KCMETROPOLIS.org
Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

Kansas City Symphony presents
Magic of Christmas
Friday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Lyric Theatre
10th and Central, Downtown Kansas City, MO

The Magic of Christmas is the Kansas City Symphony's Christmas show designed to appeal to the whole family, and is one of the most charming of the annual holiday concerts given by various musical groups around the metropolis at this time of year.

As we noted in last week's column, the formula for the Magic of Christmas is usually fairly predictable: Take some standard tunes of the season, mix in a few costumed characters and some lithe dancers (watch for the McFadden Brothers this year), throw in a children's choir and a "surprise" appearance by Santa Claus, and what do you have?  A blend of delightful holiday cheer that is sure to bring a smile to the face of young and old alike.

For those who are regular Symphony observers, the Magic of Christmas show is also a great opportunity for the Symphony's assistant conductor to show his stuff. So attendees will see not only his conducting technique, but also his personality and showmanship, because the conductor in this show is part music director, part emcee, and...well, you'll see. This year the Symphony's new assistant conductor, Steven Jarvi, will be at the helm.  This writer has spoken with him and seen him in action, and he appears to be a delightful person both musically and personally.  We can't wait to see what his does with the Symphony's venerable holiday classic.

For tickets call 816-471-0400 or online at www.kcsymphony.org

Carlsen Center presents
Ain't Misbehavin' 
by Fats Waller
Friday, December 12 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 at 8 p.m.
Johnson County Community College
College and Quivira, Overland Park, KS

Not all musical offerings at this time of year are holiday concerts.  This performance of a touring group features the famous Fats Waller musical Ain't Misbehavin'.  Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis star.  According to the publicity material, "1930s Harlem lives on in this swinging, finger-snapping, comic musical considered one of Broadway's best revues of all time."

For tickets call 913-469-4445
or online at www.jccc.net/home/depts.php/001440/site/Chronological_Listing

Bach Aria Soloists presents
Patterson Hauskonzert
Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m.
Home of Colleen and Mark Patterson, Kansas City, MO

The Bach Aria Soloists, the fine chamber music group formed and directed by stylish violinist Elizabeth Suh Lane, performs occasional concerts in private homes, and these are known as much for their hospitality and food as for their superlative musical standards.  This program may be sold out, but contact the Bach Aria Soloists for tickets if you wish to experience outstanding musicianship up close and personal.  This performance will feature works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, and Mozart. There is a reception following the concert.

For tickets: Contact info@bachariasoloists.com or visit www.bachariasoloists.com

Kansas City Civic Orchestra presents
"Holiday Spectacular" Concert
Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Atonement Lutheran Church
9948 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS

Interim director Christopher Kelts has proven an able figure on the podium for Kansas City's long-time community orchestra, which often plays at a high level of competence.  The orchestra's holiday concert is often filled with holiday favorites as well as classical selections of the season.  The program for this concert has not been publicly announced, but if it meets the Civic Orchestra's usual standards it should be an enjoyable evening.  Tickets are not required, but early arrival for a good seat is advised. This concert is free.

Northland Symphony Orchestra presents
Selection of Holiday Music
Sunday, December 14 at 3 p.m.
Park Hill South High School
I-635 and Missouri 9 Highway
4500 N.W. River Park Drive, Riverside, MO

Under the direction of James Murray III, the Northland Symphony Orchestra has risen to become one of the best community orchestras in the metropolitan area.  Its annual holiday concert on Sunday afternoon should be a fun afternoon for those in the Northland.  Actually, this writer has it on good authority that they also do not turn down people from South of the river, or even from Kansas. 
This concert is free.

By Don Dagenais

City Classics Music and Dance Columnist; Classical Contributor

A lifelong classical music fan, Don Dagenais is a frequent preview speaker for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and has taught classical music and opera courses at several Kansas City venues. He has served on the boards of directors of a number of performing arts organizations including the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, the Lyric Opera Guild, UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, Opera Volunteers International, the Civic Opera Theater of Kansas City, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony, Octarium, and the Friends of the Symphony.  He has been the past president of most of these organizations and is current the president of the Friends of the Symphony. 

Dagenais co-authored a history of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, published on the occasion of its 50th anniversary (2007) and has written books on the histories of both the Lyric Opera Guild and Opera Volunteers International, as well as an introductory book for opera novices (Your Passport to the Opera).  He has received several local and national awards for outstanding volunteer work for the arts, including a lifetime achievement award from The Coterie Theatre in 2000, the Kansas City Musical Club's annual award in 2001, a Partners in Excellence Award from Opera Volunteers International in 2002, a Bravo Award from Opera Volunteers International in 2004 and a community service award from the Daughter of the American Revolution in 2008 honoring him for his community service to the arts.

In addition to his music interests, Don is president of the board of directors for the Metropolitan Ensemble Theater and has served on the boards of The Coterie Theatre and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, serving as president of each organization.  He publishes newsletters for seven arts organizations.  When not involved in the performing arts, Don is a senior real estate attorney with Lathrop & Gage LLP in Kansas City, Missouri, where he has practiced law since 1976 after graduating from the Cornell Law School.