and at the signature event of Symphony in the Flint Hills.
Gonzalo Farias, recently appointed assistant conductor of the Houston Symphony, returns to Kansas City this October for “Bond and Beyond” and in February for film + live orchestra performances of “The Goonies” and “Legend of the Northern Lights.”
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626 or jbarker@kcsymphony.org
May 9, 2023
Matthias Pintscher Is Named Fifth Music Director of Kansas City Symphony, Starting 2024–25
KANSAS CITY, Mo. | May 9, 2023 — The Kansas City Symphony (KCS) is thrilled to announce the appointment of German-born conductor-composer Matthias Pintscher – “one of Europe’s leading lights” (Washington Post) – as its fifth Music Director. Now completing his tenth and final season as Music Director of Ensemble Intercontemporain, the world’s foremost contemporary music ensemble, Pintscher will succeed present incumbent Michael Stern in fall 2024, for an initial term of five seasons.
The appointment concludes an exhaustive two-year search that saw the orchestra consider a multitude of guest conductors for the post. Among them were several strong contenders. However, once Pintscher made his KCS debut this past March, there was no debate. He was offered the post just days after his first appearance with the orchestra, because of the powerful, galvanic connection that sparked between them. In works by Ravel, Scriabin and Ligeti, this special rapport communicated to audiences and critics alike. The program prompted standing ovations and a five-star review from Bachtrack, which praised the conductor’s “keen musical intelligence, palpable verve and energy, as well as an impeccable command of timing.” In Ravel, the reviewer continued:
“Pintscher was excellent at creating the dreamlike sonic landscape, teasing out the lyricism, and at relishing the big-sounding discomforts, and I got the sense, especially during the epic ending, that he was enjoying every moment.”
Danny Beckley, President & CEO of the Kansas City Symphony, describes the collaboration as a “dream synergy.” He explains:
“The Kansas City Symphony first saw Matthias Pintscher on the podium on a Wednesday. The following Monday, I called to ask him to be our next Music Director! That’s how electric their rapport was from the first. We are committed to making orchestral music more appealing to a far wider audience, and I think Matthias can really help make that happen. The audiences attracted to his concerts were already the most diverse I’ve seen, with respect to age, race and degree of familiarity with classical music. Rooted in the sonic wonderland of Boulez, Matthias’s ear has been refined through his many compositions and his conducting of the world’s foremost orchestras. Just imagine applying his rich concept of sound to the core orchestral repertoire: the works of Beethoven, Bach, Debussy and Mahler! This is the kind of magic I envision with his appointment, and the way I see Matthias Pintscher and the Kansas City Symphony coming together to shape the future of our art.”
Pintscher shares this deep-seated excitement about his new role. He says:
“Many friends told me beforehand how much I would enjoy meeting and working with the Kansas City Symphony. But in March, when I first met the orchestra, we had much more than just a good time! There was an immediate connection between us. I felt a sense of homecoming when I recognized some of the musicians as alums of the New World Symphony, which I regularly conduct. And it wasn’t just that. Right from the start, the Kansas City Symphony and I shared an extraordinary level of trust and joy in music-making. Their playing was inspired, which I found immensely inspiring in turn. I felt truly welcome: welcome as the musician I am. I felt as though we had already known each other for a long time and were just picking up musically from where we had left off.
“The Kansas City Symphony is a world-class orchestra. It is dynamic, openminded and curious, and has already been brought into top shape by current music director Michael Stern. What’s more, it now plays in a state-of-the-art concert hall, one of the finest in the country, with phenomenal acoustics. Our week together culminated in three terrific performances, filled with color, passion and mutual appreciation. This appreciation was shared by our enthusiastic audiences, which gave us an exceptionally warm response.
“During my week there, I could feel the energy of the entire city and its diverse communities, and immediately connected with the locals. Some of them had never been to the symphony before, but came out to see us perform. How great is that?
“I am excited about embarking on this journey of adventures with the Kansas City Symphony, and can’t wait to start exploring different repertoires together and working to create a compelling story and vision for our vibrant community. Our hall is a place where people can meet and listen to each other’s powerful musical and human stories. I feel so honored to become part of that dynamic, as Music Director from the beginning of the 2024–25 season. Avanti!”
