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Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

By Steve Shapiro   Mon, Apr 13, 2009

Rain pours down and thunder echoes throughout Jim Grimsley's surreal suburban drama The Borderland, presented by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre (on the Copaken Stage), which opened on April 10th.

Along with the convincing sound effects, the ominous lighting creates a chiaroscuro effect, which matches the playwright's writing; privileged ideas and long-held beliefs by characters that appear initially to be black or white are, by the play's violent end, marked by shades of grey. As in so many of the Rep's productions this season, the behind-the-scenes crew again does a marvelous job of creating a world within our world. When the actors took their bows, I wished the lighting director, Victor En Yu Tan, the sound designer, Eric Sefton, and the set designer, Meghan Raham, could have joined them for the well-earned applause.

Atmosphere is everything in a work like The Borderland. Cleverly, even as the audience is taking its seats, two of the play's actors, Carla Noack and Matthew Rapport, appear casually onstage: Rapport reads a newspaper while his co-star wanders around the living room set, as if in search of something. The play begins when the lights dim, but we have already been eased into the play's other world. The rain and the thunder outside the open windows lull the audience into a dreamy sleepy state, and Grimsley acts upon that effect to gradually open the audience's eyes wide, sometimes with fear but ultimately with an awareness of how others may know us better than we believe we know ourselves.

Noack and Rapport play Helen and Gordon Hammond, a successful, married couple who have moved from Atlanta to an out-of-the-way home, abutted by cornfields and trees-and, within view of their windows, a "shack," in Gordon's words, a run-down house kept, barely, by a couple about whom they know very little and Gordon, at least, thinks of equally little. Helen's persistence in standing in front of the bay windows-the spark for an argument that reveals how the couple's happiness itself is a form of décor to match their lovely living room-permits her to spy a figure running across the field separating their home from their peculiar neighbors'; and when that figure turns up at their door, wet and bruised, the drama begins properly.

Eleanor Rollins (Angela Cristanello) has run from her husband, Jake, after a fight: he is searching for her, while she has left their five small children alone in the house. Earlier, Grimsley sketches the neighbors' profile through another argument between Helen and Gordon, based on her brief encounter with Eleanor and Gordon's second-hand information from the local grocer. He thinks they are white trash and their troubles are their own, while Helen defends Eleanor, though she knows her only a little. Thus, we are prepared for trouble, and when the knock at the door comes we sense that the foul weather outside is making its way inside.

Of course, Jake (Matthew Brumlow) soon follows his wife to the Hammonds' front door-it is the stuff of Sam Shepard plays and Hollywood movies, and even of Greek myths. Trouble comes a-knocking in all forms; as the opposite couples begin their dramatic duet, in which Jake's neighborly politesse falls away in lieu of menacing profanities and threats and Gordon's assumed civilities turn to pompous lectures (and a gun), the playwright's themes emerge fully. They touch on Family and on the sense of  "the land," the presumptions we make about both-Jake says late in the play that he and his father used to hunt on the lands around them, long before the Hammonds' "shitass brick house" was built-and the proximity between wish fulfillment and a truly fulfilled life. (It is the borderland of the title.)

The opening scene's argument turns on the surprise that Helen's pregnancy is not happening, and further that the issue is not hers but Gordon's. Using that to illumine Gordon's preening self-judgments, Grimsley builds on the non-pregnancy as a metaphor for the shell life that the Hammonds live. At one point, Eleanor makes a joke about her five children, inferring that Jake has no difficulties in the baby-making department; while throughout, Jake calls his wife by the endearment "baby," which is demeaning yet also another subtle dig at Gordon's inability to come across as a successful husband and father in addition to his success at business. Jake and Eleanor's marriage appears to be a train-wreck, but then, once revealed, perhaps so is Helen and Gordon's. Would you choose brutal honesty over nicey-nice self-delusion? Eleanor, for all her horrible problems, is much more at peace with her marriage than Helen. Jim Grimsley's play, which seems at first to be about the commandment about coveting thy neighbor's wife, turns out to be about coveting thy neighbor's life. The surprise is that it is Jake and Eleanor's life together that anyone would possibly desire, even if they do not realize it.

For all of Grimsley's sureness in developing the thriller aspect, I would have hoped for some fewer jarring touches. Jake's role is the archetypal lead-footed monster of pulp fiction, however much he ideally represents the monster of our unconscious. Though his dialogue alternates between the high and the low, like Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lector, to make the audience engaged even as it is enraged, Jake's he-man philosophy is too cliché-ridden to win us over. When, alone with Helen, he presses her up against a wall and begins to fondle her, with the barest intimation that she might accept his manly approach after her husband's infertility, it is both the natural follow-through of the playwright's storyline and too predictable to take seriously. It works only because of Gordon's stumbling bloodied entrance-out in the field, he shoots himself with his own gun. It is a joke worthy of any black humor of Edward Albee's and an active metaphor.

Delicately constructed plays like The Borderland need a master hand, so as not to overplay the dramatic hand. Jake is not Freddy Krueger, nor is he Stanley Kowalski, necessarily, but a writer's messenger; as such, his specifically written role needs a performance that does not come charging out of the gate like a horse at the Kentucky Derby. Matthew Brumlow (who has played Stanley) does not always find something fresh to evoke from his cracker character, but the Rep's Assistant Artistic Director Kyle Hatley's steadying direction keeps Brumlow focused in a sneaking Iagoesque manner without too many mannerisms. At the other extreme, Carla Noack is both so natural and so persuasive at Helen's role that she might be Helen; to discover that this tall, self-possessed woman is mousy in real life would be a shock. We always hear about Meryl Streep's acting genius and how she can adapt to any accent or part; but like The New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael who felt Streep acts, consciously, with every pore, I prefer an actor like Noack, who makes you forget who she is, much less whom you are.


REVIEW:
The Borderland
by Jim Grimsley
Runs April 3-26
Call or visit the website for performance times.
Copaken Stage, 13th and Walnut, Downtown Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-235-2700 or online at www.kcrep.org

By Scott Easterday   Wed, Apr 15, 2009

Tibetan monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery visited Succotash, a restaurant in the River Market on Wednesday, April 8. Succotash is one of the many sponsors of the monks' travels in America.

They blessed the restaurant and performed chant music before sitting down to dinner. The monks also recently composed a sand mandala at the Kansas City Public Library.

The monks' chant started in a low monotone, then as each added his voice, a harmony of unfamiliar intervals filled the room. Their harmony fluctuated and gradually moved higher and lower.

The monks held their hands in different poses of meditation, and lightly clapping at points. And there were moments when I thought I could hear overtones reverberating in the room around them as the intervals and throat singing resonated.

Photographer Angela Lupton captured the moment in these images. Read the story on PresentMagazine.com.

By   Wed, Apr 15, 2009

Today is April 15th...not my favorite day of the year, BUT this IS a very good day for you art and music and dance lovers.  Wednesday will now be the new day of the KCMetropolis.org and fiona's list e-blast.  It will now the cover 12 days of events (including two weekends) so you will be able to plan better and won't get caught finding out about something that you might have attended if you had only known sooner. 

