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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Wed, Apr 20, 2011
Late April marks the winding down of 2010–11 season for many groups, couple that with the Easter weekend and offerings are few and far between - except for, of course, the many fine musical offerings within area churches that we have not listed here. But there are some gems still remaining in these last weeks of April. Those include the University of Kansas Music Department performances of Humperdinck’s timeless "Hansel and Gretel;" Russian National Theatre in Tchaikovsky’s "Romeo and Juliet" (Harriman-Jewell Series); and Owen/Cox Dance Group embarks upon an intriguing collaboration with newEar, "Contemporary Collaborations," at the end of the month. Also, the spring dance concerts at the Kansas University Department of Dance are on tap.
The Kansas City Symphony features stories of the creation (appropriate, perhaps, at this religious season of the year) with selections from Haydn’s great oratorio as well as French composer Darius Milhaud’s very different view of the subject, and a contemporary setting by Avner Dorman of visions from Earth’s ancient past. The Youth Symphony offers music of Rossini, Dvořák, Holst and Saint-Saëns. The talented singers and instrumentalists of UMKC will end the Conservatory Artist Series with Poulenc’s Gloria and Tchaikovsky.
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Wed, Apr 13, 2011
Opera fans take note: The Lyric Opera finishes its final performances of the season with "The Marriage of Figaro," bidding farewell the Lyric Theatre (next year it moves to the new Kauffman Center) as we open the last half of April. Also, the KC Metro Opera produces a rarely-done Gilbert & Sullivan work, "The Gondoliers," and the University of Kansas Music Department performs Humperdinck’s timeless "Hansel and Gretel."
Meanwhile, fans of the dance will enjoy the Russian National Theatre in Tchaikovsky’s "Romeo and Juliet" (Harriman-Jewell Series). The 940 Dance Company of Lawrence performs in what is billed as the company’s final production, "Red," while the Owen/Cox Dance Group embarks upon an intriguing collaboration with newEar, "Contemporary Collaborations," at the end of the month. Also, the spring dance concerts at both the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and the Kansas University Department of Dance are on tap.
Two of the greatest choral works of the repertory, Mozart’s Requiem (Musica Sacra) and Poulenc’s Gloria (UMKC Conservatory Orchestra and Choirs) can be heard within days of each other, while the Northland Community Choir tackles another choral classic, the Duruflé Requiem.
The Kansas City Symphony features stories of the creation (appropriate, perhaps, at this religious season of the year) with selections from Haydn’s great oratorio as well as French composer Darius Milhaud’s very different view of the subject, and a contemporary setting by Avner Dorman of visions from Earth’s ancient past. The Youth Symphony offers music of Rossini, Dvořák, Holst, and Saint-Saëns.
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Tue, Apr 05, 2011
Rounding out the first half of April is the Lyric Opera's end of 41 years in the Lyric Theatre with a production of Mozart’s "The Marriage of Figaro." Another operatic highlight is Kansas City Metro Opera’s production of a rarely done Gilbert & Sullivan piece, "The Gondoliers."Fans of dance have several juicy opportunities this month, including the 940 Dance Company in Lawrence and the UMKC Conservatory’s spring dance concert. Piano connoisseurs have an opportunity to hear pianist Alpin Hong at the Lied Center. We also have a spring performance by the outstanding Summerfest chamber ensemble, Mozart's Requiem with Timothy McDonald’s Musica Sacra, guitarist Douglas Niedt in recital, and the renowned ensemble I Musici de Montréal with the Harriman-Jewell Series. In addition, a number of community ensembles have spring concerts, including several with patriotic themes.
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Wed, Mar 30, 2011
The first half of April affords opera fans several opportunities to enjoy their favorites. The Lyric Opera closes 41 years in the Lyric Theatre with a production of Mozart’s "The Marriage of Figaro." Also, this month gives you not one, but two opportunities to hear Handel operas (or excerpts from) by the Boston Early Music Festival courtesy of The Friends of Chamber Music and by the William Jewell College music department. Another operatic highlight is Kansas City Metro Opera’s production of a rarely done Gilbert & Sullivan piece, "The Gondoliers."
Fans of dance have several juicy opportunities this month, including the famed Joffrey Ballet at JCCC, City in Motion Dance Theater at the H&R Block City Stage in Union Station, the 940 Dance Company in Lawrence, and the UMKC Conservatory’s spring dance concert. Piano connoisseurs have an opportunity to hear pianist Alpin Hong at the Lied Center. We also have a spring performance by the outstanding Summerfest chamber ensemble, Mozart's Requiem with Timothy McDonald’s Musica Sacra, guitarist Douglas Niedt in recital, and the renowned ensemble I Musici de Montréal with the Harriman–Jewell Series. In addition, a number of community ensembles have spring concerts, including several with patriotic themes.
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Tue, Mar 22, 2011
Vocal music highlights dominate Kansas City’s classical music scene as March ends. The Friends of Chamber Music presents Trio Mediaeval, a group of a cappella women singers in ancient masterworks, the combined University of Kansas forces present Mendelssohn’s giant oratorio "Elijah." Also, you have an unusual chance to hear excerpts from Handel’s "Radamisto" at William Jewell College. On a lighter note, the Heartland Men’s Chorus sings jazz works with guest artist Marilyn Maye.
