Tue, May 15, 2012
Most of Kansas City’s classical music groups have wound down their seasons at this point, but we still have a Kansas City Symphony performance coming up, as Baroque specialist Bernard Labadie visits town to conduct the local forces in the works of Johann Christian Bach, Mendelssohn, Haydn and others. The new vocal group Kantorei of Kansas City wraps up its inaugural season with an interesting-sounding concert of works of sacred music from Latin America. The Lyric Arts Trio also has a couple of performances, including one at the Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee with music of the Americas. In addition, the Tivoli Theatre in Westport brings us a ballet and an opera from overseas in a large-screen simulcast format, which is the next best thing to being there. And it saves you an expensive airline ticket to Europe.
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Wed, May 09, 2012
As we move into mid-May, many performance arts groups have wound down their seasons, but a few excellent performances remain. Principal among them is the Kansas City Ballet’s final production of the year, Masters of American Dance, which will perform over two weekends and feature the choreography of four masters including the late Todd Bolender. Several of our fine community based vocal and instrumental groups are giving their final performances of the season. The Kansas City Chorale makes its anticipated Helzberg Hall debut, and the William Baker Festival Singers also performs its final concert of the season in Kansas City.
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Tue, May 01, 2012
As we head into May, many performance arts groups have wound down their seasons, but a few excellent performances remain. Principal among them is the Kansas City Ballet’s final production of the year, Masters of American Dance, which will perform over two weekends and feature the choreography of four masters including the late Todd Bolender. Opera fans will be able to enjoy crossover artist Alfie Boe in concert at the Helzberg, along with an opera gala concert by the vocal and instrumental forces of the University of Kansas School of Music, in both Lawrence and Kansas City. In addition, several of our fine community based vocal and instrumental groups are giving their final performances of the season. The Kansas City Chorale makes its anticipated Helzberg Hall debut, and the William Baker Festival Singers also performs its final concert of the season in Kansas City.
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Mon, Apr 23, 2012
Music and dance fans will find a program for every taste during this coming weekend - one of the busiest of the year. Those who enjoy orchestral music have the UMKC Conservatory’s Finale, KU’s Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and University Band and concerts by local ensembles such as Kansas City Civic Orchestra and Liberty Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Kansas City Youth Symphony and Fountain City Brass Band. The Friends of Chamber Music completes their season with the Artemis String Quartet and pianist Jacques Ammon. Those who enjoy dance have a traditional performance of the Moscow Festival Ballet at Yardley Hall, and adventurous romps by City in Motion Dance Theatre – as well as the final season performances of both the UMKC Conservatory and the Kansas University School of Music dance departments. If contemporary music is to your taste, newEar concludes their season with “Road Trip.” Or enjoy a choral concert from the University of Kansas Choirs: Chamber Choir and Concert Choir, the Fine Arts Chorale or Schola Cantorum of William Jewell College. Opera fans will enjoy a gala concert by the vocal and instrumental forces of the University of Kansas School of Music, in both Lawrence and Kansas City.
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Mon, Apr 16, 2012
Music and dance fans will find a program for every taste during the busy second half of April, when almost every organization in town is actively performing. Opera aficionados will enjoy the Lyric Opera’s final production of the season, "The Barber of Seville." Vocal music fans have the debut recital of Italian tenor Giuseppe Filianoti with the Harriman-Jewell Series as well as choral concerts from Musica Sacra and the Fine Arts Chorale. Those who enjoy orchestral music have the UMKC Conservatory’s Finale, and concerts by numerous local ensembles. Chamber music enthusiasts can hear violinist Jennifer Koh and pianist Shai Wosner in recital for The Friends of Chamber Music and UMKC Conservatory, while The Friends of Chamber Music also brings us the Artemis String Quartet. Those who enjoy dance have a traditional performance of the Moscow Festival Ballet at Yardley Hall, and adventurous romps by the Owen/Cox Dance Group, City in Motion Dance Theatre, and the final season performances of both the UMKC Conservatory and the Kansas University School of Music dance departments. If contemporary music is to your taste, both newEar and the Kansas City Electronic Music and Arts Alliance present concerts. That is by no means all; check out the listings below for a wealth of other listening and viewing activities.