 Variety is really the key word for this week's list.   Your choices include bass trombone, carillon, cello, chamber brass ensembles, chamber orchestra, choral concerts, clarinet, composition recital, dance concert, dinner theatre,  two doctoral euphonium recitals, flute, flute/cello/piano, Gilbert and Sullivan, guitar, handbells, harp, healing concert, horn, lecture by Paul Laird from KU, master class, musical review, oboe, oboes and bassoons, one-man cabaret review, opera, opera scenes, opera supper, organ, percussion,  piano, piano trio, pop rock opera, puppets, saxophone, theatre, the season finale of the UMKC Signature Series, soprano, string quartet, student chamber ensembles, symphonic band, symphony, symphony pops concert,  trombone, viola, violin, wind symphony chamber players/master's conducting recital, and youth symphony.  That certainly is enough variety for you to find several that will interest you.  Enjoy whatever you choose.

My personal Kansas City favorites for the next 12 days include: the Trio Fedele on Friday the 17th, The String Extravaganza/Grand Piano Festival Series on Friday the 17th, the Takacs Quartet on Saturday the 18th, Student Chamber Ensembles on Sunday the 19th, Doug Niedt and the Kansas City Civic Orchestra on Sunday the 19th, an organ concert by Paul Turner on Sunday the 19th, the Grand Piano Festival Series with the Quartet Accorda on Sunday the 19th, the Australian Chamber Orchestra on Friday the 24th and Julia Fischer, violin on Saturday the 25th.  These are my choices and there are conflicts, so you will need to make some tough decisions.

My out-of-town favorites include: The Atma Trio in Topeka on Sunday the 19th and the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra in Lawrence on Sunday the 26th.

For something different, try one of the other "fiona favorites" found just below the theatre listings on fiona's list.  There's something for you for every night of the week.  Some of them are not available every week.  My favorite on this list is Eddie Delahunt, Irish singer, at O'Dowd's on Wednesdays and Sundays.  He recently celebrated his 20th anniversary of living in Kansas City.

 Fiona recommends another list of events for families, friends, educators, & neighbors of children 10 and under.  Miss Jackie's April list includes Jazz Storytelling, KCPT reads (where everyone from newborn to 8 yrs old receives a brand new book free), a Teddy Bear Picnic, Read to a Dog and more. To receive her monthly list, send an email to: missjackielists@gmail.com

Until next Wednesday morning,
Fiona

By John Schaefer   Mon, Apr 13, 2009

A number of organ events are at hand, and each event is unique in its own way.  The first is Monday April 20th at 7:30 p.m. at Southminster Presbyterian Church.  Members of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will play a program of "Organ Music You Can't Play on Sunday Morning."  Amongst the musical offerings are Jerome Kern's "All the things you are" and Liszt's 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody.  The Casavant organ at Southminster, which is located at 63rd and Roe, is a fine instrument in a good acoustic.  The evening will be a lot of fun - and the event is free.  William McCandless, Dean of the Chapter, can provide additional information.  His e-mail address is bmccand@embarqmail.com.

Olivier Latry is the Master of the Organ at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.  He will present a recital in the Bales Organ Recital Hall at Kansas University on Tuesday April 28th, beginning at 7:30.  French organ works are on the menu and, of course, M. Latry will improvise in the French style for which all great French organists are known.

The Bales organ, built by Helmut Wolff, is very French in tonal concept; and the Bales Hall sound is extremely reminiscent of that of a French Cathedral.  Truly, the listener feels as though he or she has been transported to France and is hearing "the real thing."  Tickets are available at 785-864-2787 or contact Elisa Bickers at elisa.pipeorgan@gmail.com for more information.

Sunday May 3rd is the 30th annual BACHATHON, an event devoted primarily to organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach.  Bachathon begins at 2:00 p.m. and concludes about 7:00 p.m.  The performing artists are all members of the local American Guild of Organists chapter.  The Gabriel Kney tracker organ at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral is a superb instrument for Bach's music.  Indeed, the Cathedral has been the site of all but four Bachathons.  The Cathedral is located at 415 W. 13th in downtown Kansas City.  Brian Campbell is the chair of this year's Bachathon; his address is briancffa@hotmail.com.  

By   Mon, Apr 13, 2009

WHAT A WEEK! If you recall, last week I raved about the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance because they were providing 15 concerts for our delight and joy.  Well, THIS week, you have even more opportunities to hear a favorite work or composer because there are 26 offerings by the students at the Conservatory (and 25 NEXT week!).  Please look carefully at the list of events because this is an amazing variety in a mere seven days.

I commend to you the Ivan Moravec piano recital on Friday, the Festival concert at Park University on Friday, the Trio Fedele at noon on Friday, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet on Saturday, the Takacs Quartet on Saturday, and ALL the Conservatory offerings throughout the week...especially the Student Chamber Ensembles on Sunday the 19th.  I want to add two other events to your week's list: 1) J. Kent Barnhart is reprising his one-man show for a limited engagement at Quality Hill Playhouse.  (It's a cabaret evening of music and stories; Kent is fabulous and extremely entertaining - HIGHLY recommended by fiona) and 2) I was very impressed with the Ginger Rogers show (Backwards In High Heels: The Ginger Musical) at the American Heartland Theatre.

There are three notable out-of-town events this week: Kansas Concert Opera's Madama Butterfly on Friday in Lawrence and in Emporia on Sunday; the Atma Trio at Grace Cathedral in Topeka on Sunday; and Roxanne Adrian and Barbara Mathis, piano concert in Leavenworth on Sunday.

Here's a sampling of the diversity available to you this week: ballet, band, bassoon, bass trombone, carillon, cello, chamber ensembles, chamber brass ensembles, choir, composition recital, conducting recital, dance concert, flute, flute/cello/piano, guitar, lecture, master class, music therapy healing concert, oboe, oboes and bassoons, plays, opera, opera scenes, orchestra, piano, piano trio, saxophone, soprano, string quartet, symphony, trombone, trombone ensemble, violin, women's chorus, youth symphony and J. Kent Barnhart...one man show!

For something different, try one of the other "fiona favorites" found just below the theatre listings on fiona's list.  There's something for you for every night of the week.  Some of them are not available every week.  My favorite this week is Giant Strings with MICHAEL O, harp and MAX BERRY, guitar on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at the fabulous new Chaz in the Raphael Hotel on the Plaza...highly recommended by fiona!

A CHANGE for you...You will receive ANOTHER e-blast from KCMetropolis.org in TWO days.  Beginning Wednesday April 15, your KCMetropolis.org online journal and fiona's list of events will come to your email box on Wednesday mornings.  Fiona's list and the calendar will cover a 12-day period of performing arts with overlapping weekends, and the website will feature new reviews, interviews and previews.   I think that you will find this really helpful. As we mentioned last week, KCMetropolis.org is launching a redesigned editorial site on Wednesday, April 29 and then a wonderful new calendar in mid-May that will list events by day and category. In the meantime, we will use the current calendar and you can continue to submit event listings to me.   To read the press release, click here.

Fiona HIGHLY recommends another list of events for families, friends, educators and neighbors of children 10 and under.  Miss Jackie's April list includes Jazz Storytelling, KCPT reads (where everyone from newborn to 8 yrs old receives a brand new book free), Easter egg hunts and free pony rides, a Teddy Bear Picnic, Read to a Dog and more. To receive her monthly list, send an email to: missjackielists@gmail.com.

Until Wednesday morning,
Fiona

By   Sat, Sep 22, 2012

Click here to see all the  events on the KC Events performing arts calendar.


How do you list your events on KC Events? It is easy!!
As an arts organziation or musician, you can add and edit your own events.