On the instrumental side, the Kansas City Symphony performs Romantic favorites by Berlioz, Ravel, and Elgar under the baton of guest conductor Larry Rachleff and soloist Ingrid Fliter. Kanako Ito and Martin Storey return to town to play with Quartet Accorda at Park University. It will be great to hear these returning artists again.
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Tue, Mar 15, 2011
Vocal music highlights dominate the last two weeks of March on Kansas City’s classical music scene. The Friends of Chamber Music presents Trio Mediaeval, a group of a cappella women singers in ancient masterworks, the combined University of Kansas forces present Mendelssohn’s giant oratorio Elijah, and the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance performs Mozart’s Don Giovanni for its spring opera. Also, you have an unusual chance to hear excerpts from Handel’s Radamisto at William Jewell College. On a lighter note, the Heartland Men’s Chorus sings jazz works with guest artist Marilyn Maye.
On the instrumental side, the Kansas City Symphony performs two concerts, one featuring Latin American themes with guest violist Roberto Diaz, and the other including Romantic favorites by Berlioz, Ravel, and Elgar under the baton of guest conductor Larry Rachleff.
One of today’s most extraordinary pianists, Garrick Ohlsson, performs Chopin and Granados for The Friends of Chamber Music and Kanako Ito and Martin Storey return to town to play with Quartet Accorda at Park University. It will be great to hear these returning artists again.
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Tue, Feb 22, 2011
The Kansas City Ballet’s spring program of Giselle, the classic full-length ballet by Adolphe Adam, is the highlight of early March dance and music programming in Kansas City. It is one of the greats in the repertoire. The Friends of Chamber Music presents the outstanding original instrument ensemble Akademie für alte Musik Berlin in works of Bach and Telemann. Meanwhile, opera fans can enjoy the Civic Opera presentation of Conrad Susa’s Transformations.
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Wed, Feb 16, 2011
The second half of February offers an opportunity to hear one of the most delightful comic operas in the repertoire, Donizetti’s "The Daughter of the Regiment," at the Lyric Opera featuring two young singers in the lead roles. If piano music is your forte, you can enjoy two young superstars: Rafał Blechacz with the Friends of Chamber Music, and Behzod Abduraimov at Park University. Vocal music fans can enjoy Musica Sacra’s concert of Haydn and Buxtehude, Octarium in a concert of listener favorites, UMKC’s Conservatory Singers in Bach’s "St. Matthew Passion," as well as the Heartland Men’s Chorus and the Kansas City Women’s Chorus in Fauré's Requiem.
Bach Aria Soloists takes something of a departure from its usual wheelhouse with a concert of Argentine tangos, and followers of contemporary music can enjoy both newEar and the Kansas City Electronic Music & Arts Alliance (KCEMA). The Harriman-Jewell Series presents the Cape Town Orchestra in a concert featuring the Korngold Violin Concerto, a twentieth–century classic. Finally, one of the world’s favorite vocal groups, the Vienna Boys Choir, will present an eclectic but undoubtedly popular program at Yardley Hall.
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Wed, Feb 02, 2011
The first two weeks in February bring Valentine’s day concerts, and we have some special ones by The Friends of Chamber Orchestra, Fine Arts Chorale and Heartland Men’s Chorus. Although not billed as such, the recital by Kansas City’s own world-famous Joyce DiDonato on February 13th would certainly be a treat for any classical music-loving romantic interest in your life. Also on tap are a Kansas City Symphony concert featuring a Mozart symphony and Smetana’s luscious “Moldau” from Ma Vlast, an appearance in Independence by Chanticleer (The Friends of Chamber Music), one of today’s top male vocal ensembles, the Alexander String Quartet at the Lied Center, and several other treats.
For fans of dance there is only one local performance in early February, but it’s a doozy…City in Motion Dance Theater’s annual A Modern Night at the Folly, featuring the work of a number of local choreographers. For this audience member, it is always once of the dance highlights of the season.
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Tue, Feb 01, 2011
Valentine’s day concerts abound and we have some special ones by The Friends of Chamber Music, Fine Arts Chorale, and Heartland Men’s Chorus. Although not billed as such, the recital by Kansas City’s own world-famous Joyce DiDonato on February 13th would certainly be a treat for any classical music-loving romantic interest in your life. The second half of February offers an opportunity to hear one of the most delightful comic operas in the repertoire, Donizetti’s "The Daughter of the Regiment," at the Lyric Opera featuring two young singers in the lead roles. If piano music is your forte, you can enjoy two young superstars: Rafał Blechacz with the Friends of Chamber Music, and Behzod Abduraimov at Park University. Vocal music fans can enjoy Musica Sacra’s concert of Haydn and Buxtehude, Octarium in a concert of listener favorites, UMKC’s Conservatory Singers in Bach’s "St. Matthew Passion," as well as the Heartland Men’s Chorus and the Kansas City Women’s Chorus in Fauré's Requiem.