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Wed, Apr 11, 2012
Music and dance fans will find a program for every taste during the busy second half of April, when almost every organization in town is actively performing. Opera aficionados will enjoy the Lyric Opera’s final production of the season, The Barber of Seville. Vocal music fans have the debut recital of Italian tenor Giuseppe Filianoti with the Harriman-Jewell Series as well as choral concerts from Musica Sacra and the Fine Arts Chorale. Those who enjoy orchestral music have the Kansas City Symphony as well as the UMKC Conservatory’s Finale, and concerts by numerous local ensembles. Chamber music enthusiasts can hear violinist Jennifer Koh and pianist Shai Wosner in recital for the Friends of Chamber Music and UMKC Conservatory, while the Friends of Chamber Music also brings us the Artemis String Quartet. Those who enjoy dance have a traditional performance of the Moscow Festival Ballet at Yardley Hall, and adventurous romps by the Owen/Cox Dance Group, City in Motion Dance Theatre, and the final season performances of both the UMKC Conservatory and the Kansas University School of Music dance departments. If contemporary music is to your taste, both newEar and the Kansas City Electronic Music and Arts Alliance present concerts. That is by no means all; check out the listings below for a wealth of other listening and viewing activities.
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Wed, Apr 04, 2012
The Kansas City Symphony performs the music of Ives, Bruch, and Dvořák, with young soloist Benjamin Beilman. Not to be outdone, the Friends of Chamber Music brings young piano virtuoso Jonathan Biss to town. He will perform pieces by Beethoven and Janáček. Vocal music fans will enjoy concerts by two of the UMKC Conservatory’s fine vocal ensembles, with music of Handel and Vivaldi. For dance aficionados, the Owen/Cox Dance Group, always one of the most entertaining ensembles in town, offers its spring concert, and the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance presents a series of interesting pieces in its own spring program. The Bach Aria Soloists presents a concert in the Crossroads Arts District, and several fine community groups also have their spring concerts. All of them should take your attention off that nasty income tax return filing deadline, looming soon.
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Wed, Mar 28, 2012
The Kansas City Symphony performs two concerts during the first half of April, including music of Mozart, Dvořák and Bartók. The first concert also features pianist Yefim Bronfman in his Helzberg Hall debut. Not to be outdone, the Friends of Chamber Music brings its own piano virtuoso to town in Jonathan Biss, who will perform pieces by Beethoven and Janáček. Vocal music fans will enjoy a concert by Arnold Epley’s fine Musica Vocale, along with a concert by two of the UMKC Conservatory’s fine vocal ensembles, with music of Handel and Vivaldi. For dance aficionados, the Owen/Cox Dance Group, always one of the most entertaining ensembles in town, offers its spring concert, and the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance presents a series of interesting pieces in its own spring program. Composer Philip Glass brings his chamber music ensemble to Helzberg Hall, the Bach Aria Soloists presents a concert in the Crossroads Arts District, and several fine community groups also have their spring concerts. All of them should take your attention off that nasty income tax return filing deadline, looming soon.
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Tue, Mar 20, 2012
Great vocal thrills await the Kansas City Symphony concerts in which our own Joyce DiDonato, a world famous mezzo soprano, performs. Other vocal highlights include a concert by Arnold Epley’s Musica Vocale on April 1 and the spring concert of the Heartland Men’s Chorus. One of today’s greatest pianists, Murray Perahia, performs for the Harriman-Jewell Series. For dance fans, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet appears at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the end of the month. Chamber music fans will enjoy Mnozil Brass Ensemble at the Lied Center. For early music aficionados, the groups Piffaro and King's Noyse will perform in tandem for the Friends of Chamber Music. For details on these and many other upcoming performances, please see the full listings below.
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Wed, Mar 14, 2012
Opera fans have three more performances of the Lyric Opera’s "Nixon in China" to enjoy in the last half of March, along with the Peter Brooks creation "La tragédie de Carmen" at the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Probably our greatest vocal thrills await the Kansas City Symphony concerts in which our own Joyce DiDonato, a world famous mezzo soprano, performs. Other vocal highlights include a concert by Arnold Epley’s Musica Vocale on April 1 and the spring concert of the Heartland Men’s Chorus. One of today’s greatest pianists, Murray Perahia, performs for the Harriman-Jewell Series. For dance fans, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet appears at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the end of the month, while the Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble will perform at the Kauffman Center mid-month. Chamber music fans will enjoy the Morgenstern Trio at the Folly Theater, and the unusual Mnozil Brass Ensemble at the Lied Center. For early music aficionados, the groups Piffaro and King's Noyse will perform in tandem for the Friends of Chamber Music. For details on these and many other upcoming performances, please see the full listings below.
