KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 20, 2026) — At the peak of its 44th season, the Kansas City Symphony welcomes audiences to an exciting lineup of spring performances that celebrate bold collaborations and fresh artistic perspectives on both new and classic favorites. From Dolly and Taylor Swift’s beloved songs reimagined with full orchestral power, to classical concertos brought to life by some of the world’s top instrumentalists, the Symphony’s upcoming performances offer something for every listener and invite the community to experience live music in unforgettable ways. 

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony

May 15-17 | TICKETS

Dolly Parton’s Threads is an innovative multimedia symphonic experience that places America’s leading lady of country on screen as she guides audiences through a rich visual and musical journey of her songs, her life and the stories behind the music.  

Performed with Kansas City’s full symphony orchestra and accompanied by guest vocalists and musicians, the concert features new and inventive orchestral arrangements of Dolly’s most beloved hits—including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You”—as well as some of Dolly’s personal favorites.  

“The threads of my life are woven together through my songs,” Parton shared. “That’s why this project, Threads: My Songs in Symphony, is so special to me. It’s all about sharing my music and my musical journey with audiences in a new way.” 

Ben Rector with the Kansas City Symphony 

May 21-22 | TICKETS

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ben Rector returns to share the stage with the Kansas City Symphony in Symphonies Across America, a concert experience that brings new dimensions to his acclaimed catalog. Joined by longtime friend and collaborator Jon McLaughlin, whose album “Scenarios” introduces bold new songs rooted in his signature piano‑driven sound, Rector blends anthem‑worthy sing‑alongs, quick wit and soulful storytelling with lush orchestral arrangements—creating a powerful concert experience that can only be heard at the symphony. 

Steve Hackman Conducts His ‘Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era’ 

June 11-12 | TICKETS

The Symphony is in its Taylor era. With an impressive record of reimagining the worlds of Brahms, Beyoncé, Radiohead, Drake and more, Steve Hackman brings his signature orchestral fusion style to “Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era,” a two-night-only event with the Kansas City Symphony. Joined by a band, dynamic vocalists and the full power of the Symphony, this one-of-a-kind tribute concert comes to life at Helzberg Hall. Singing along is encouraged. 

Experience the Magic of Live Classical Music 

The heart of the Kansas City Symphony’s programming is its deep orchestral tradition. World-renowned musicians, including violinist Gil Shaham and pianists Yefim Bronfman and Michelle Cann, will take the stage at Helzberg Hall to play alongside the Kansas City Symphony in a series of dazzling concertos across eras and styles. 

  • May 8 – 10: Grieg’s Piano Concerto | TICKETS 
  • May 29 – 31: Gil Shaham Plays Brahms | TICKETS 
  • June 5 – 7: Rachmaninoff Celebration, featuring Yefim Bronfman | TICKETS 
  • June 19 – 21: Rhapsody in Blue and Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, featuring Michelle Cann | TICKETS 

The Kansas City Symphony’s incredible 2026-27 season has also been announced, with single-ticket sales beginning in June. Learn more or sign up for the Symphony’s newsletter to receive updates at kcsymphony.org.  

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About The Kansas City Symphony
In only its 44th season, the Kansas City Symphony has already become one of America’s most vibrant major orchestras and has gained national and international recognition. At its orchestral home of Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Symphony serves the Kansas City metropolitan region of more than 2.2 million people.   

The Symphony’s 80 full-time musicians present a diverse and dynamic range of orchestral and chamber music performances each season under the artistic leadership of music director Matthias Pintscher, an internationally acclaimed conductor and composer who regularly conducts many of the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies. 

In addition to concerts in Helzberg Hall, Symphony musicians perform throughout the region on an innovative portable stage, the Mobile Music Box. The Symphony also serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, adding to the rich cultural experiences that these organizations offer to the community. 

For more information, visit www.kcsymphony.org. 

Media Contact
Claire Martin
Manager, PR & Partnerships
cmartin@kcsymphony.org
913.687.6499