Press Releases

Filled with passionate performances of exciting music with exceptional guests

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | March 4, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony has announced its Classical, Pops and Family Series concerts for the upcoming 2022/23 season, in addition to holiday concerts, special performances and film + live orchestra productions. This new season begins in September 2022 and season tickets are on sale now.

“The 2022/23 season promises to be revelatory in many ways” says Music Director Michael Stern. “We are making the case for music and the arts in our community as fervently as ever. This new season welcomes the new and explores innovative paths as we look together toward the future, and it celebrates the best of what our KC Symphony has come to mean for our city and audiences.”

CLASSICAL SERIES   From as little as $24 per concert!

Repertoire highlights include Holst’s “The Planets” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue;” Strauss’ “Alpine Symphony,” both Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and “Pines of Rome” on one concert program, and masterworks of Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Ravel, Beethoven and many others.

New music is in the spotlight, as the Symphony is pleased to present Billy Childs’ Saxophone Concerto (a KC Symphony co-commission) and Jessie Montgomery’s “Five Freedom Songs” along with contemporary pieces by Mason Bates, James Lee III, Iman Habibi and Carlos Simon.

The Symphony welcomes nine accomplished guest conductors, appearing on our Classical Series: Teddy Abrams, Francesco Lecce-Chong, Kevin John Edusei, Domingo Hindoyan, Valentina Peleggi, Matthias Pintscher, Ruth Reinhardt, Aziz Shokhakimov and Thomas Wilkins.

Classical Series guest soloists include violinists Gil Shaham, Jennifer Koh, Geneva Lewis and KC’s Maria Ioudenitch; pianists Emanuel Ax, George Li and Ray Ushikubo plus KC’s Behzod Abduraimov and Kenny Broberg; saxophonist Steven Banks, soprano Julia Bullock, and the Symphony’s percussionist Josh Jones as a featured performer.

The Kansas City Symphony Chorus shines in two spectacular concert programs. In addition, the Women of the Symphony Chorus join us for an out of this world performance of Holst’s “The Planets.

POPS SERIES   From as little as $36 per concert!

Downtown, Uptown and Motown! Your KC Symphony offers four fun, memorable concerts in our Pops Series, and the opportunity to add a fifth concert to your season package: a night with the one and only Kenny G!

Broadway’s Leading Men welcomes the Heartland Men’s Chorus back to our stage for sizzling showstoppers.
Uptown Nights takes us back to the days of The Cotton Club and The Savoy in Harlem’s heyday.
Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin relives the best songs and performances by the Queen of Soul.
The Music of Richard Rodgers honors the gigantic career and songbook of a titan composer.

Want more concerts in your Pops Series package? Kenny G makes a lively return to your KC Symphony. He will capture you and carry you away with his music, engaging performance and gigantic personality.

FAMILY SERIES   Child subscriptions only $10 with each paid adult subscription!

We have curated four fun and educational concert experiences, sure to inspire and mesmerize the young people in your life – young in age or young at heart.

Magic Circle Mimes teach about the orchestra and the art of listening with familiar classics and comedy.
Christmas Festival returns with carols and holiday songs you know and love, plus an early visit from Santa!
Philharmonia Fantastique is an animated film that flies through the orchestra with creativity and technology.
Symphony’s Wild Adventure spotlights creatures from the Kansas City Zoo using musical families and video.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS (add-on to your season subscription order now for the best available seats)

The holiday tradition continues at the KC Symphony, with beloved favorites such as Handel’s “Messiah” and Christmas Festival, a Christmas movie and a doo-woppin’ fun-filled December evening!

The Doo Wop Project Christmas rings in the season with Broadway stars, yuletide tunes and songs of Doo Wop legends – from The Del Vikings, The Belmonts, Smokey Robinson, Frankie Valli and more.
Handel’s “Messiah” is a holiday tradition, presented with the glorious KC Symphony Chorus and some of America’s leading soloists – all in one of the world’s best concert venues.
Christmas Festival is chock-full of holiday songs, sing-alongs and the Symphony Chorus with special guests.
Elf in Concert/Film + Live Orchestra has Buddy (Will Ferrell) transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised by elves, then roaming the streets of New York City. What could go wrong?