The musicians were unanimous in their support for Pintscher’s appointment. Kristin Velicer, Chair of the KCS Musicians’ Committee, comments:
“The musicians of the Kansas City Symphony warmly welcome Matthias Pintscher as our new Music Director. The instant chemistry and respect between Maestro Pintscher and the musicians were palpable from the first rehearsal. He set an incredibly high bar with a challenging program, and the musicians went above and beyond to deliver exhilarating performances. Additionally, the personal connections he made with us both on and off stage were inspiring and genuine. When the audience applause died down after our last concert together, we all began to stomp our feet to insist that he return to the stage, so we could applaud him ourselves and thank him for a truly spectacular week. We all came away knowing that he was the one.”
Patrick McCown, Chair of KCS’s Board of Directors, comments:
“As Kansas City continues to grow as a cultural destination, it is hard to imagine a more perfect time for Matthias Pintscher to assume the position of Music Director of the Kansas City Symphony. As a world-class conductor, teacher, musician and composer, Matthias brings a truly unique combination of gifts, skills and experience to the role. From his first appearance with the orchestra, he has made a powerful connection with the musicians that can only be described as magical. Together, their artistry and his innovative approach to classical orchestral music will build on Maestro Michael Stern’s years of invaluable foundational work, taking KCS to new heights of excellence in performance, enhancing its reputation, and winning recognition among the nation’s top orchestras.”
As Music Director, Pintscher will lead the KCS for ten weeks each season. Working in close partnership with Beckley, he will strive to shape each program as a unique experience and find new ways of presenting music to the community. Among the projects he is currently considering are small-format concerts in non-traditional venues; programs that contextualize music with storytelling; museum-based collaborations with Kansas City’s thriving visual arts’ community; period-instrument performances of core repertoire; and a semi-staged production of Bach’s St Matthew Passion. As local audience trust and support continues to grow, he hopes to explore further new directions in programming.
Pintscher’s appointment has the strong support of current Music Director Michael Stern, who says:
“I am overjoyed that Matthias is to be the next Music Director of the Kansas City Symphony. Looking beyond the end of my tenure, with all that we have worked so hard to build, I hoped only for the best possible transition to an exciting new chapter, led by an artist who would cherish our musicians and music-loving public. My hope was fulfilled. Matthias is not just the right person at the right time. He is the perfect choice, and more. His enormous accomplishments as both a composer and conductor speak volumes. Furthermore, he is a sterling colleague and a generous and brilliant artist who is completely committed to KCS’s mission. With his spirit and talent, it promises to be a great ride! I welcome his coming to Kansas City with all my heart.”
When Pintscher inaugurates his tenure in fall 2024, Stern will assume the honorary title of Music Director Laureate for the next ten seasons. Further details will be announced shortly.
About Matthias Pintscher
Matthias Pintscher is “a sculptural conductor who continually conjures up images for one’s ears” (Der Tagesspiegel, Germany). Now nearing the end of his tenure as Music Director of Ensemble Intercontemporain, winner of the 2022 Polar Music Prize, he recently led the ensemble on their final European and U.S. tours together, which featured appearances at both Carnegie and Disney Halls. Also in his second season as Creative Partner of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Pintscher’s previous titled positions include Principal Conductor of the Lucerne Festival Academy Orchestra, Music Director of California’s Ojai Music Festival, Season Creative Chair of Zurich’s Tonhalle Orchestra, Artist-in-Residence of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and nine seasons as Artist-in-Association of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. In addition, he enjoys especially close relationships with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, besides appearing almost annually with Florida’s New World Symphony. He made his Philadelphia Orchestra debut this spring, bookended by engagements in the German capital, where he led the Berlin Philharmonic at this year’s Biennale and looks forward to conducting The Flying Dutchman at the Berlin State Opera. Previous operatic engagements include productions at the Vienna State Opera and Théatre du Châtelet in Paris.
Alongside his conducting career, Pintscher is one of today’s preeminent composers. His music is championed by some of the finest performing artists, conductors and orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and Orchestre de Paris. His works are published exclusively by Bärenreiter, and he has served on the composition faculty of New York’s Juilliard School since 2014. Born in Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Pintscher studied conducting with Pierre Boulez and Peter Eötvös.