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Tue, Mar 06, 2012
March's second week continues with Kansas City’s classical music organizations in full swing. The Lyric Opera presents its third production in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, John Adams’ contemporary classic “Nixon in China,” which should test the theater’s technical capacity to the limit. Brilliant pianists Richard Goode (Friends of Chamber Music) and Murray Perahia (Harriman-Jewell Series) grace the Folly Theater. The Lee's Summit and Topeka Symphonies have spring concerts and UMKC's opera student perform "La tragédie de Carmen" before their spring break.
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Tue, Feb 28, 2012
During the first two weeks of March almost all of Kansas City’s classical music organizations are in full swing. The Kansas City Symphony brings us guest conductor Christoph von Dohnanyi in a performance of Tchaikovsky, Strauss and Schnittke. Russian music is also featured by the Tschaikowski (that’s the way they spell it) St. Petersburg State Orchestra, appearing at Yardley Hall. The Lyric Opera presents its third production in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, John Adams’ contemporary classic “Nixon in China,” which should test the theater’s technical capacity to the limit. Brilliant pianists Richard Goode (Friends of Chamber Music) and Murray Perahia (Harriman Jewell Series) grace the Folly Theater, while the Kansas City Chorale presents favorites from its thirty-year history. Vocal music aficionados can also enjoy the fine eight-voice ensemble Octarium in performances of works by local composers, as well as Ernest Bloch’s’ unusual Sacred Service by the William Baker Festival Singers. In addition, the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance previews its upcoming appearance in New York City, and a number of our fine community orchestras present their spring concerts. Get out your calendar and prepare to make some tough choices!
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Wed, Feb 22, 2012
February concludes with the continuation of the Kansas City Ballet's "Romeo and Juliet" and offerings from Heritage Philharmonic, Youth Symphonies of Kansas City, and the Carpe Diem String Quartet.
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Tue, Feb 14, 2012
The last two weeks of February bring what should be two superlative dance performances to the stage in Kansas City, the Kansas City Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet (Prokofiev version), and the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. In addition, City in Motion Dance Theater sponsors its annual and always entertaining Modern Night at the Folly, an evening of contemporary choreography with lots of local talent. We have an embarrassment of riches in the dance repertoire. In the music realm, the outstanding recital of February will be that of world-famous tenor Juan Diego Florez with the Harriman Jewell Series at Helzberg Hall. Amazingly, this is Florez’ fourth appearance on the Harriman Jewell Series. Meanwhile, the Bach Festival finishes with two performances by pianist Konstantin Lifschitz, one with The Friends of Chamber Music and the other with the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Timothy McDonald brings us a Musica Sacra performance featuring the work of Giacomo Puccini the Elder and others. Finally, many of our fine local community groups are giving their winter concerts this month; check out the complete listings below.
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Wed, Feb 08, 2012
In the mood for love? Treat your sweetheart to some fine offerings around Valentine's Day from newEar, Topeka Symphony, Bach Aria Soloists, Fine Arts Chorale, and the Chamber Ensemble of the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra.
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Mon, Jan 30, 2012
From instrumental music to chamber music to vocal music to flamenco dance, the first two weeks in February have it all, culminating in a rush of concerts on or near Valentine’s Day, leaving you no excuse not to share an evening out with your sweetheart. On the instrumental side, the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra features Mahler’s gigantic Second Symphony. In chamber music, we have the Pro Arte Quartet at the UMKC Conservatory and Russian pianist Konstantin Lifschitz performing with The Friends of Chamber Music and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra as part of the organizations’ joint Bach Festival being held over multiple weeks. Vocal music fans have a Vivaldi recital by one of the best, mezzo soprano Vivaca Genaux, and a choral concert by the William Baker Festival Singers. Dance fans will enjoy the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater at Yardley Hall. And don’t forget Jan Kraybill’s annual Super Bowl Sunday organ recital as well as a Valentine’s treats by Elizabeth Suh Lane’s Bach Aria Soloists and by Terri Teal’s Fine Arts Chorale.
