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Our History
The Kansas City Symphony (KCS) was founded by R. Crosby Kemper, Jr., in 1982, just months after the dissolution of the Kansas City Philharmonic. Under Kemper's leadership, the founding trustees of the Symphony created a sound structure for the board and established the initial endowment. Today, the KCS is a major force in the cultural life of Kansas City and the region.
Now under the dynamic leadership of acclaimed music director Michael Stern, the Kansas City Symphony has experienced impressive artistic growth through its history and under the batons of Russell Patterson (1982- 1986), William McLaughlin (1986- 1997), and Anne Manson (1998- 2003). Damon Gupton, assistant conductor, conducts the Family Series and Symphony Pops.
The Kansas City Symphony serves a metropolitan population of 1.8 million people. The orchestra's 80 full-time musicians are area residents and vital contributors to the artistic life of Kansas City.
During its forty-two week season, the Symphony performs a wide variety of subscription, educational, touring, and outreach concerts. In addition, the KCS performs for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet.
AWARD-WINNING LEADERSHIP
The Kansas City Symphony is governed by a board of trustees under the leadership of Board President Shirley Bush Helzberg and is administered by a full-time professional staff. In addition, the KCS benefits from the dedicated efforts of its volunteer associations. The Symphony's seven auxiliaries, with total membership nearing 650, raise approximately $800,000 annually, making it one of the most successful orchestra volunteer forces in the nation. Fund-raising events include the Symphony Ball, Homes of NoteTour, Designers' Showhouse, Cabaret Concert, Musical Masterpieces and Symphony Mart; other activities include the Friends of the Symphony Gift Shop and a docent program for the youth concerts.
FINANCIAL STRENGTH
The Kansas City Symphony has consistently balanced its budget and has demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility. From a budget of $1.5 million in its first season, the Symphony's annual operating budget has grown to more than $10 million. Major gifts from the board, local foundations, and individuals have created an endowment that is nearing $40 million. As with many other cultural organizations, ticket sales cover only a fraction of the cost of maintaining a fine symphony orchestra. The Symphony's annual fund campaign and other fundraising events are integral to our continued success, and we welcome your participation as a Business Partner or as a member of the Symphony Society or other member groups.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
The Symphony's education activities include specially programmed youth concerts---KinderKonzerts and Young People's Concerts ---performed in the Lyric Theatre, as well as workshops for high school students. Other regular activities include open rehearsals, instrument "petting zoos" at concerts and in schools, and a new program of partnerships with area schools where the KCS performs benefit concerts with all proceeds going to support music education programs at those schools. The Symphony's various education programs reach an estimated 18,000 young people each year. An additional element in support of musical excellence is the annual Young Artists' Competition, where dozens of the most talented young soloists from the Kansas City area compete for a cash prize and the opportunity to perform with the KCS.
In 1997, the Symphony introduced an innovative outreach program called Community Connections. The program features community-based performances by Symphony musicians (solo recitals and chamber ensembles). Each year, Community Connection concerts and recitals teach 8,000 to 10,000 people.
RECORDINGS & BROADCASTS
In May 2004, the Kansas City Symphony released The Sound of Kansas City, a compilation of excerpts from live performances recorded between 2002 and 2003. In 1994-1995, the Symphony's first CD, AmericanVoices, was released on the Classical Digital label. The orchestra has taped two nationally broadcast PBS television specials and performed on National Public Radio, including the prestigious SymphonyCast series. The Symphony recorded a CD of works of Taiwanese composer, Gordon Chin, which was released in February of 2007 on the Naxos label. The orchestra recently completed a special recording project for American Century Investments, and has initiated a relationship with Reference Recordings. Highlights of classical performances are broadcast weekly on KCUR-FM 89.3, Kansas City's National Public Radio affiliate.
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