About the Kansas City Symphony
Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has rocketed to become one of the top 25 orchestras in the United States. The orchestra makes its home in Helzberg Hall at Kansas City’s Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. With 1,600 seats and acoustic design by living legend Yasuhisa Toyota, this is widely recognized as one of the world’s great concert halls. In addition, the orchestra regularly presents traveling chamber performances on the Mobile Music Box. Conceived at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, this self-contained portable stage has been in regular operation since September 2020.
The Kansas City Symphony aims to increase the desirability of classical music throughout the community by taking an experiential approach to concerts. Launching in fall 2023, the orchestra’s Audience Development Initiative will integrate music performances with story-driven narrative, to draw clear connections between music and the human experience. Besides giving hundreds of orchestral and chamber music performances each season, the Kansas City Symphony serves as the pit orchestra for both the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. The 160-member Kansas City Symphony Chorus provides the choral voice of the Kansas City Symphony, expanding the orchestra’s artistic scope.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626 or jbarker@kcsymphony.org
Click here for high-resolution photos.
April 25, 2023
Bank of America Celebration at the Station returns Sunday, May 28
KC Symphony announces Bank of America Celebration at the Station returning to Union Station and NWW1 Museum on Sunday, May 28
KANSAS CITY, Mo. | April 25, 2023 — Kansas City’s favorite Memorial Day tradition! Join the Kansas City Symphony for Bank of America Celebration at the Station. The Symphony’s free concert event takes place Sunday, May 28, 2023 on the South Plaza of Union Station Kansas City and the North Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial – both near Pershing Road and Main Street, just south of Downtown Kansas City, Mo.
The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and include food trucks, live pre-concert entertainment on the main stage with Drive On and the Back Alley Brass Band, plus various vendors and booths in the Veterans Place, sponsored by the Kansas City National Security Campus, managed by Honeywell FM&T. Visit kcsymphony.org for details.
At 8 p.m., Music Director Michael Stern leads the Kansas City Symphony in a concert featuring special guests The Resilient performing works by Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen and more. The Resilient is a rock band primarily composed of severely wounded U.S. combat veterans and they proudly return to Kansas City after first performing with the Symphony in 2013. The Kansas City Symphony also performs iconic patriotic works by John Williams, Aaron Copland and John Phillip Sousa, plus crowd favorites Armed Forces Salute and the 1812 Overture with live firing cannons. The grand finale features a stunning fireworks display accompanied by your Kansas City Symphony. It’s the perfect kick-off to your summer!
Can’t make it to the event? Watch live on Kansas City PBS, Channel 19.1.
For complete event details including parking information, please visit kcsymphony.org/celebration.
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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.
March 28, 2023
Upcoming 2023/24 Season is Michael Stern’s Final Season as Music Director
“Making music matter in Kansas City has been a joyous mission for 20 years”
KANSAS CITY, Mo. | March 28, 2023 — Experience Michael Stern’s unforgettable final season as music director of your Kansas City Symphony. Michael has pulled out all the stops, planning a season filled with powerhouse pieces and exciting new works. He’ll be joined by superstars of orchestral music like Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Kansas City’s own Joyce DiDonato, Yefim Bronfman, Kelley O’Connor, Pamela Frank, Philippe Quint and more. You’ll also hear KC Symphony co-commissions and world premieres by Chen Yi, Errollyn Wallen, Joel Thompson and Angel Lam, to name just a few.
In January, the Symphony announced its 2023/24 classical series and has been busy renewing existing season ticket holders, and is now selling season ticket packages to new buyers.
In addition to a special performance with Yo-Yo Ma, next season Michael will be conducting eight Classical Series performances that will include monumental works by Johannes Brahms, Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Ludwig van Beethoven and more.
During Michael’s impressive 19-year run as music director he has grown the Symphony to become one of the top 25 orchestras in the country. It’s also become a champion of American composers, showcasing commissions, co-commissions and premieres of new works each season.
Reflecting on his time leading the KC Symphony, Michael says, “Making music matter in Kansas City has been a joyous mission for 20 years, and becoming part of the Kansas City Symphony family has been my honor. Making this season happen has been both bittersweet and a joyous labor of love. I intend to make every moment of it count, and I look forward to sharing it all with you, with all my gratitude.”