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Wed, Jan 25, 2012
January wraps up with some great talent, including the return of prodigal son David Parson's dance troupe for the Harriman-Jewell Series and pianist Simone Dinnerstein at JCCC. Also on the docket: Jeffrey Tate leads the Hamburg Symphony for the Harriman-Jewell Series, Friends of Chamber Music hosts Maurice Steger and Les Violons du Roy, and the Grammy-nominated Chiara String Quartet performs at the Lied Center of Kansas.
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Mon, Jan 16, 2012
The year 2012 opens with a bang in January, as classical music fans have a wealth of offerings from which to choose. The Kansas City Symphony presents celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma playing the ravishing Dvořák Cello Concerto. The Harriman-Jewell Series presents the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra with famed conductor Jeffrey Tate and violinist Guy Braunstein. Parsons Dance Company, founded by Kansas City native David Parsons, graces the Kauffman Center stage for the first time, under the sponsorship of the Harriman-Jewell Series. The Kansas City Chamber Orchestra opens the 2012 Bach Festival with a performance of all six (count ‘em, six) of Bach’s endlessly inventive "Brandenburg Concertos," while two of today’s finest pianists, Simone Dinnerstein (Yardley Hall) and Freddy Kempf (Folly Theater) grace our local stages. Chamber music fans will enjoy both the Chiara String Quartet (Lied Center) and Violons du Roy (Folly Theater) with recorder virtuoso Maurice Steger. Enjoy!
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Wed, Jan 11, 2012
The year 2012 opens with a bang in January, as classical music fans have a wealth of offerings from which to choose. The Kansas City Symphony presents two concerts, including one with the celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma playing the ravishing Dvořák Cello Concerto. The Harriman-Jewell Series presents the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra with famed conductor Jeffrey Tate and violinist Guy Braunstein. Parsons Dance Company, founded by Kansas City native David Parsons, graces the Kauffman Center stage for the first time, under the sponsorship of the Harriman-Jewell Series. The Kansas City Chamber Orchestra opens the 2012 Bach Festival with a performance of all six (count ‘em, six) of Bach’s endlessly inventive "Brandenburg Concertos," while two of today’s finest pianists, Simone Dinnerstein (Yardley Hall) and Freddy Kempf (Folly Theater) grace our local stages. Chamber music fans will enjoy both the Chiara String Quartet (Lied Center) and Violons du Roy (Folly Theater) with recorder virtuoso Maurice Steger. Enjoy!
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Tue, Jan 03, 2012
Classical music fans have a variety of terrific-looking performances from which to choose from January through June this year, so the time has come to get out your new calendar, pour over the schedules, and make your choices. For many of these events it is not too early to order your tickets, and some of them may already be sold out.
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Tue, Dec 20, 2011
December wraps up with the final performance of the Kansas City Ballet's "Nutcracker" and Quality Hill Playhouse's "Christmas in Song." A happy holidays to all!
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Tue, Dec 13, 2011
The last two weeks of December are filled with holiday programs of all stripes. The Kansas City Symphony’s Christmas Festival program will entertain children of all ages, the William Baker Festival Singers and Kantorei of Kansas City offer more classical programs, the Kansas City Civic Orchestra plays instrumental favorites, and several other groups offer more light-hearted and traditional carol-oriented programs. For lovers of dance, the Kansas City Ballet’s "Nutcracker" bows at the Kauffman Center for the first time, and the Owen/Cox Dance Group presents an irreverent and highly entertaining take on the same story. If your tastes lean toward the eclectic, the Burning River Brass Ensemble (Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College) and DePue Brothers Band (Harriman-Jewell Series) might have the sound you are seeking. A happy holidays to all!
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Wed, Dec 07, 2011
This time of year brings us an almost uninterrupted parade of holiday concerts featuring almost all of Kansas City’s classical music groups including Kansas City Ballet ("The Nutcracker"), the Kansas City Chorale, Octarium, and many others. Among this writer’s favorites is the Owen/Cox Dance Group’s hilarious take-off entitled "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." Many outstanding local instrumental and vocal groups also have their own holiday offerings, so be sure to check the complete listings below.