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (add-on to your season subscription order now for the best available seats)

Film + Live Orchestra concerts and some of the most creative artists of our generation are presented with your immensely-talented KC Symphony musicians, guaranteeing many nights of good times and great music.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert/Film + Live Orchestra finds Harry obsessed with a magic potions book. See the entire movie with your KC Symphony performing the soundtrack live.
The Violent Femmes bring their retro punk-rock staples to KC, from “Blister in the Sun” to “Gone Daddy Gone.”
Rufus Wainwright is a genuine original. From lush to gritty, Rufus will take you on an emotional journey.
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert/Film + Live Orchestra takes you on a beautiful, eye-opening adventure as T’Challa becomes king and battles Killmonger.
The Indigo Girls are back with captivating folk-rock favorites like “Closer to Fine” and “Galileo.”
The Princess Bride in Concert/Film + Live Orchestra features fencing, fighting, giants, monsters, true love and miracles. An all-star cast and Mark Knopfler’s score will ensure you have fun “stormin’ the castle!”

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

• Receive the lowest per concert price and access to the best available seats.
• Can’t attend a concert? Exchange your tickets for FREE into another KC Symphony performance.
• Reserve your parking in the Arts District Garage in advance.
• Secure tickets before the general public and at a discount for high-demand Symphony concerts.
• Receive the Performing Arts Card to save up to 50% on KC’s best performing arts presentations.
• Access to the vast 1 million-song Naxos Online Music Library.

HOW TO RENEW OR SUBSCRIBE NOW

Current KC Symphony subscribers have until Friday, April 1 to renew or upgrade their current seats. To renew online, simply visit kcsymphony.org and start by logging in to your account.

We are welcoming new season ticket holders, as well. If you are not a current Symphony subscriber, now is the time to join us! New orders will be prioritized by order date, which means the earlier you subscribe, the better your seats will be. You may order online now by visiting kcsymphony.org. If you already have a Symphony account, be sure to log in first before selecting your season package. It’s also a great time to add-on any holiday and special concerts when you subscribe. You’ll receive access to the best available seats before they are made available to the public, plus take $5 off each adult ticket you add-on, and save money on fees.

To view the Symphony’s flip-through season brochure, concert package options, pricing and more, visit kcsymphony.org.

For the best service, please call the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400, Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM. Our wonderful and knowledgeable staff is eager to answer your subscription questions and help guide you to seats you’ll love.

We look forward to welcoming you for another Symphony season full of cherished music, inspired performances and a live music experience like no other.

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

MEDIA ALERT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – February 22, 2022    The Kansas City Symphony announced today that face masks are no longer required inside Helzberg Hall during KC Symphony performances. However, mask wearing is still strongly encouraged.

Effective immediately, for all upcoming Kansas City Symphony concerts:

• Masks are still required when entering the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts complex, and while in the lobby and box office areas when not actively eating or drinking.
• If you desire, you may remove your mask once inside Helzberg Hall when attending a
• Kansas City Symphony performance.
• This policy applies only to Kansas City Symphony performances. For performances at the Kauffman Center by organizations other than the KC Symphony, please refer to that organization’s website or kauffmancenter.org for specific masking requirements.

The current vaccination policy is still in effect:

• Only fully vaccinated individuals will be admitted. (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or other WHO-approved vaccine).
• You must have received your final shot at least 14 days before attending a concert.
• Negative COVID tests will NOT be accepted for anyone of any age.
• You must show your actual vaccination card, or a photo of the card on your phone, along with corresponding photo I.D. upon entry. No exceptions.

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – January 13, 2022   The Kansas City Symphony, in conjunction with the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, announced today that face masks will once again be required to attend Symphony concerts in Helzberg Hall.

At this time, for all upcoming Kansas City Symphony concerts including January 14-16:

• Only fully vaccinated individuals will be admitted. (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or other WHO-approved vaccine).
• You must have received your final shot at least 14 days before attending a concert.
• Negative COVID tests will NOT be accepted for anyone of any age.
• You must show your actual vaccination card, or a photo of the card on your phone, along with corresponding photo I.D. upon entry. No exceptions.
• Temporarily, masks are required to be worn over the mouth and nose at all times inside the Kauffman Center, except while actively eating or drinking. This policy continues to be evaluated based on local health department and government guidance.