Danny Beckley, President and CEO of the Kansas City Symphony, adds, “The orchestra has flourished with Michael Stern as music director. At the beginning of Michael’s tenure, this was a good regional orchestra. Now, near the end of his tenure, we rank among America’s finest major ensembles. This is a testament to the power of his artistic vision and the alignment of forces in support of it. Now, Michael Stern has positioned this orchestra to leap forward in service to Kansas City.”
“For almost two decades, I have begun each new season announcing the programs, eagerly looking forward to the music ahead. This year is no different. And yet — it is,” says Stern. “I have always tried to look ahead, not back, and my highest priority has been to guide the Kansas City Symphony toward greater artistic heights. Yet as I launch into this last year of my tenure as music director, I find myself thinking back on our journey together since my first concert as a guest conductor in 2003. Auditions, meetings, rehearsals, concerts, recordings — there have been so many projects, and so much wonderful music.”
Stern continues, “In the end, what remains most important are not the events, but the deep connections with so many of you throughout our community, the friendships with our dedicated administrative staff and Board of Directors, and above all, the energized partnership with the extraordinary musicians of the KC Symphony. Their professionalism, integrity and profound musicianship have been unwavering. My heart is full of admiration and affection for them and for the sheer exuberance and excellence of their artistry.”
Michael Stern is particularly proud of the extensive catalogue of Gustav Mahler works performed by the Symphony throughout his tenure. “I could think of no better choices than Mahler’s ‘Songs of a Wayfarer’ and his monumental ‘Resurrection’ Symphony to highlight this last season. And above all, I wanted to put the spotlight on our musicians, highlighting their individual and collective virtuosity in masterpieces by Brahms, Bartók, Richard and Johann Strauss, Ginastera, Lutosławski, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Sibelius and so many more.”
Join us next season in celebrating the singular talent that is Maestro Michael Stern. Season tickets for Michael’s final season with the KC Symphony are selling fast, so don’t wait… get yours today!
To view our entire 2023/24 Classical Series of concerts, along with Pops and Family Series concerts plus holiday and special presentations, please visit kcsymphony.org/season.
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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.
October 19, 2022
Discover a Cornucopia of Fall Concerts at your Kansas City Symphony + Kenny G concerts rescheduled to March 13, 14, 15
KANSAS CITY, Mo. | October 19, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony presents many delightful and powerful concert programs this fall in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. More details and tickets for all listed concerts are available now – online at kcsymphony.org or by calling (816) 471-0400.
Thursday, October 20: Free Happy Hour concert
Sponsored by Lead Bank
October 28-30: Symphonie Fantastique, Mendelssohn and Brahms with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus
Domingo Hindoyan, guest conductor
MENDELSSOHN Overture to Ruy Blas
BRAHMS Nänie
BRAHMS Schicksalslied
BERLIOZ Symphonie fantastique
Sunday, November 6: Family Concert: Magic Circle Mimes – The Listener
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Saturday, November 12: Rufus Wainwright with the Kansas City Symphony
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Wednesday, November 16: Free Happy Hour concert
Sponsored by Lead Bank
Kenny G with the Kansas City Symphony has been rescheduled to March 13, 14 and 15 – each at 7 p.m.
Current ticket holders should keep their tickets and parking vouchers at this time.
November 25-27 (Thanksgiving Weekend): Dvořák Symphony No. 8, with Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto
Aziz Shokhakimov, guest conductor
Behzod Abduraimov, piano
SMETANA Overture to The Bartered Bride
PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 2
DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 8
August 4, 2022
Kansas City Symphony Announces the Sixth Installment of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series with Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince™ In Concert
Audiences will experience the next chapter of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series with the Kansas City Symphony performing Nicholas Hooper’s entire score live to picture
Tickets available now at kcsymphony.org
August 4, 2022 – The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert, the sixth film in the Harry Potter series. On September 7-9 and 11, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor Gonzalo Farias leads the Kansas City Symphony in performing Nicholas Hooper’s incredible score live from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.
In 2016, CineConcerts and Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, a global concert tour celebrating the Harry Potter films. Since the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert in 2016, more than 3 million fans have enjoyed this magical experience from The Wizarding World, which is scheduled to include over 1,434 performances across more than 48 countries worldwide through 2022.
