FINAL SYMPHONY: MUSIC FROM FINAL FANTASTY®
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Since its launch in 1987, the Final Fantasy video game series has sold more than 200 million copies worldwide, captivating both longtime fans and newcomers with its enchanting adventures and epic stories. Officially licensed by Square Enix, “Final Symphony” features orchestral music by Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu from Final Fantasy VI, VII and X, showcasing some of fans’ favorite moments from the games. Join the Kansas City Symphony and immerse yourself in the universe of Final Fantasy.
Nobuo Uematsu/arr. Jonne Valtonen, Opening FanFare
Nobuo Uematsu/arr. Roger Wanamo, “Final Fantasy VI”-Born with the Gift of Magic (Terra’s Theme | Kefka | Esper World | Battle etc.)
Nobuo Uematsu and Masashi Hamauzu/arr. Masashi Mamauzu and Roger Wanamo, “Final Fantasy X”-Piano Concerto (Resaid | Hum of the Fayth | Thunder Plains) I. Zanarkand II. Inori III. Kessen
Stephen Beus, piano
Nobuo Uematsu/arr. Jonne Valtonen, “Final Fantasy VII”- Symphony in Three Movements (Main Theme of FINAL FANTASY VII | J-E-N-O-V-A | Tifa’s Theme | The Great Warrior etc.) I. Nibelheim Incident II. Words Drowned by Fireworks III. The Planet’s Crisis
Note: This concert will not include a screen or any visual elements from the video games.
BEN RECTOR WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Friday, May 22, 2026 at 8 p.m.
“Songs for America” offers a moment of levity and reverence about the places we come from — a musical respite from the idea that more separates us than binds us in our shared and varied experience of calling America home. A collection of original songs written to celebrate American cities and states, “Songs for America” was inspired by Ben Rector’s fifteen years of cross-country travel as a touring artist. The pieces are equal parts golden-era pop song, Broadway number and modern hymn, combining the quippy humor of Rector’s viral ditties with the stage presence, musicality and songwriting chops that have secured his national cult following for more than a decade.
ON STAGE WITH GIL SHAHAM
Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Gil Shaham, one of the greatest violinists in the world, joins Music Director Matthias Pintscher and musicians from the Kansas City Symphony for this On Stage concert! Enjoy an immersive concert sitting on the Helzberg Hall stage plus time to mingle with the musicians afterwards.
ON STAGE WITH YEFIM BRONFMAN
Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Join Yefim Bronfman, one of the great pianists of our time, in this On Stage performance with musicians of the Kansas City Symphony and your host, Music Director Matthias Pintscher. Enjoy receptions before and after plus a performance on the Helzberg Hall stage, up close with the musicians and the music!
TREY ANASTASIO WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.
Edwin Outwater, guest conductor
Trey Anastasio began his career as the guitarist and vocalist for the band Phish, and has won acclaim in the rock, classical and theatre circles. He has received GRAMMY® nominations for his recordings with Phish and for his solo work. Anastasio has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, among others. In 2013, he was nominated for a Tony Award and two Drama Desk Awards for the original score of the Broadway musical Hands on a Hardbody.