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Wed, Nov 30, 2011
This time of year brings us an almost uninterrupted parade of holiday concerts featuring almost all of Kansas City’s classical music groups, including the Kansas City Symphony and Chorus (The Messiah, performed along with the Independence Messiah Choir), the Kansas City Ballet (The Nutcracker), the Kansas City Chorale, Octarium, the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, Musica Sacra, Heartland Men’s Chorus, and many others. Among this writer’s favorites are the elegant Tallis Scholars for the Friends of Chamber Music, the Kansas City Chorale holiday concerts, the two holiday concerts of Octarium, the Owen/Cox Dance Group’s hilarious take-off entitled The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol, sponsored by Kansas City Young Audiences. Many outstanding local instrumental and vocal groups also have their own holiday offerings, so be sure to check the complete listings below.
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Wed, Nov 23, 2011
November ends with offerings from the Kansas City Symphony performing Russian works under Carlos Miguel Prieto with guest soloist Tianwa Yang and UMKC's Chamber Orchestra performing the works of Haydn, Elgar, and Stravinsky.
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Wed, Nov 16, 2011
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre kicks off the second half of November with five performances in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center, which should be fun. The Kansas City Symphony presents two sets of weekend classical series concerts at Helzberg Hall, the first of which features young local pianist phenom Behzod Abduraimov. Other stars on tap are tenor Rufus Müller appearing with the group REBEL for the Friends of Chamber Music in baroque works, and tenor Alek Shrader for the Harriman Jewell Series. Opera fans can enjoy Le nozze of Figaro by Mozart (UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance) and/or The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay (University of Kansas School of Music). In addition, Musica Vocale at the Kansas City Wind Symphony have attractive concerts coming up, as does the William Baker Festival Singers. This Thanksgiving season, enjoy some classical music along with your turkey and dressing!
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Tue, Nov 08, 2011
There are certain times of year when our music calendar overflows with riches, and November is one of them. Fans of orchestral music can choose the Vienna and Kansas City Symphonies. Opera fans can glory in not one but two Mozart-Da Ponte operas, the Lyric Opera’s "Così fan tutte," the company’s second production in the glorious new Kauffman Center, but also its predecessor "Le nozze di Figaro" at the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Also, the University of Kansas opera program is performing John Gay’s rare early English masterpiece "The Beggar’s Opera," the Kansas City Metro Opera is performing "The Merry Widow" in concert, and the Harriman-Jewell Series is bringing on stage the brilliant young operatic tenor Alek Shrader.
Vocal music fans can revel in the sounds of Arnold Epley’s Musica Vocale and Rufus Muller with REBEL for Friends of Chamber Music. These are just a few of the selections; see below for the full list. Get out and enjoy some of these wonderful opportunities!
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Wed, Nov 02, 2011
There are certain times of year when our music calendar overflows with riches, and November is one of them. Fans of orchestral music can choose among the Vienna, Munich and Kansas City Symphonies. The first two come to us courtesy of the Harriman-Jewell Series and the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College. Opera fans can glory in not one but two Mozart-Da Ponte operas, the Lyric Opera’s "Così fan tutte," the company’s second production in the glorious new Kauffman Center, but also its predecessor "Le nozze di Figaro" at the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. Also, the University of Kansas opera program is performing John Gay’s rare early English masterpiece "The Beggar’s Opera," the Kansas City Metro Opera is performing "The Merry Widow" in concert, and the Harriman-Jewell Series is bringing on stage the brilliant young operatic tenor Alek Shrader.
Vocal music fans can revel in the sounds of Chanticleer, appearing courtesy of the Friends of Chamber Music, as well as Gloria Dei Cantores (appearing with the Munich Symphony), Arnold Epley’s Musica Vocale, the William Baker Festival Singers, and several fine local choral groups. Three famous instrumental soloists appear in here in early November, flutists Sir James Galway and Lady Jeanne Galway (Harriman-Jewell Series) and pianist Behzod Abduraimov (Kansas City Symphony). newEar has a contemporary music concert, and dance fans have the fall concerts at UMKC coming up, as well as Kacico Dance performances at Yardley Hall.
These are just a few of the selections; see below for the full list. Get out and enjoy some of these wonderful opportunities!
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Wed, Oct 26, 2011
October concludes with performances by the UMKC Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble. Choral fans will be treated to the Kansas City Symphony's performances of Brahms' "German Requiem," the combined choirs of UMKC present their fall concert as does the Metropolitan Chorale. Famed violinist Midori will appear courtesy of the Harriman-Jewell Series. If you're on dance withdrawal from the end of "Tom Sawyer"'s run, Owen/Cox Dance Group and Park University have partnered for a collaborative evening of music and movement.