As Lord Voldemort tightens his grip on both the Muggle and Wizarding Worldsä, Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing Harry for the battle fast approaching. Even as the showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
Nominated for the 2010 Grammy(R) Award, Nicholas Hooper returns to the Harry Potter series with this magical score that debuted at number twenty-nine on the Billboard 200 chart, thus making it the highest-charting soundtrack among all the six movie soundtracks released. Considered “emotionally churning” by Variety, Hooper’s score features soaring and unique motifs that could only represent the grandeur and scope of The Wizarding World.
Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and Producer/Conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series explains, “The Harry Potter film series is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. It is with great pleasure that we bring fans for the first time ever an opportunity to experience the award-winning music scores played live by a symphony orchestra, all while the beloved film is simultaneously projected onto the big screen. This is truly an unforgettable event.”
Brady Beaubien of CineConcerts and Concert Producer for the Harry Potter Film Concert Series added, “Harry Potter is synonymous with excitement around the world and we hope that by performing this incredible music with the full movie, audiences will enjoy returning to The Wizarding World.”
Tickets are available now via kcsymphony.org or by calling the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400 for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert.
For more information on the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, please visit www.harrypotterinconcert.com.
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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.
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.
About CineConcerts – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
CineConcerts is one of the leading producers of live and digital music experiences performed with visual media, and continues to redefine entertainment. Founded by Producer/Conductor Justin Freer and Producer/Writer Brady Beaubien, CineConcerts will engage over 4.8 million people worldwide in concert presentations in over 1,749 performances in 48 countries through 2022, and recently launched CineConcerts +PLUS – a global digital network and app suite with hundreds of exclusive podcast episodes and produced content. CineConcerts continues to work with some of the most prestigious orchestras and venues in the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and more. Recent and current live and digital concert experiences include Elf in Concert, The Pinball Concert (Digital), The Polar Express in Concert, Rudy in Concert, The Passion of the Christ in Concert, The Da Vinci Code in Concert, The Harry Potter Film Concert Series, Gladiator Live, The Godfather Live, It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert, DreamWorks Animation In Concert, Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage 50th Anniversary Concert Tour, Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Concert, and A Christmas Dream Live.
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, extends the Studio’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera. The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes groundbreaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Media Contacts:
Kansas City Symphony
Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org
CineConcerts:
Andrew P. Alderete
andrew@cineconcerts.com
Warner Bros Consumer Products:
Lindsay Kiesel
lindsay.kiesel@warnerbros.com
July 21, 2022
Tickets for All Announced 2022/23 Kansas City Symphony Concerts are Available Now
KANSAS CITY, Mo. | July 21, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony is excited to announce that tickets for all announced concerts presented during our 2022/23 season are available for purchase now. This includes Classical, Pops and Family Series concerts, plus Film + Live Orchestra events and all Holiday and Special Presentations – including our recently announced Judy Garland 100th birthday tribute starring pianist Michael Feinstein (May 13, 2023). All concerts are performed at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Downtown Kansas City, MO.
Tickets may be purchased online now by visiting kcsymphony.org, or by calling the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400 (Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Season subscription ticket packages are also available and include substantial discounts, free and easy exchanges, pre-sale and early renewal opportunities and many additional perks and benefits.