KCMetropolis.org's mission is to promote traditional and independent classical music, dance, theatre and independent film. We are very sorry, but we do not cover pop, rock, Christian or country music; we do not cover the visual arts or non-performing arts community events. If you would like to send a press release about an upcoming performing arts event, please send to press@KCMetropolis.org.

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KCMetropolis.org builds assignments for reviews, previews and interviews exclusively from KC Events.  Please make sure your events are listed inorder to be considered.

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• Read the KC Events Terms of Service before proceeding
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• Click on Submit an Event or Manage Your Events.
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By Scott Easterday   Wed, Apr 15, 2009

There is nothing minimal about the work of composer Philip Glass, although he is often credited as being one of the foremost composers of minimalism - a term used to describe a style of composition that relies on repetitive, pulsing, consonant musical figures. Philip Glass recently told Belinda McKeon of The Irish Times (2008) he prefers the term "classicist." His music is repetitive and pulsating; it is also intricate and precise. He has written symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music, and solo pieces. He has been nominated three times for an Academy Award for film scores. Over his career, his music has developed a character that identifies it exclusively as his. Wide-ranging influences produced music rich with subtle intricacy, philosophical subjects and abstraction. The melody-derived structures have an emotional range from spirited flickering flights to darker, diminished, serpentine creations.

Unfortunately I was late to the performance, as were many KU students that streamed into the Lied Center long after the opening. The staff of the Lied Center were exceptionally courteous as they helped people to their seats in the modern chamber music setting. The audience was varied in age and dress was casual to dressy. Glass has developed a large following since the release of his famous film score Koyaanisqatsi and subsequent album Glassworks in 1982.

The ensemble included Philip Glass on piano, Wendy Sutter on cello and Mick Rossi on percussion. Throughout the concert Glass introduced each piece. He was soft spoken, but well understood, and he joked about having composed so many pieces that he couldn't remember all the subtitles.

Some readers may be interested to know that Philip Glass has collaborated throughout his career with many artists, such as Woody Allen, David Bowie, David Byrne, Leonard Cohen, Brian Eno, Allen Ginsberg, Steve Reich, Linda Ronstadt, Ravi Shankar and Paul Simon.

The first piece on the program was Tissues from Naqoyqatsi (2002), based on music from the concluding installment of the Koyaanisqatsi trilogy. Naqoyqatsi is Hopi for "life as war." Mary Elizabeth Thompson wrote in the program notes for the Lied Center performance that the piece portrays our modern world "...that is not only at war on the battlefield, but at war underneath the surface in its own struggle with the old versus the new." This version of the music was taken from the orchestral film score and revised for solo cello and percussion.

Glass performed two suites of solo piano music. First, Metamorphosis II, III, IV (1988), which was inspired by the story of the same name by Franz Kafka and arranged for the documentary film The Thin Blue Line (1988) directed by Errol Morris. The other piano suite was Etudes II & X. These two studies are from a collection that Glass is still adding to, according to the program notes, to provide music for his piano concerts, and also to challenge himself as a performer.

Songs and Poems for Cello was a re-composition for cellist Wendy Sutter of Glass' Taiji: Chaotic Harmony (2006), written for a short film directed by Sat Chuen Hon. This work of seven movements was premiered by Sutter in 2007. It is a musical exercise in tai chi and qigong. Sutter is an exceptional cellist. When she plays it is as though the cello is not a just a solo instrument, but sounds seems to emanate from a unified kinetic sculpture.

The Orchid (1989) was arranged into three sections to fit the ensemble. This piece was originally composed for the 1961 political play The Screens by Jean Genet about the Algerian war of independence from France. For that work, Glass collaborated with Foday Musa Suso of Gambia. I may have detected some missed notes on the piano in the difficult passages of this concerto trio, but the sudden, tight ending produced encouraging applause. The first section of the piece had an improvisational quality. The cello of Wendy Sutter was again impeccable when she played a duet with Mick Rossi on celesta in the second section of the piece, a quick unison pattern that was performed flawlessly. Sutter and Rossi never missed; the low runs on the cello perfectly synched with the bells of the celesta two octaves higher. It was both impressive and delightful.

The final section of The Orchid was melodic, emotional and cinematic. One can hear the composer's skill in creating emotional passages while still employing minimalist elements. In music like this, the minimalist style appears to be more of a feature; the depth of the music with the combination of emotionality and multi-cultural flavor created a rich listening experience.  

The last two works in particular were of Glass' post-minimalist phase and reveal influences from ethnic music. African and Eastern European scales were heard. The music was still consonant, but the modal patterns were more diminished and intriguing.

The ensemble performed an arrangement of Glass' fast and fiery music from Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent (1996), a film directed by Christopher Hampton. This work again commanded recognition of the excellence of the musicians and the wide-ranging emotion of the melody. It sounded more "classical" than the others, perhaps because of the quick melodic counterpoint.

There were two encores. Glass performed Closing, the final selection from his 1982 recording Glassworks. This work sounded like a happy conclusion; it was relaxed and harmonious and an excellent good-bye. Then cellist Wendy Sutter and Mick Rossi, again on the celesta, performed a duet of a repetitive, intricate melody that rose to an ending with stratospheric harmonic tones from the cello.

This concert showcased a great overview of the career of Philip Glass with examples of minimalism, but also the breadth of his rich and flavorful post-minimalist repertoire. And the music was perfectly performed by the three accomplished and precise musicians.


REVIEW:
Lied Center at KU
Philip Glass: An Evening of Chamber Music
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Lied Center of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
www.lied.ku.edu

By Gayle G. Hathorne   Wed, Apr 15, 2009

American music can be a tough sell to classical music lovers.  When I learned that the Harriman-Jewel Series concert set for Tuesday night, April 7th, carried the title American Voices, I'll admit I wasn't exactly thrilled at the prospect, despite the draw of Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.  But after listening to the richly diverse program presented that night, in the words of an American song of a different genre, now I'm a believer - and not the only one, judging by the lively Q&A session that followed the concert.  One audience member framed his appreciation in the form of a question to ask, "Do you always perform every work with such elegance?  We were enraptured!"  

The program began with the Trio in D minor for Two Violins and Cello, Op. 3, No. 2, a charming piece composed by John Antes in 1780 that harmonically and structurally could have been written by Haydn.  Violinists Lily Francis and Ani Kavafian played standing, facing each other, with cellist Pricilla Lee in the middle, in a very well-balanced interpretation that proved to be the perfect piece to lift away the concerns of the work day and draw one in to the musical oasis of the Folly Theatre.

Vignettes: Covered Wagon Woman, by Alan Louis Smith followed.  Commissioned for Stephanie Blythe, Warren Jones and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, they were joined in this performance by violinist Ani Kavafian, and cellist Pricilla Lee.  Despite the publicity buildup surrounding Stephanie Blythe, nothing could have prepared me for the astonishing beauty of her voice, the magnitude of her full, round sound that filled the hall with ringing tones, or diction so clear that a printed text was not needed.  But as Warren Jones noted in the forum afterwards, for all of Blythe's formidable talent and technical command, it was her "inner mush ball" that drove the interpretation.  