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Tue, Oct 18, 2011
The last two weeks of October finds most Kansas City classical music and dance organizations fully engaged in their seasons. The Kansas City Ballet bows at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre in the Kauffman Center for its first regular season performances, which opened October 14 and runs for two weekends with the world premiere three-act ballet Tom Sawyer. Fans of dance will also enjoy the Owen/Cox Dance Group’s performance with the International Center for Music at Park University in Parkville. The Kansas City Symphony Chorus is featured in Brahms’ "Deutsches Requiem" (German Requiem) near the end of the month. Violinist Midori appears with the Harriman-Jewell Series. The Friends of Chamber Music presents the famed Tokyo String Quartet. We also have many other delightful concerts and recitals; please check the full listings below.
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Wed, Oct 12, 2011
The last two weeks of October finds most Kansas City classical music and dance organizations fully engaged in their seasons. The Kansas City Ballet bows at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre in the Kauffman Center for its first regular season performances, opening October 14 and running two weekends (rather than just one, as in past seasons) with the world premiere three-act ballet Tom Sawyer. It should be the dance event of the season. Fans of dance will also enjoy the Owen/Cox Dance Group’s performance with the International Center for Music at Park University in Parkville.
The Kansas City Symphony Chorus is featured in Brahms’ Deutsches Requiem (German Requiem) near the end of the month. Other choral concerts include the Kansas City Chorale’s Chant and Beyond and two concerts by the UMKC Conservatory Choirs and one by Schola Cantorum in Liberty.
Two of the great soloists performing today grace our stages this month: pianist Marc-André Hamelin and violinist Midori both appear with the Harriman-Jewell Series. The Friends of Chamber Music presents its intriguing collaborative Darwin Project at Helzberg Hall, and also a concert by the famed Tokyo String Quartet. Another string quartet, the Latin-oriented La Catrina Quartet, appears at the Lied Center in Lawrence. We also have many other delightful concerts and recitals by some of our outstanding community orchestras and other ensembles; please check the full listings below.
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Wed, Oct 05, 2011
We’re still pinching ourselves to see if it’s too good to be true, but the era of the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts is now upon us. As I overhead somebody ask at the opening night gala, “Is this Kansas City?” Yes, it is, and we’re just now having the supreme pleasure of getting used to it. With the gala itself, and the Kansas City Symphony’s spectacular opening weekend of performances just behind us, we launch into the Muriel Kauffman Theatre’s opening performances with the Lyric Opera’s "Turandot." We'll also discuss the Kansas City Ballet's debut in this edition, with its opening on October 14, featuring the world premiere of the three-act ballet "Tom Sawyer."
As for other events around town, the classical music scene is abuzz. Spectacular pianist Marc-André Hamelin performs at the Folly Theatre for the Harriman-Jewell Series, the Friends of Chamber Music presents an interesting collaborative effort in the Darwin Project at Helzberg Hall, the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra and the Kansas City Chorale both open their seasons, Musica Sacra presents sacred music at Rockhurst University, and the Bach Aria Soloists host their first Hauskonzert of the season. And that’s not all…many other worthy offerings are listed below.
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Tue, Sep 27, 2011
We’re still pinching ourselves to see if it’s too good to be true, but the era of the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts is now upon us. As I overhead somebody ask at the opening night gala, “Is this Kansas City?” Yes, it is, and we’re just now having the supreme pleasure of getting used to it. With the gala itself, and the Kansas City Symphony’s spectacular opening weekend of performances just behind us, we launch into the Muriel Kauffman Theatre’s opening performances with the Lyric Opera’s "Turandot." We'll also discuss the Kansas City Ballet's debut in this edition, with its opening on October 14, featuring the world premiere of the three-act ballet "Tom Sawyer."
As for other events around town, the classical music scene is abuzz. Spectacular pianist Marc-André Hamelin performs at the Folly Theatre for the Harriman-Jewell Series, the Friends of Chamber Music presents an interesting collaborative effort in the Darwin Project at Helzberg Hall, jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis brings his Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to Helzberg Hall, the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra and the Kansas City Chorale both open their seasons, Musica Sacra presents sacred music at Rockhurst University, and the Bach Aria Soloists host their first Hauskonzert of the season. And that’s not all…many other worthy offerings are listed below.