CLASSICAL SERIES
COPLAND’S THIRD SYMPHONY, WITH SAINT- SAËNS’ THIRD VIOLIN CONCERTO:
Friday and Saturday, September 16-17, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Gil Shaham, violin
JAMES LEE III Amer’ican
CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS Violin Concerto No. 3
AARON COPLAND Symphony No. 3
STRAUSS’ ALPINE SYMPHONY
Friday and Saturday, October 7-8, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Josh Jones, percussion
IMAN HABIBI Jeder Baum Spricht (Every Tree Speaks)
ADAM SCHOENBERG Losing Earth, Percussion Concerto
RICHARD STRAUSS An Alpine Symphony
SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE, BRAHMS AND MENDELSSOHN with your KC Symphony Chorus
Friday and Saturday, October 28-29, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Domingo Hindoyan, guest conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
FELIX MENDELSSOHN Overture to Ruy Blas
JOHANNES BRAHMS Nänie
JOHANNES BRAHMS Schicksalslied
HECTOR BERLIOZ Symphonie fantastique
DVOŘÁK’S SYMPHONY NO. 8, WITH PROKOFIEV’S SECOND PIANO CONCERTO
Friday and Saturday, November 25-26, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Aziz Shokhakimov, guest conductor
Behzod Abduraimov, piano
BEDŘICH SMETANA Overture to The Bartered Bride
SERGEI PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 2
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 8
THE FOUNTAINS AND PINES OF ROME, PLUS MOZART’S THIRD VIOLIN CONCERTO
Friday and Saturday, January 13-14, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Francesco Lecce-Chong, guest conductor
Geneva Lewis, violin
MASON BATES Garages of the Valley
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Violin Concerto No. 3
OTTORINO RESPIGHI Fountains of Rome
OTTORINO RESPIGHI Pines of Rome
WAGNER’S “FLYING DUTCHMAN” AND THE BARBER VIOLIN CONCERTO
Friday and Saturday, January 20-21, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Kevin John Edusei, guest conductor
Maria Ioudenitch, violin
RICHARD WAGNER Overture to Der fliegende Holländer
SAMUEL BARBER Violin Concerto
ALEXANDER ZEMLINSKY The Mermaid
RUTH REINHARDT CONDUCTS SIBELIUS
Friday and Saturday, February 10-11, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Ruth Reinhardt, guest conductor
Steven Banks, saxophone
GRAŻYNA BACEWICZ Overture
BILLY CHILDS Saxophone Concerto (Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
JEAN SIBELIUS Symphony No. 5
RAVEL’S “RAPSODIE” AND THE POEM OF ECSTASY
Friday and Saturday, March 3-4, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Matthias Pintscher, guest conductor
George Li, piano
GYORGY LIGETI San Francisco Polyphony
MAURICE RAVEL Piano Concerto in G Major
MAURICE RAVEL Rapsodie espagnole
ALEXANDER SCRIABIN Poème d’extase (Poem of Ecstasy)
HOLST’S “THE PLANETS” featuring the Women of the KC Symphony Chorus
Friday and Saturday, March 24-25, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Teddy Abrams, guest conductor
Jennifer Koh, violin
Women of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
CAROLINE SHAW The Observatory
MISSY MAZZOLI Violin Concerto
GUSTAV HOLST The Planets
GERSHWIN’S “RHAPSODY IN BLUE” AND NIELSEN’S “INEXTINGUISHABLE”
Friday and Saturday, March 31-April 1, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Thomas Wilkins, guest conductor
Ray Ushikubo, piano (Underwritten by the Almy Legacy Fund)
SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR Suite from Hiawatha
GEORGE GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue
CARL NIELSEN Symphony No. 4, “Inextinguishable”
HOLST, HAYDN AND HINDEMITH with your KC Symphony Chorus
Friday and Saturday, April 21-22, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano
Scott Hendricks, baritone
GUSTAV HOLST Walt Whitman Overture
FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 96, “The Miracle”
PAUL HINDEMITH When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d
STERN CONDUCTS MAHLER AND MONTGOMERY
Friday and Saturday, June 2-3, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Julia Bullock, soprano
FREDERICK DELIUS The Walk to the Paradise Garden
JESSIE MONTGOMERY Five Freedom Songs (Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
GUSTAV MAHLER Symphony No. 4
THE RITE OF SPRING, AX PLAYS BEETHOVEN
Friday and Saturday, June 16-17, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Emanuel Ax, piano
CARLOS SIMON AMEN!