Smith's work was accessible and engrossing in structure and content.  Based upon the actual pioneer diary kept by Margaret Ann Alsip Frink while she crossed the continent from Illinois to California in 1850, Smith crafted 13 vignettes depicting, among others, a romping wild buffalo hunt and the other-worldly ambience of a Sioux encampment that the covered wagon passed, played hauntingly by cellist Lee to conjure the sound of an ancient wooden flute.  In 'Lost Boy' a frenetic triplet figure in the piano portrayed Mrs. Frink's frantic emotions the day she became separated from her son Robert.  When the boy was found, Jones delivered a marvelous ascending arpeggio in the style of a harp, while Blythe soared to the top of her range on the word 'joy' with a radiance that elicited goose-bumps.  The 'Epilogue' presented another high point of the evening when cellist Lee played a brief quote from Bach's Prelude to Cello Suite No. 1, above which Blythe hummed a lullaby in a beautiful brimming tone that embodied the text 'full of promise.'    

Following the intermission, the graceful jazz harmonies and swaying rhythms of Gershwin's Lullaby were played deliciously by the quartet of strings, including violist Paul Neubauer.  

As moving and remarkable as Covered Wagon Woman was, the last work of the evening left an even more indelible impression - the Quintet in F-sharp minor for Piano and Strings, Op. 67 by Amy Cheney Beach.  Magnificently passionate and complex, it is beyond this reviewer's comprehension how such an important work could be obscure today.  Written in 1907, and premiered to critical acclaim in Boston on February 27, 1908 by the Hoffman Quartet with Beach at the piano, the work is a compelling example of the late romantic period, comparable to Brahms and Rachmaninov.  Joined by pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, the quintet rendered an enthralling interpretation full of nuance and drive.  The second movement Adagio expressivo was as heart-wrenchingly beautiful as music can be. Paul Neubauer bathed the passionate viola solo in the third movement in liquid tones of beauty and warmth, then relayed the line to the violins, who together with pianist McDermott, built the tension to masterful perfection.  McDermott's sparkling wall of cascades set up cellist, Lee in opening a fugue that led into a fantastic chromatic piano climax full of tortured pathos.  As fine as the ensemble was, and they were sublime, I would love to hear this piano quintet performed by an established quartet, to hear the added dimension of nuance that a seasoned ensemble might coax from this brilliant work.

Fortunately, for the new converts to Amy Beach and Alan Smith, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center has released an excellent CD on the CMS Studio recording label of the Beach Quintet performed by McDermott and the Escher String Quartet, and paired with Smith's Covered Wagon Woman, performed by Blythe, Jones, Kavafian and Lee.  The sound quality of the CD is excellent, and provides a bridge for what one hopes will not be too long a gap before these works may be heard again live in the concert hall.

REVIEW:
Harriman-Jewell Series
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
with Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Folly Theatre.
www.harrimanarts.org  

By Michael D. Smith   Wed, Apr 15, 2009

It is time for Music Appreciation 101 and the subject for today is Throw Down Your Heart, a lesson that takes us on a musical journey to Africa with master banjo player Béla Fleck.

His, and our, journey begins in Uganda where Fleck encounters sounds and rhythms that can be vaguely heard in modern day pop and hip hop. From there he travels to Tanzania where he plays with a blind man that has all the vocal stylings of Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie. Next he ventures to Gambia where he encounters the banjo's three-stringed ancestor. It ends in Mali where some sounds have an almost jazz feel to them.

Fleck's stated intention with Throw Down Your Heart is to trace the roots of the banjo while at the same introducing the modern banjo to Africa and proving that it's not just an instrument of the American South. On the flip side, Fleck's interpreter in Uganda explains how Africans want to show America and the world that Africa is more than just a headline about war and AIDS.

In every instance during his travels, Fleck plays and records with some of the best artists that each African nation has to offer, from the well-known to the unknown. It is quite reminiscent of what musicologist and folklorist John Lomax did in the mid-1930s when he recorded what were then obscure blues musicians across the Deep South, like Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter.

In five weeks time Fleck and a small crew logged over 250 hours of footage, not to mention the countless recordings that were boiled down to fit onto the film's album. Their hard work paid off because Throw Down Your Heart is an insightful, genuinely entertaining documentary that will cause more than one audience to applaud at the end.

The video footage is only a hair better at times than something shot by an amateur with a handheld camera from Wally World, and it contains some needless footage from an unexpected stop in Senegal, which turns out to be really the only irritatingly self-indulgent part of the entire film. However, these are only quibbles in the grand scheme of things.

Okay, so now you have been given your assignment and if you wish to pass, you better get to the movie theater as soon as possible or else I'll have to have a conference with your parents.

On a letter grade scale from A being excellent to F for failing, Throw Down Your Heart receives a B+.

Throw Down Your Heart is unrated and has a running time of 105 minutes.

Now Showing
Tivoli Cinemas
Westport Manor Square, 4050 Pennsylvania, KCMO
Visit www.tivolikc.com or call 913-383-7756 for showtimes.  

By KCM Staff   Tue, Oct 28, 2008

By KCM Staff   Wed, Apr 15, 2009

Highlights of the 2009-10 season include The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Cypress String Quartet performing A Celebration of Mendelssohn-a program co-commissioned by the Lied Center, the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medal winner, Broadway's Avenue Q and more.

Families will enjoy the Cajun-influenced jazz/blues fiddle of violin prodigy, Amanda Shaw at the free outdoor concert and Family Arts Festival, a glow in the dark adventure with Darwin the Dinosaur and the a cappella sounds of the holidays with Straight No Chaser.

"Next season features some incredible shows from across the globe," said Lied Center Executive Director, Tim Van Leer. "From the passionate Orquestra de São Paulo with guest percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie to the traditional Japanese taiko drumming of SHIDARA, the 2009-10 season offers excellent performing arts experiences for everyone."

In addition to the 19 performances announced today, there will be a number of very special events revealed over the coming months, available to Friends of the Lied before they go on sale to the general public.

Understanding that everyone is feeling the economic pinch, most of the 2009-10 performances are less expensive than last season's, offering tremendous value to families and students. Also, almost all performances feature student and youth prices that are half the price of, or less than half the price of adult tickets.

2009-10 event tickets are available in "create your own" packages as well as single-event tickets and go on sale to: Friends of the Lied on April 6 and the general public on April 20.

The Lied Center Ticket Office can be reached at 785-864-2787 or 785-864-2777/TDD. Online ticket sales begin on April 20. Before this date, call or visit the Lied Center Ticket Office to purchase tickets.

The 2009-10 Lied Center season is:
Amanda Shaw                                                      
Cajun-rooted, jazz-blues fiddler
Friday, Aug. 21 - 7 p.m.
FREE Outdoor Concert and Family Arts Festival - 6 p.m.

Darwin The Dinosaur                                         
A glow-in-the-dark adventure
Saturday, Oct. 3 - 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Glenn Miller Orchestra                                             
World-famous big band
Sunday, Oct. 4 - 3 p.m.

Orquestra de São Paulo with percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie                          
Maestro Kazem Abdullah
Friday, Oct. 9 - 7:30 p.m.

Trey McIntyre Project                                   
The Sun Road - a multimedia dance performance
Friday, Oct. 23 - 7:30 p.m.

Cypress String Quartet                               
A Celebration of Mendelssohn
Wednesday, Oct. 28 - 7:30 p.m.

Ferocious Beauty: Genome                                  
Liz Lerman Dance Exchange
Saturday, Nov. 7 - 7:30 p.m.

TAP DOGS
High voltage tap dance
Wednesday, Nov. 11 - 7:30 p.m.

Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca                              
The very heart and soul of flamenco
Saturday, Nov 14 - 7:30 p.m.