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Tue, Sep 20, 2011
The Kansas City Symphony is the first of the three resident companies to perform a part of its series in the newly opened crown jewel of Kansas City, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The opening concerts at Helzberg Hall will premiere a new work by Chen Yi as well as old favorites. Other performances this half-month include the UMKC Conservatory Orchestra concert featuring Mahler, an entire festival of electronic music, and young violinist Caroline Goulding with the Harriman-Jewell Series. Fans of the dance have the twentieth anniversary production of the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. Enjoy!
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Tue, Sep 13, 2011
The long awaited opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is coming right up, and what an exciting time it will be for performing arts enthusiasts in Kansas City! If you don’t already have tickets for one of the opening concerts on September 16 or 17, you still have an opportunity to enjoy lots of wonderful performances on September 18. The following weekend the Symphony performs its opening concerts at Helzberg Hall and will premiere a new work by Chen Yi as well as play old favorites. Other performances this half-month include the UMKC Conservatory Orchestra concert featuring Mahler, an entire festival of electronic music, and young violinist Caroline Goulding with the Harriman-Jewell Series. Fans of the dance have the twentieth anniversary production of the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. Enjoy!
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Wed, Sep 07, 2011
With one week left until the much anticipated opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts during the weekend of September 16–18, a few classical music organizations are dipping their toes into the water before taking the full plunge into their fall seasons.
The tenth anniversary of the horrific events of September 11 leads to two memorial concerts, one on September 10 by newEar and the second on the following night at the Community Christian Church featuring René Clausen’s choral work Memorial. The Lied Center of the University of Kansas features a concert by one of KU’s talented faculty members, Steven Spooner, kicking off the year-long celebrations of the 200th birthday of Franz Liszt. Watch this column throughout the year for other organizations participating in similar observances.
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Wed, Aug 31, 2011
In the two weeks leading up to the much anticipated opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts during the weekend of September 16–18, a few classical music organizations are dipping their toes into the water before taking the full plunge in to their fall seasons. The Kansas City Symphony is leading the way with its free Labor Day concert at Shawnee Mission Park featuring pops classics under the direction of associate conductor Steven Jarvi. The tenth anniversary of the horrific events of September 11 leads to two memorial concerts, one on September 10 by newEar and the second on the following night at the Community Christian Church featuring René Clausen’s choral work Memorial. The Lied Center of the University of Kansas features a concert by one of KU’s talented faculty members, Steven Spooner, kicking off the year-long celebrations of the 200th birthday of Franz Liszt. Watch this column throughout the year for other organizations participating in similar observances.
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Wed, Aug 24, 2011
With August winding down, catch your breath before Kansas City launches into all-things-Kauffman Center! Don't forget to check out Hector Olivera, the final organist of the Summer Music at the Cathedrals series.
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Tue, Aug 16, 2011
August is the slowest month for concertizing in Kansas City, as the summertime festivals are complete and most professional presenters and ensembles are gearing up for their seasons beginning in September and October. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception downtown presents the finale Sunday afternoon organ recitals, and the William Baker Festival Singers performs a choral concert on August 20 and 21. But never fear, September is just around the corner, and soon you will have a literally once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revel in the opening of Kansas City’s spectacular new Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts. So hold on to your hats…much excitement is on its way soon!
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Wed, Jul 27, 2011
August is the slowest month for concertizing in Kansas City, as the summertime festivals are complete and most professional presenters and ensembles are gearing up for their seasons beginning in September and October. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception downtown presents a couple of Sunday afternoon organ recitals, and the William Baker Festival Singers performs a choral concert on August 20 and 21. But never fear, September is just around the corner, and soon you will have a literally once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to revel in the opening of Kansas City’s spectacular new Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts. So hold on to your hats…much excitement is on its way soon!
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Tue, Jul 12, 2011
In Kansas City’s classical music scene, July belongs to Summerfest, the outstanding chamber music series that presents four outstanding concerts during the four weekends of July each summer. This year’s Summerfest programs look to be just as delightful as those in years past, with an interesting mixture of classical and contemporary works. Dance fans also have an opportunity in July to see two of Kansas City’s contemporary dance ensembles, the Owen Cox Dance Group and Kacico Contemporary Dance.