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 3
IGOR STRAVINSKY Le sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring)
BROBERG PLAYS RACHMANINOFF, WITH PUCCINI AND TCHAIKOVSKY
Friday and Saturday, June 23-24, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Valentina Peleggi, guest conductor
Kenny Broberg, piano
GIACOMO PUCCINI Preludio sinfonico
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto No. 2
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 4
POPS SERIES
BROADWAY’S LEADING MEN – Presented by Theater League
Friday & Saturday, September 23-24, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Jack Everly, guest conductor
Heartland Men’s Chorus, Shawn Cullen, artistic director/conductor
Ben Crawford, Jim Hogan, Jacob Dickey and Shereen Pimentel, guest vocalists
UPTOWN NIGHTS
Friday & Saturday, January 6-7, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Byron Stripling, guest conductor
Carmen Bradford, vocalist
Leo Manzari, tap dancer
RESPECT: A TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN – Presented by Helzberg Diamonds
Friday & Saturday, February 3-4, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
THE MUSIC OF RICHARD RODGERS
Friday & Saturday, April 14-15, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Jack Everly, guest conductor
Ashley Brown, vocalist
FAMILY SERIES
MAGIC CIRCLE MIMES: THE LISTENER
Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
PHILHARMONIA FANTASTIQUE: THE MAKING OF THE ORCHESTRA
Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
SYMPHONY’S WILD ADVENTURE – in partnership with the Kansas City Zoo
Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
HOLIDAY CONCERTS
THE DOO WOP PROJECT CHRISTMAS – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Friday, December 2, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor
HANDEL’S MESSIAH – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Friday & Saturday, December 9-10, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Christopher Allen, guest conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Thursday & Friday, December 15-16, 2022 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and
Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
ELF™ IN CONCERT – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, December 21-23, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 24, 2022 at 11 a.m.
FILM + LIVE ORCHESTRA CONCERTS
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE™ IN CONCERT
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, September 7-9, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 2 p.m.
ELF™ IN CONCERT – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, December 21-23, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 24, 2022 at 11 a.m.
MARVEL STUDIOS’ BLACK PANTHER™ IN CONCERT
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, January 25-28, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Jason Seber, guest conductor
THE PRINCESS BRIDE™ IN CONCERT
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 18-20, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
VIOLENT FEMMES WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY: OH WHAT A WORLD OF RUFUS
Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor
KENNY G WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Friday & Saturday, November 18-19, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
INDIGO GIRLS WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor
GET HAPPY: A JUDY GARLAND CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor
Michael Feinstein, piano
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org
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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.
May 19, 2022
KC Symphony announces Jun Iwasaki as its new Concertmaster beginning with 2022/23 Season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 19, 2022
The Kansas City Symphony has chosen its next concertmaster. Violinist Jun Iwasaki will join the orchestra in September 2022. Currently the concertmaster of the Nashville Symphony, Iwasaki was selected from a group of highly qualified candidates at the conclusion of a careful search.
“I am both honored and excited to be named the next concertmaster of the Kansas City Symphony,” said Iwasaki. “I truly look forward to getting to know both the Kansas City Symphony organization and the city itself as I take on my new role.”
A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music’s prestigious Concertmaster Academy, Iwasaki has been hailed for his combination of dazzling technique and lyrical musicianship. In a review of Iwasaki’s performance at the Mimir Chamber Music Festival, the Fort Worth Star Telegram called him “the magician of the evening. He could reach into his violin and pull out bouquets of sound, then reach behind your ear and touch your soul.”
Music Director Michael Stern is thrilled that Iwasaki is joining the Kansas City Symphony as the new concertmaster. “This journey was an involved one for two reasons. The first was the terrible interruption imposed on us by the pandemic — what we hoped would be an expedited timeline was unavoidably delayed by two years. More significantly, we had the privilege of working with an impressive number of uniquely gifted violinists. We were lucky to have such an array of artistry to consider, and we went through the process with great deliberation and care. I believe we have found a superb concertmaster in Jun, and I am convinced that he is going to be a huge contributor to the Kansas City Symphony’s ongoing success. He is a marvelous violinist, a compelling and natural musician with proven experience, and a generous colleague. Above all, he will bring great leadership not only in his role on stage, but as a force for music and the arts, and for our Symphony, throughout the community. I am so happy he will be with us to conclude our season this year for our performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, even though he will formally assume his duties at the start of next season. I welcome him, his wife Paige and their two children Taiga and Kenta to our Kansas City family, and I look forward to the inspired musical road ahead.”
“I am most delighted to welcome Jun to the orchestra,” said Executive Director Danny Beckley. “His extensive leadership experience will be invaluable as we innovate and advance in artistic service to Kansas City. I am convinced that Jun is the right person to help lead our ambitions and to help our efforts to expand community engagement robustly with symphonic music.”
Iwasaki was appointed concertmaster of the Nashville Symphony by Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero at the beginning of the 2011/12 season. Maestro Guerrero extends his best wishes to Iwasaki. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Jun. He has been a valued partner in bringing the Nashville Symphony to ever higher artistic ground and has made a great contribution to the Symphony and to the Nashville community both artistically and professionally. I wish Jun and his family great success in Kansas City.”