Straight No Chaser
A vocal celebration of the season
Saturday, Dec. 12 - 7:30 p.m.

Sasha Cooke, Mezzo-soprano
Sunday, Jan. 24 - 2 p.m.

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández                    
Rich, cultural music and dance
Thursday, Jan. 28 - 7:30 p.m.

The Drowsy Chaperone                                     
A Broadway musical inside a comedy
Monday, Feb. 1 - 7:30 p.m.

Pilobolus Dance Theatre                                  
Creative collaboration in modern dance
Friday, Feb. 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Gold Medalist                                         
13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner
Tuesday, Feb. 16 - 7:30 p.m.

The Aluminum Show                                         
A bright, shining spectacle
Friday, Feb. 26 - 7:30 p.m.

The Albers Trio                                   
Sisters and strings
Sunday, March 7 - 2 p.m.

SHIDARA                                                                
Japanese taiko drumming
Wednesday, March 10 - 7:30 p.m.

Avenue Q                                       
PG-13 Broadway musical comedy
Wednesday, March 24 - 7:30 p.m.

Wed, Apr 15, 2009

UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Spring Dance Concert
Friday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
White Recital Hall
4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO

The Spring Dance Concert is a wonderful opportunity to see up-and-coming young dancers performing original and professional works.  This year's annual Spring Dance Concert features faculty, guest, and invited student choreography.  One of the featured pieces is a collaboration between dance faculty member, Rodni Williams, and Poet/Writer/Artist, Bonnie Tolson.  Always entertaining and creative, this inexpensive annual concert would be a bargain at any price.  

For tickets call 816-235-6222 or online at www.conservatory.umkc.edu.  

Harriman-Jewell Series
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Saturday, April 18  at 8 p.m.
Folly Theater
12 th and Central Streets, Downtown Kansas City, MO

This eclectic ballet company features a sophisticated repertoire that features well-known choreographers.  This concert will feature Sweet Fields, choreographed by Twyla Tharp, and set to the hymns of William Billings, and The Sacred Harp.  The other two compositions are commissioned works specifically for the the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, including Red Sweet,  choreographed by Jorma Elo to music by Vivaldi, and Noir Blanc, which was conceived by Moses Pendleton.  This concert will be a treat for ballet and dance-lovers alike. 

For tickets call 816-415-5025 or online at www.harriman-jewell.org

Kacico
The Song and Dance Project

Saturday, April 18  at 3:00 p.m.
Leopold Gallery in Brookside

Sunday, April 19  at 2:00 p.m.
Asbury United Methodist Church

Sunday, April 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Garden City Bank, Lee's Summit

This innovative local Modern Dance company always presents experimental and engaging works.  This concert presents a captivating combination of live song and dance featuring live Musicians Laura Lisbeth, Karim Memi, Dave Patmore, Erik Karlsson, and Rick Malsick and Kacico choreographers Michelle Diane Brown, Shandi Miller, Lindsay Spilker Tate, Kathryn Cowan, Allison Kaut, and Holly Noel Harmison.  


For ticket information call 816-569-5206 or online at www.kacicodance.org

Mon, Apr 13, 2009

The frenetic performing schedule for vocalists and choristers in March couldn't possibly keep going. Now, with Holy Week completed, most of the area's choral ensembles and vocalists are reloading for end-of-the-season offerings. In their wake, our area collegiate programs fill the void with some notable performances and lectures. Visit their respective arts calendars for a more complete listing of events and performances.

The UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Jeremy Mims - Graduate Choral Conducting Recital
Saturday, April 18 at 2:30 p.m.
Second Baptist Church
309 E. Franklin Street, Liberty, MO

Doctoral student Jeremy Mims conducts UMKC choral ensembles Canticum Novum and Bella Voce in a program featuring Mozart's Regina Coeli, Britten's Jubilate Deo, Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna, and Palestrina's Missa Brevis.

Free admission. Visit www.conservatory.umkc.edu for more information.

The UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Operatic Scenes
Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Olson Performing Arts Center - PAC 116 (on UMKC's campus)

The program, with staging by directors Julie Wyma, Katelyn Mattson-Levy, and Marciem Bazell, includes scenes from Entfürhung aus dem Serail, Die Zauberflöte, Il Barbieri di Seviglia, Carmen, Die Fledermaus  and the world premiere of Nate Riebi's Rock Hard Woman - A Comic Book Opera. The performance will accompanied with piano.

Free admission. Visit www.conservatory.umkc.edu for more information.

The UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Lecture Series: Paul Laird - "Beyond Songwriting: The Musical Theater of Stephen Schwartz"
Tuesday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Grant Hall - GH 330, 5227 Holmes (on UMKC's campus)

Professor Paul Laird (of the Unversity of Kansas) will present a discussion of composer Stephen Schwartz, discussing his early successes (Godspell, Pippin) through the record-breaking Wicked and his most recent projects. Laird is currently writing a book on the life and work of Stephen Schwartz.

Free admission. Visit www.conservatory.umkc.edu for more information.

The UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Dona Nobis Pacem
by Vaughan Williams
Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
White Recital Hall, Olson Performing Arts Center, 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO
NOTE: THIS IS A CHANGE IN VENUE AND A CHANGE IN REPERTOIRE FROM PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED/PRINTED MATERIALS

The UMKC Conservatory's Signature Series culminates with the Conservatory Orchestra and combined Conservatory Choirs performing Ralph Vaughan Williams' cantata Dona Nobis Pacem. The work is written for orchestra, SATB chorus, and soprano and baritone soloists. The text is macaronic, being pulled from the Latin Mass, the poetry of Walt Whitman, John Bright's anti-war speech, The Angel of Death and Old Testament Scriptures. Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe, Chen Yi's Kansas City Capriccio and Brahms' Academic Festival Overture will also be performed. Conservatory orchestra music director Robert Olson will conduct the concert.

For tickets call 816-235-6222 or visit www.umkc.edu/performance.

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City
The Pirates of Penzance
by Gilbert and Sullivan
Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m.
Monday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 1 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m.
Lyric Theater
11th and Central, Downtown Kansas City, MO

Opera lovers are bursting with excitement over the upcoming performance of one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most entertaining works. In The Pirates of Penzance, we are treated to laughter as we follow the zany misadventures of pirates in the port of Penzance. This performance, sung in English, will also feature subtitles. It will be directed by Dorothy Danner.

For tickets call 816-471-7344 or visit www.kcopera.org

The KU Department of Music and Dance
KU Opera
L'Enfant et les Sortiléges
by Ravel and Gianni Schicchi by Puccini
Wednesday, April 29, 7:30pm
Thursday, April 30, 7:30pm
Robert Baustian Theatre - Murphy Hall (on KU's Lawrence Campus)

Two exquisite works will be performed by the Opera department at KU. Ravel's opera-ballet L'Enfant et les Sortiléges is a one-act work that was completed and first performed in 1925 in Monte Carlo. Puccini's Gianni Schicchi is another one-act (one of the most famous and oft performed) opera. Schicchi is from the Il Trittico, a trio of operas written in the late 1910's.

For tickets call 785-864-2787 or visit www.arts.ku.edu for more information.