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | January 13, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony is excited to announce the appointment of Gonzalo Farias as the David T. Beals III Associate Conductor beginning with the 2022/23 season. Currently associate conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Farias was selected at the conclusion of an international search with more than 120 applicants.

“I am absolutely thrilled to work side by side with the world-class musicians and administration of the Kansas City Symphony,” said Farias. “I feel a great sense of excitement and responsibility to be part of the respect, trust and love established by Michael Stern and the KC Symphony in the community. I can’t wait to meet everyone and create lifelong memories.”

Music Director Michael Stern echoed the excitement expressed by Farias. “The associate conductor’s role is a vital one which touches every facet of our orchestra’s daily life and work. It requires wonderful musicianship, personality on the podium, leadership skills, and consummate preparation so as to be ready for any last-minute situation. Here at the Kansas City Symphony, we have been fortunate to have had some remarkable colleagues in that demanding job. Most recently, Jason Seber set the bar very high. Happily, Gonzalo Farias is a worthy successor. From the very start of his audition, his gifts and passion for music were abundantly clear. He has great experience both as a conductor and as an accomplished pianist, and I have no doubt that he is going to make a tremendous contribution to our orchestra and the musical life of our city.”

A native of Chile, Farias will move to Kansas City this summer and will play an important role in representing the Kansas City Symphony in the community. He will lead the orchestra’s educational programs — more than 40 performances, reaching more than 30,000 students annually. In addition, Farias will conduct many of the Symphony’s pops, family and Film + Live Orchestra concerts as well as other special presentations. He will make his conducting debut with the Symphony on April 9, 2022, leading the orchestra in a family program that features Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.

“I am thrilled to welcome Gonzalo Farias to the Kansas City Symphony,” said Executive Director Danny Beckley. “I was most impressed by his conducting at the audition, and I know he will be an excellent advocate for music and for the Symphony in our Kansas City community. He is an outstanding addition to our orchestra.”

Representing the Symphony’s musicians, Principal Oboe Kristina Fulton (Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair) added, “We are so excited to welcome Gonzalo Farias into the Kansas City Symphony family as our associate conductor for the upcoming seasons. In a strong pool of candidates, he stood out for his desire to share the way music can benefit us all, enriching the lives of the whole community. He demonstrated strength in his abilities but also a willingness to improve and grow. And above all, he showed us that he truly enjoys the art of music making, and that he is excited to spread this joy among our musicians and audiences alike.”

Farias has degrees in orchestral conducting from the Peabody Conservatory at John Hopkins University and the University of Illinois. In addition to his experience as a conductor, Farias holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and is an accomplished pianist.

Current associate conductor Jason Seber will conclude his six-year tenure with the Kansas City Symphony in June 2022. He will be deeply missed by the musicians, staff and community, and the Symphony wishes him the best as he explores new opportunities for his career.

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

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.

MEDIA ALERT

Negative COVID-19 tests allowed for children to attend select December performances

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | November 8, 2021 — The Kansas City Symphony will open the following
concerts to unvaccinated children under the age of 12, so long as the child is wearing a mask
while inside the Kauffman Center and Helzberg Hall, is accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult
and presents proof of a negative COVID-19 test:

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: Saturday, December 18 @ 1 p.m.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: Sunday, December 19 @ 2 p.m.
HOME ALONE – Film + Live Orchestra: Thursday, December 23 @ 7 p.m.
HOME ALONE – Film + Live Orchestra: Friday, December 24 @ 11 a.m.

The COVID-19 test must have been administered no more than 72 hours prior to the
performance. Only PCR tests will be accepted. Antigen, or rapid, test results will not be
accepted.

For all other performances not listed above, only fully vaccinated individuals will be admitted.
Persons who have already purchased tickets for these performances and would like to
exchange their tickets for another performance should contact the Kansas City Symphony Box
Office at (816) 471-0400, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

As conditions within the community change and admission policies evolve, you may visit
kcsymphony.org/coronavirus for the latest updates and information.

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.