Prior to joining the Nashville Symphony, Iwasaki served as concertmaster of the Oregon Symphony from 2007 to 2011. Throughout his career, he has appeared with numerous orchestras throughout Europe and the U.S., including the Blossom Festival Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, the Atlanta and Pittsburgh symphony orchestras, Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon Portugal, and the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra. In addition, he has served as concertmaster of the Asian Artists and Concerts Orchestra (AAC), guest concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony in 2010, and guest concertmaster of the National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa in 2006.
Jun has won numerous First and Grand Prize performance awards, including First Prize in 2005’s Japanese American Association Competition and the Coleman Chamber Music Competition.
Kansas City Symphony patrons will have a chance to hear Jun Iwasaki when he joins the orchestra in the final subscription concerts of the season in programs featuring Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. He will be formally welcomed as the new concertmaster of the Kansas City Symphony when he joins the orchestra at the “Royal Gala: Let’s Have a Ball” (the annual Symphony Ball) on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org
April 5, 2022
Kansas City Symphony announces the return of Bank of America Celebration at the Station
With seating and fireworks on the grounds of Union Station Kansas City and the National WWI Museum and Memorial
KANSAS CITY, Mo. | April 5, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony is excited to announce the return of Bank of America Celebration at the Station. The Symphony’s free concert event takes place Sunday, May 29, 2022 on the grounds of Union Station Kansas City and the National World War I Museum and Memorial – both near Pershing Road and Main Street, just south of Downtown Kansas City, Mo. The event returns after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event site will open at 5 p.m. and includes food trucks, live pre-concert entertainment on the main stage, plus various vendors and booths in the Honeywell Veterans Place. A patriotic concert presented by the Kansas City Symphony and conducted by Music Director Michael Stern begins at 8 p.m. followed by Kansas City’s largest fireworks display, sponsored by Humana.
Highlights of the 2022 Bank of America Celebration at the Station concert event include:
- A theme of unity that reflects one of America’s defining characteristics – the ability to come together during and after times of struggle and to collectively honor those who have served.
- This year’s performance will feature Kansas City’s own Oleta Adams, singing some of her best-known hits and patriotic favorites.
- The Kansas City Symphony is privileged to again partner with Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial, who each will have their own Memorial Day Weekend activities and special exhibitions within their venues.
The Symphony’s Executive Director Danny Beckley talks about the significant return of Bank of America Celebration at the Station. “We are overjoyed to bring Kansas City’s favorite event back for 2022. After what we have all endured over these years, it will be incredibly meaningful to gather together to celebrate our country and honor those who have given their all for it.”
Parking for the event is available in multiple surface lots and garages around the event site, including Union Station’s West Yards garage. Attendees may also park anywhere along Downtown KC’s streetcar route and ride the streetcar directly to Union Station.
We thank Kansas City PBS for once again broadcasting the concert live on KCPT Channel 19.1, and re-broadcasting the concert many times afterward.
For the latest event information, be sure to visit CelebrationAtTheStation.org.
March 30, 2022
As of April 4, Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination and Mask Wearing will no longer be Required for Admission to Kansas City Symphony concerts at the Kauffman Center
MEDIA ALERT
KANSAS CITY, Mo. | March 30, 2022 — EFFECTIVE MONDAY, APRIL 4, public performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will no longer require proof of vaccination for admission to performances. This includes Kansas City Symphony concerts.
In addition, unless the performing artist requires masks to be worn by the audience, masks will no longer be required while in the building, though patrons are encouraged to continue to wear them. Please visit kauffmancenter.org/event-updates to confirm requirements for your performance or email questions to contact@kauffmancenter.org.
For KC Symphony concerts scheduled prior to April 4, proof of vaccination and masking while in Kauffman Center public spaces is still required. The wearing of masks while inside Helzberg Hall for KC Symphony concerts is now optional.
There are no announced vaccination or masking requirements for the upcoming 2022/23 Symphony season.
The Symphony, Kauffman Center and others will continue to monitor the COVID health situation in our area and take appropriate precautions as necessary.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626