Mon, Apr 13, 2009

NOW PLAYING... April 13 - 29

Kansas City Repertory Theatre
The Borderland
By Jim Grimsley.
Directed by Kyle Hatley
Runs April 3 - 26
Copaken Stage
One H&R Block Way (corner of 13th & Walnut), Kansas City, MO

It's a dark and stormy night in Atlanta.  Gordon and Helen live in their huge house next to the shack of their dirt poor neighbors, Jake, Eleanor and their five children.  Helen, like some well-to-do women, finds it necessary to take an interest in Eleanor while Gordon insists that everyone should be left alone; especially the poor.  Suddenly, a nock at the door.  It's Eleanor.  She's running from her abusive husband, Jake, who then begins an evening of terror.  "With spine-tingling intensity, Grimsley's exciting new play explores the uneasy borders that exist between men and women, rich and poor, and urban and rural." 

For tickets call 816-235-2700 or online at www.kcrep.org

Chestnut Fine Arts Center
Give Me That Old Time Religion!
Directed by Brad Zimmerman
Runs through April 26
234 North Chestnut; Olathe, KS

In their own words:  "Give Me That Old-Time Religion! is a hand-clapping, toe-tapping musical revue full of gospel and spiritual favorites that can be enjoyed by the entire family ... from Grandma to little sister!  The energetic, inspiring, and uplifting music, performed by a cast of talented performers, contains a rousing blend of traditional and contemporary religious music.  This is guaranteed to be an audience favorite, so make your reservations early!"

For tickets call 913-764-2121 or online at www.chestnutfinearts.com.

The New Theatre Restaurant
Don't Dress for Dinner
By Marc Camoletti
Runs April 15 through June 21
9229 Foster, Overland Park, KS.

Starring Jamie Farr (Flinger from televisions famed M*A*S*H), this twisting comedy ran for two years in Paris and an astonishing seven years in London where it played for over 2000 performances between the Apollo and Duchess Theatres. 

This rollercoaster ride of a play involves a husband, a wife, a mistress, a best friend and a cook.  What possible mischief could come from these Marc Camoletti characters?  Author of the recent New Theatre production Boeing-Boeing, Camoletti trained as an architect until three of his plays where produced in Paris simultaneously which launched his career.  This French born playwright has seen great success with his works many of which have been produced in 55 countries; 18 of his plays have seen 20,000 performances in Paris alone.  Although he passed away in 2003, his hilarious works are still being produced to this day.    

For tickets call 913-649-SHOW or online at www.newtheatre.com

The Coterie Theatre
Roald Dahl's The Witches
Adapted by David Wood
Directed by Missy Koonce
Runs April 14 - May 17
Crown Center - Lower level
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO

From The Coterie: "The Grand High Witch has a monstrous plan. Her fellow crones will take over all candy shops and make poisonous candy that transforms children into mice! Luckily, a brave young boy has overheard this terrible plot. With the help of his grandma, who knows something about witches, he will try to stop The Grand High Witch, but time is running out!  Roald Dahl reveals the whole ghastly truth about these horrible creatures!"

One More Thing: Do you want to know more about Roald Dahl?  Visit his website www.roalddahl.com.

For tickets call 816-474-6552 or online at www.coterietheatre.org

Unicorn Theatre
Bare
Written by Jon Hartmere & Damon Intrabartolo
Directed by Jeff Church
Runs April 24 - May 17
3828 Main Street, Kansas City, MO

In their words:
"Bare, a merge of Spring Awakening and The Dead Poets Society, explores the pleasures and pains of high school seniors at a co-ed Catholic boarding school.  Each of them questions where they are in their lives while trying to uphold the standards of their families and the Church.  Answers are sought in the confessional, the stage, a rave and a well-locked dorm room."

One More Thing:  Unicorn Theatre has partnered with six local University programs for this production to intern on stage, back stage and in the marketing department.  The schools are: UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, UMKC Theatre, Park University, Avila University, University of Kansas and University of Central Missouri.

For tickets call 816-531-7529 or online at www.unicorntheatre.org

Quality Hill Playhouse
How Did I End Up Here?
By J. Kent Barnhart
Runs April 15 - May 3
303 W. 10th Street, Kansas City, MO

In their own words:
"A one-man cabaret revue featuring J. Kent Barnhart. Find out how the Raytown boy who asked for a tuxedo for his fifth birthday became the producer of Kansas City's most intimate theatre.  Featuring songs by Cole Porter, P.D.Q. Bach, New York cabaret writers and more, plus Barnhart's trademark witty stories. Barnhart also will reprise his performance of Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue'..."

For tickets call 816-421-1700 or online at www.qualityhillplayhouse.com

Minds Eye Theatre
Hair
Book & Lyrirs by James Rado and Gerome Ragni
Music by Galt MacDermot
Runs April 24 - May 9
Just Off Broadway Theatre
3051 Central, Penn Valley Park, Kansas City, MO

This rock-musical is a product of the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960's.  Many of its songs became the cry and anthem of the Anti-Vietnam War Movement and peace rallies held during that time.  With its use of profanity, illegal drug use and sexuality as well as its infamous nude scene, Hair was the show that brought along the paradigm shift for the Broadway musical.  It first opened off-Broadway at Joseph Papp's Public Theatre in 1967, moved to a discothèque, and then transferred to Broadway's Biltmore Theatre in 1968.  Hair ran for an astounding 1,750 performances and then captured another 1,997 performances in London.  There have been many performances, recordings and film adaptations of this hip-rock musical.  A revival has been scheduled to open on March 31, 2009 in Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre after its brilliant run last summer in New York's Central Park.  Minds Eye Theatre will join Boston University on Broadway, The Winthrop Playmaker in Winthrop, MA and Theatre Le Trianon in Paris as being one of four companies to produce this cult-classic.       

For tickets call 816-721-2792 or online www.mindseyetheatrekc.com

ON GOING...

Coterie Theatre at Night
The Breakfast Club
Directed by Ron McGee
Open ended run every Monday night
Westport Coffeehouse
4010 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO

A resurrection of the defining 1980's "Brat Pack" movie is being played out on stage as Ron McGee directs The Breakfast Club.  More then a cult classic, this play - adapted from the original 1985 film - takes us on a retro-journey of five teenage strangers forced to live out a Saturday detention.  Souls are revealed, love sparks, and reality sets in as this play not only reminds us of how times in America once were but how everything stays the same.  It should be noted that this production is not suited for those under 16 or 17 years of age.

One More Thing: Stay after the play and hangout with the cast on stage, drink coffee, and listen to 80's music.

Another Thing: Visit www.youtube.com/user/anthonyalexanderpro to watch interviews of the cast and learn about their research of the characters they are portraying.

For tickets call 816-474-6552 or online www.coterietheatre.org

CLOSING THIS SOON...

Theatre for Young America (TYA)
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
Runs March 3 through April 17
Union Station's City Stage
30 West Pershing Road

From the TYA website: "Back by popular demand: a faithful stage version of the popular books by Kevin Henkes, including Chester's Way; Julius, Baby of the World, and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. This play appeals to the very youngest play¬goer with an endearing young heroine, Lilly, who likes purple, plastic purses, shiny quarters, movie star sunglasses and her teacher. More than anything Lilly wants to grow up to be a teacher herself."

One More Thing: This place connects well with lessons in etiquette, consequences of actions, self-esteem, friendship, familial relationships, humor and careers.  This play will be enjoyed by pre-school aged children and up. 