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Mon, Jun 27, 2011
In Kansas City’s classical music scene, July belongs to Summerfest, the outstanding chamber music series that presents four outstanding concerts during the four weekends of July each summer. This year’s Summerfest programs look to be just as delightful as those in years past, with an interesting mixture of classical and contemporary works. For more details see the Summerfest preview article in this issue. Dance fans also have an opportunity in July to see two of Kansas City’s contemporary dance ensembles, the Owen Cox Dance Group and Kacico Contemporary Dance.
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Wed, Jun 15, 2011
The Sunflower Music Festival continues its offerings of musical events for Topeka and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra performs Beethoven's Pastorale.
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Tue, Jun 07, 2011
Two major groups mark silver anniversaries this week including the Sunflower Music Festival in Topeka and the Heartland Men's Chorus. The Simon Carrington Chamber Singers perform their annual concerts in Kansas City and Topeka this year as the Kansas City Symphony heads to the Flint Hills. For new music/cross-genre fans, Dark Matter performs at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
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Wed, Jun 01, 2011
Many of Kansas City’s music organizations have wound down their seasons and are looking forward to restarting in the fall. Still, there are plenty of classical music opportunities to go around during June. June's first week finds saxophonist Bobby Watson joining the Bach Aria Soloists, Northland Symphony performing stirring orchestral marches and and Arnold Epley's Musica Vocale concert of Handel's "Saul." You can also read about the Kansas City Symphony's performances of Beethoven's Piano Concerto with soloist Markus Groh in this week's preview article.
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Tue, May 24, 2011
Memorial Day Weekend is upon us and as such there is a lull in musical offerings. Two local organizations, though, Musical Theatre Heritage and the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, present classic Broadway-style musicals.
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Tue, May 17, 2011
As we move into the second half of May and head into summer, many of our classical music organizations have wrapped up their seasons, so the pickings begin to get a bit slimmer. We do have some notable choral concert opportunities; the choir of Village Presbyterian Church teams up with others for a joint concert, and a new group, the Kansas City Men’s Ensemble, makes its debut.
Two local organizations, Musical Theatre Heritage and the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, present classic Broadway-style musicals.
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Tue, May 10, 2011
As we move into the second half of May and head into summer, many of our classical music organizations have wrapped up their seasons, so the pickings begin to get a bit slimmer. We do have some notable choral concert opportunities, inluding the renowned Kansas City Chorale, which wraps up its season in a collaborative concert with the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, the choir of Village Presbyterian Church teams up with others for a joint concert, and a new group, the Kansas City Men’s Ensemble, makes its debut.
Fans of the Symphony will enjoy the music of Brahms, Prokofiev, and Beethoven in a grand concert featuring the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, with American mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke. One of the world’s finest organists, Vincent Dubois, gives a free organ recital under the auspices of the Greater Kansas City chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Additionallly, two local organizations, Musical Theatre Heritage and the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, present classic Broadway-style musicals.
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Wed, May 04, 2011
Dance fans have several treats in store in early May, with the Kansas City Ballet’s final performances in the Lyric Theatre featuring the choreography of Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp and Ballet Artistic Director William Whitener, along with the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company’s 20th anniversary season finale, a production centering on “hits” from the company’s two decades of performances. For something more unusual in dance, check out the literally high-flying acrobatic dance company Quixotic performing with the Kansas City Symphony, and The Aluminum Show, a most unusual production which wraps up this season’s Harriman-Jewell performances.
Choral and vocal aficionados have a Kansas City Chorale concert on tap, featuring music inspired by Shakespeare. Opera fans can enjoy the evergreen classic "Hänsel und Gretel" at the University of Kansas School of Music. We also have season wrap-up concerts by several good community orchestras around the area.
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Tue, Apr 26, 2011
Dance fans have several treats in store in early May, with the Kansas City Ballet’s final performances in the Lyric Theatre featuring the choreography of Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp and Ballet Artistic Director William Whitener, along with the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company’s 20th anniversary season finale, a production centering on “hits” from the company’s two decades of performances. For something more unusual in dance, check out the literally high-flying acrobatic dance company Quixotic performing with the Kansas City Symphony, and The Aluminum Show, a most unusual production which wraps up this season’s Harriman-Jewell performances.
Choral and vocal aficionados have a Kansas City Chorale concert on tap, featuring music inspired by Shakespeare. Opera fans can enjoy the evergreen classic "Hänsel und Gretel" at the University of Kansas School of Music. The Greater Kansas City Guild of Organists presents its marathon Bachathon concert and we also have season wrap-up concerts by several good community orchestras around the area.
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