Bach Aria Soloists takes something of a departure from its usual wheelhouse with a concert of Argentine tangos, and followers of contemporary music can enjoy both newEar and the Kansas City Electronic Music & Arts Alliance (KCEMA). The Harriman-Jewell Series presents the Cape Town Orchestra in a concert featuring the Korngold Violin Concerto, a twentieth–century classic. Finally, one of the world’s favorite vocal groups, the Vienna Boys Choir, will present an eclectic but undoubtedly popular program at Yardley Hall.
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Tue, Jan 25, 2011
Audience members seeking virtuoso instrumentalists will get their fill with great pianists Radu Lupu (The Friends of Chamber Music) and Jean Yves Thibaudet (Harriman-Jewell Series) take the stage. On the string side Alisa Weilerstein, cello performs with the Kansas City Symphony.
The first two weeks in February bring Valentine’s day concerts, and we have some special ones by The Friends of Chamber Orchestra, Fine Arts Chorale and Heartland Men’s Chorus. Although not billed as such, the recital by Kansas City’s own world-famous Joyce DiDonato on February 13th would certainly be a treat for any classical music-loving romantic interest in your life. Also on tap are a Kansas City Symphony concert featuring a Mozart symphony and Smetana’s luscious “Moldau” from Ma Vlast, an appearance in Independence by Chanticleer (The Friends of Chamber Music), one of today’s top male vocal ensembles, the Alexander String Quartet at the Lied Center, and several other treats.
For fans of dance there is only one local performance in early February, but it’s a doozy…City in Motion Dance Theater’s annual A Modern Night at the Folly, featuring the work of a number of local choreographers. For this audience member, it is always once of the dance highlights of the season.
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Tue, Jan 18, 2011
It will be a grand two weeks for audience members seeking virtuoso instrumentalists, as great pianists, Radu Lupu (The Friends of Chamber Music) and Jean Yves Thibaudet (Harriman-Jewell Series) take the stage and are matched by two great string players, Joshua Bell, violin (Harriman-Jewell Series) and Alisa Weilerstein, cello (Kansas City Symphony). Fans of medieval music have a rare chance to hear the sonorous tones of Sequentia, Benjamin Bagby’s famous early music vocal ensemble, in the appropriate surroundings of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral for The Friends of Chamber Music. Meanwhile, dance aficionados will not be disappointed when Lar Lubovitch, one of today’s most celebrated modern dance choreographers, brings his inimitable ensemble to the Carlsen Center in Johnson County. The first two weeks in February bring Valentine’s day concerts, and we have some special ones by The Friends of Chamber Orchestra, Fine Arts Chorale and Heartland Men’s Chorus. Although not billed as such, the recital by Kansas City’s own world-famous Joyce DiDonato on February 13th would certainly be a treat for any classical music-loving romantic interest in your life. Also on tap are a Kansas City Symphony concert featuring a Mozart symphony and Smetana’s luscious “Moldau” from Ma Vlast, an appearance in Independence by Chanticleer (The Friends of Chamber Music), one of today’s top male vocal ensembles, the Alexander String Quartet at the Lied Center, and several other treats. For fans of dance there is only one local performance in early February, but it’s a doozy…City in Motion Dance Theater’s annual A Modern Night at the Folly, featuring the work of a number of local choreographers. For this audience member, it is always once of the dance highlights of the season.
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Tue, Jan 04, 2011
As we move into January, several Kansas City music organizations are beginning their winter seasons. It will be a grand two weeks for audience members seeking virtuoso instrumentalists, as three great pianists, Andre Watts, Radu Lupu and Jean Yves Thibaudet, take the stage for the Kansas City Symphony, The Friends of Chamber Music and Harriman-Jewell Series, respectively, and are matched by two great string players, Joshua Bell, violin (Harriman-Jewell Series) and Alisa Weilerstein, cello (Kansas City Symphony). Fans of medieval music have a rare chance to hear the sonorous tones of Sequentia, Benjamin Bagby’s famous early music vocal ensemble, in the appropriate surroundings of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral for The Friends of Chamber Music. Meanwhile, dance aficionados will not be disappointed as the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company reprises its popular program from last fall, The Cypress Avenue Concert, at the Folly Theater, and Lar Lubovitch, one of today’s most celebrated modern dance choreographers, brings his inimitable ensemble to the Carlsen Center in Johnson County.
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Tue, Dec 07, 2010
The Christmas holiday season continues this week with the last few performances of the crown jewel of holiday dance performances, the Kansas City Ballet’s "Nutcracker," one of the finest productions of this great work to be seen anywhere. If light and joyous fare is your cup of tea this time of year, check out Quality Hill Playhouse’s excellent "Christmas in Song."
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Wed, Nov 24, 2010
The first two weeks in December flood us with a number of outstanding performances as virtually every music organization in the city presents its holiday concert. It’s time for music fans to pour over their calendars and agonize over their choices; by our count, the evening of Saturday, December 11 alone offers no fewer than nine performances by different ensembles on the same evening. Enjoy!
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