For tickets call 816-460-2020 or online at www.tya.org

American Heartland Theatre (AHT)
Backwards In High Heels: The Ginger Musical
Conceived and developed by Lynette Barkley & Christopher McGovern
Book/Original Songs/Arrangements by Christopher McGovern
A Kansas City Premiere
Runs March 6 through April 19
Crown Center - 3rd Level
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO

Ranking #14 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars, Ginger Rogers became one of America's most famous singer/dancer actresses ever to set foot on a Hollywood sound stage.  Working in the film industry for over 50 years, Rogers completed a total of 73 films, holds an Academy Award and helped revolutionize the movie musical genre with Fred Astaire in over ten cinematic projects.  Rogers died at the age of 83 on April 25, 1995 in Rancho Mirage, California.   

In this Kansas City premiere, American Heartland Theatre presents her life in the biographical-review  Backwards In High Heels, originally opening in Florida 2007.  From AHT's website: "The evening starts with young Ginger realizing her destiny as she taps her heart out to the tune 'Tame These Feet.' We follow Ginger's life, including her relationships with her mother, her husbands and the graceful Fred Astaire, as well as her glorious Oscar-winning moment. The evening glides and swirls through such memorable standards as 'Fascinating Rhythm,' 'Change Partners,' 'Embraceable You,' 'A Fine Romance' and 'We're in the Money.'  A wonderful tribute, a wonderful evening of music and dance!"

For tickets call 816-842-9999 or online at www.ahtkc.com.

Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
Galileo
by Bertolt Brecht
Directed by Bob Paisley
Runs April 2 - 19
METspace
3614 Main Street, Kansa City, MO

The third in MET's Galileo Project - Placing Science Center Stage, Brecht's play deals with the latter half of Galileo Galilei's life, the great Italian Baroque natural philosopher who was persecuted by the Roman Catholic Church for his scientific theories and discoveries.  Brecht - who has influenced many modern theatre practitioners like Dario Fo, Peter Brook and Tony Kushner to name a few - wrote two versions of this play the frist between 1937-39; the second "American version" between 1945-47.  The "American version" premiered at the Coronet Theatre in Los Angeles on July 30, 1947 and was co-directed by Brecht himself. 

From MET's website: "The time is of the emergence of the age of reason when Galileo was teaching young students the incredible account of how the earth moves around the sun, rather than the other way around. His heretical announcement, that both the moon and Jupiter only reflect the sun's light, is brought to the attention of the church and Galileo is summoned to the Vatican. His friends abandon him and his appeal to the Pope is intercepted by the inquisitor. Galileo recants, but even while imprisoned continues his writings surreptitiously."

For tickets call 816-569-3226 or online at www.metkc.org

Mon, Apr 13, 2009

Harriman-Jewell Series
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Tuesday, April 7 at  7:30 p.m.
Folly Theater
12th and Central, Downtown Kansas City, MO

We spoke about this concert in our column last week because it was coming up so quickly after this article.  But we just have to mention it again: the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center is performing the Missouri premiere of Alan Smith's "Vignettes: Covered Wagon Woman" for mezzo-soprano, piano, violin, and cello.

This group is one of twelve constituents of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, and concertizes throughout the country.

The mezzo-soprano soloist for this performance is Stephanie Blythe, who sang the first title role in Orfeo et Euridice, one of the Metropolitan Opera's movie theater simulcasts earlier this year. She will also star this summer in the Seattle Opera's celebrated Ring cycle of Richard Wagner, so she is a first-class vocalist whom we will be privileged to hear.  Other performers in the evening's concert will include Lily Francis, violinist; Warren Jones, pianist; Ani Kavafian, violinist; Priscilla Lee, cellist; Anne-Marie McDermott, pianist; and Paul Neubauer, violist.

Smith's moving song cycle is based on the daily journal of Margaret Ann Alsip Frink, written in 1850, telling of her passage across the country by covered wagon toward dreams of California gold. It's an appropriate subject for our part of the country where three of the major westward-bound covered wagon trails crossed.

Also on the program are George Gershwin's "Lullaby for String Quartet," Amy Beach's "Quintet in F-sharp minor," and John Antes' "Trio in D minor for Two Violins and Cello."

Tickets available at 816-415-5025, or online www.harriman-jewell.org

Lied Center, University of Kansas
Philip Glass: An Evening of Chamber Music
Tuesday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Lied Center
19th and Iowa Streets, Lawrence, KS

Another performance coming right up is at the Lied Center at the University of Kansas where the famous minimalist composer (well, that's what he is, although we understand he hates the label) will perform chamber music, joined by cellist Wendy Sutter and percussionist Mick Rossi, and perhaps others.

Glass sprang onto the music scene in the 1970's and within a decade had captured the imaginations of lots of audiences who found resonance in his unusual musical style.  Tonal in conception, it appears very repetitive and droning at first hearing, but upon further study reveals subtle and constantly changing musical nuances.  You sort of have to be "into" it to get it, but those who pursue Glass' music claim to be richly rewarded by his unique scores.

Although not for every taste, Glass clearly has an audience that has grown over the years.  His operas, movie scores and symphonic compositions have won much acclaim, and last year at the Metropolitan Opera his opera Satyagraha attracted sellout crowds for a string of performances that won both audience and critical praise.

If you are intrigued by Glass, but not quite ready for a whole opera, this chamber music recital may be just the thing.

For tickets call (785) 864-2787 or online at www.lied.ku.edu

UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Musica Nova
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m.
White Recital Hall
4949 Cherry, Kansas City, MO

The Conservatory of Music has many outstanding faculty and student ensembles which give interesting performances throughout the school year.  This listener has always found Musica Nova to be among the more interesting ones.  The group plays contemporary music, some of it by Conservatory composers, and always turns in fine performances.

In this concert, the last of the group's season this year, the players will perform "Tableaux funebre," a work by Conservatory guest composer Claude Baker, on loan from Indiana University.  Also on tap are "Vox balaenae" by contemporary composer George Crumb, and "Synthecisms No. 5" by Brian Bevelander.  Kansas City audiences will most appreciate, however, a composition by Conservatory professor and local favorite Zhou Long called simply "Ding." Sounds intriguing, no?

For tickets call 816-235-6222 or online at www.conservatory.umkc.edu

The Friends of Chamber Music
Ivan Moravec, piano
Friday, April 10 at 8 p.m.
The Folly Theater
12th and Central Streets, Downtown Kansas City, MO

Ivan Moravec, a native of Prague, has been enchanting audiences for 35 years with his idiomatic style. The list of orchestras with which he has soloed reads like a Who's Who of classic music organizations: The New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia, Cleveland and Minnesota Orchestras, the Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, Toronto and Pittsburgh symphonies and the Los Angeles and Orpheus chamber orchestras, among many others.  As a solo recitalist he has appeared in recital at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and on the major recital series in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Cleveland and Philadelphia, along with Kansas City, of course. 

In Europe, Moravec has appeared in recital and as concerto soloist in the major music capitals, including Vienna, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Leipzig, Munich, Oslo, Rome, Milan and many others. He has recorded for the Nonesuch, Supraphon, Connoisseur Society, Dorian, Pro Arte, Quintessence, Vox and the Moss Music labels, and is one of the pianists included on Philips' historic series "Great Pianists of the 20th Century."

A review of a recent performance in London stated that Moravec "belongs to a dying breed of pianists, who devote their entire life to their instrument as well as to teaching. His self-criticism is well known and it can take years until he presents his interpretation of a specific work to an audience. The result is ultimate perfection, whereby technique is only one tool for the many facets of his insight into a composition."

For his Friends of Chamber Music recital, Moravec will present the music of his fellow Czech Janacek, along with Debussy and Chopin.

For tickets call 816-561-9999 or online at www.chambermusic.org

UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Conservatory Orchestra with Pianist Karen Kushner
Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
White Recital Hall
4949 Cherry, Kansas City, MO

Pianist Karen Kushner is one of the finest local pianists, a faculty member at the Conservatory of Music and Dance, and justly popular with local audiences.  This evening, in the company of the fine Conservatory Orchestra, she will perform Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major.

The Conservatory Orchestra will play a rarity, Ginastera's virtuosic "Variaciones concertantes," and then one of the great classics, Beethoven's "Symphony No. 8."  It all sounds like good fun.

For tickets call 816-235-6222, or online at www.conservatory.umkc.edu

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City Chorale Saturday Easter Concert
Sunday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m.
Kirkwood Hall
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO

One of Kansas City's loveliest Easter weekend traditions is the Saturday Easter concert by the Kansas City Chorale in Kirkwood Hall.  The Chorale's voices sound ethereal in the resonance of the Nelson Atkins, just the thing for the most religious of holidays.

Tickets often sell out earlier, so check today if you want a spot.

For tickets call 816-751-1ART or online at www.nelsonatkins.org

UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Faculty Chamber Music Concert with Violinist Benny Kim
Sunday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.
White Recital Hall
4949 Cherry, Kansas City, MO

An annual event, the Conservatory of Music and Dance's Easter Chamber Music Concert has become a popular success over the past few years. This time popular faculty violinist Benny Kim will perform with some of the Conservatory faculty and some of the great artists from around the country, as they join forces to tackle Franz Schubert's "Death and the Maiden" String Quartet, one of the most profound pieces of music in the string quartet literature.

For tickets call 816-235-6222 or online at www.conservatory.umkc.edu

Mid-America Nazarene University
Classic Brass with Fountain City Brass Band
Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Bell Cultural Center
Mid-America Nazarene University
2030 E. College Way, Olathe, Kansas

No program for this concert has been announced yet.

For tickets call 913-971-3636 or online at www.mnu.edu/events/bellcenter

Carlsen Center at JCCC
Takacs Quartet and Marc-Andre Hamelin, piano
Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 p.m.
Yardley Hall at the Carlsen Center
Johnson County Community College
12345 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS

A few years ago your columnist attended a Signature Series college at the UMKC Conservatory with a Canadian pianist named Marc-Andre Hamelin, and wondering, "who is this guy?" Well, I quickly found out, as his fabulous technique and dramatic readings almost literally blew me out of the hall.  I concluded that he must be the resurrection of Franz Liszt himself, that master piano showman, but with a more modest personality and lots less hair.

His recordings, several of which were promptly purchased by this listener, revealed a wealth of unknown material.  He tends to specialize in almost impossible-to-perform pieces by composers not often recorded by other pianists, for understandable reasons.  If piano virtuosity interests you, there is no performance who epitomizes it any more thoroughly.

Since that time Hamelin has appeared with the Kansas City Symphony and now is making a reappearance in Kansas City on the stage of Yardley Hall, in the company of the impressive young Takacs Quartet.

This performance, part of a worldwide tour that takes the five musicians to locations throughout North America and Europe, will feature the Schumann Piano Quintet.  It's a piece requiring extraordinary virtuosity, and has found its match, no doubt, with Hamelin and company.  It should be quite a show.

For tickets call 913-469-4445 or online at www.jccc.net.

Topeka Symphony Orchestra
Keyboard Kaleidoscope with Linda Maxey, marimba
Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
White Concert Hall
Washburn University Campus, Topeka, KS

John Strickler will conduct the Topeka Symphony in a varied program featuring Samuel Barber's "School for Scandal," Saint- Saint-Saëns' overpowering Symphony No. 3, the "Organ Symphony," and a marimba concerto by Kevin Puts.

The soloist in the Organ Concerto will be Elisa Bickers.  This listener has always found the Saint-Saëns piece to be one of the most explosive in the repertoire.  It might not be the greatest piece of classical music ever written, but it is definitely one of the loudest, in which the composer pulled out all of the (organ) stops to produce overwhelming sound.  Bring your ear plugs.

The Marimba Concert of Kevin Puts, by contrast, takes its inspiration from the more standard concertos of Mozart and is said to be much more sedate.  We'll see.  In any event, this will offer one of your few chances to hear it, and we understand that the featured marimba player in the Marimba Concerto, Linda Maxey, is quite talented.

For tickets call 785-232-2032, or by e-mail at tso@topekasymphony.org.  Tickets are not available online, but for information see www.topekasymphony.org.

Park University
Grand Piano Festival Series
Sunday, April 19 at 3:00 p.m.
Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
Park University Campus
8700 N.W. River Park Drive, Parkville, MO

Park University is putting on some impressive music recitals these days, and this one will feature pianists Laurence Lesser and Hae-Sun Paik, along with some guest artists and the Quartet Accorda.  As of this date, no program for the recital is available.

Free admission. For more information, see www.park.edu/calendar/arts.html

Kansas City Civic Orchestra
Sunday, April 19, 2:00 p.m.
Folly Theater
12th and Central, Kansas City, MO

The Kansas City Civic Orchestra, now under the direction of Christopher Kelts, is known for tackling large-scale works that you would think would be beyond the capacity of a community group, and performing them surprisingly well.

In this concert the Civic Orchestra plays to this theme, undertaking Dvorak's hauntingly beautiful Symphony No. 9, which he entitled "From the New World" and which is popularly known as the "New World Symphony."  In it, the Czech composer, visiting American from his native Czechoslovakia, supposedly incorporated American themes into his symphony, although some have found it to be much more inspired by Czech folk music than any musical sources he might have found on this side of Atlantic.

But so what?  The music is enchantingly beautiful and is one of this author's all-time favorites.  Besides, it's the only major symphonic composition to have been conceived in the state of Iowa. 
Joining the Civic Orchestra for the rest of the program will be classical guitarist Douglas Niedt (pronounced "Neet"), the head of the guitar program at the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and a terrific performer.  His compact disc "Pure Magic" is one of this listener's favorite guitar discs, and has produced many hours of listening enjoyment. 

Free admission.  For information visit www.kccivic.org

UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance
Operatic Scenes
Sunday, April 19 at 2:30 p.m. and
Monday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Performing Arts Center, Room 116
4949 Cherry, Kansas City, MO

This concert of opera scenes by Conservatory of Music opera students sometimes reveals some young talent of surprising sophistication.  The precise selections haven't been announced, but the show is always rewarding and you can't beat the price in today's economy.

Free admission.  For information visit  www.conservatory.umkc.edu

Northland Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, April 19, 3:00 p.m.
Park Hill South High School
4500 N.W. River Park Drive, Riverside, MO

This concert by the Northland Symphony will feature the "Roman Carnival Overture" by Berlioz, "Somerset Rhapsody" by Holst, and the Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5.  Also on tap will be a performance by the winner of the high school soloist competition.

Free admission.  For information visit www.northlandsymphony.org

By KCM Staff   Mon, Jun 16, 2008

Many thanks to ArtsJournal.com's editor, Douglas McLennan
~ Formerly an arts columnist and arts reporter with the Seattle
Post-Intelligencer and the Seattle Weekly. Doug writes on
the arts for a number of publications (in his abundant free time)
and is currently acting director of the National Arts Journalism
Program while it reinvents itself ~

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