Press Releases

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | October 19, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony presents many delightful and powerful concert programs this fall in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway. More details and tickets for all listed concerts are available now – online at kcsymphony.org or by calling (816) 471-0400.

Thursday, October 20: Free Happy Hour concert
Sponsored by Lead Bank

October 28-30: Symphonie Fantastique, Mendelssohn and Brahms with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus
Domingo Hindoyan, guest conductor
MENDELSSOHN  Overture to Ruy Blas
BRAHMS  Nänie
BRAHMS  Schicksalslied
BERLIOZ  Symphonie fantastique

Sunday, November 6: Family Concert: Magic Circle Mimes – The Listener
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

Saturday, November 12: Rufus Wainwright with the Kansas City Symphony
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

Wednesday, November 16: Free Happy Hour concert
Sponsored by Lead Bank

Kenny G with the Kansas City Symphony has been rescheduled to March 13, 14 and 15 – each at 7 p.m.
Current ticket holders should keep their tickets and parking vouchers at this time.

November 25-27 (Thanksgiving Weekend): Dvořák Symphony No. 8, with Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto
Aziz Shokhakimov, guest conductor
Behzod Abduraimov, piano
SMETANA  Overture to The Bartered Bride
PROKOFIEV  Piano Concerto No. 2
DVOŘÁK  Symphony No. 8

Audiences will experience the next chapter of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series with the Kansas City Symphony performing Nicholas Hooper’s entire score live to picture

Film Stills  · TRAILER

Tickets available now at kcsymphony.org

August 4, 2022 – The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert, the sixth film in the Harry Potter series. On September 7-9 and 11, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor Gonzalo Farias leads the Kansas City Symphony in performing Nicholas Hooper’s incredible score live from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

In 2016, CineConcerts and Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, a global concert tour celebrating the Harry Potter films. Since the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert in 2016, more than 3 million fans have enjoyed this magical experience from The Wizarding World, which is scheduled to include over 1,434 performances across more than 48 countries worldwide through 2022.

As Lord Voldemort tightens his grip on both the Muggle and Wizarding Worldsä, Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing Harry for the battle fast approaching. Even as the showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Nominated for the 2010 Grammy(R) Award, Nicholas Hooper returns to the Harry Potter series with this magical score that debuted at number twenty-nine on the Billboard 200 chart, thus making it the highest-charting soundtrack among all the six movie soundtracks released. Considered “emotionally churning” by Variety, Hooper’s score features soaring and unique motifs that could only represent the grandeur and scope of The Wizarding World.

Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and Producer/Conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series explains, “The Harry Potter film series is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. It is with great pleasure that we bring fans for the first time ever an opportunity to experience the award-winning music scores played live by a symphony orchestra, all while the beloved film is simultaneously projected onto the big screen. This is truly an unforgettable event.”

Brady Beaubien of CineConcerts and Concert Producer for the Harry Potter Film Concert Series added, “Harry Potter is synonymous with excitement around the world and we hope that by performing this incredible music with the full movie, audiences will enjoy returning to The Wizarding World.”

Tickets are available now via kcsymphony.org or by calling the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400 for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert.

For more information on the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, please visit www.harrypotterinconcert.com.

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About the Kansas City Symphony

Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, reaching more than 250,000 community members. The Symphony welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Complementing its full schedule of concerts, the Symphony enriches the lives of Kansas City residents by providing music education opportunities for children and adults, such as KinderKonzerts, Young People’s Concerts, an instrument petting zoo and concert comments. The Mobile Music Box, a popup stage created by the Symphony during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaches thousands of audience members each season with dozens of chamber music concerts throughout the Kansas City metro area.

Kansas City’s new classical music radio station, 91.9 ClassicalKC, broadcasts Kansas City Symphony performances each week. For more information on the Symphony, please visit kcsymphony.org.

About CineConcerts – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

CineConcerts is one of the leading producers of live and digital music experiences performed with visual media, and continues to redefine entertainment. Founded by Producer/Conductor Justin Freer and Producer/Writer Brady Beaubien, CineConcerts will engage over 4.8 million people worldwide in concert presentations in over 1,749 performances in 48 countries through 2022, and recently launched CineConcerts +PLUS – a global digital network and app suite with hundreds of exclusive podcast episodes and produced content. CineConcerts continues to work with some of the most prestigious orchestras and venues in the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, London Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, and more. Recent and current live and digital concert experiences include Elf in Concert, The Pinball Concert (Digital), The Polar Express in Concert, Rudy in Concert, The Passion of the Christ in Concert, The Da Vinci Code in Concert, The Harry Potter Film Concert Series, Gladiator Live, The Godfather Live, It’s a Wonderful Life in Concert, DreamWorks Animation In Concert, Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage 50^th Anniversary Concert Tour, Breakfast at Tiffany’s in Concert, and A Christmas Dream Live.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, extends the Studio’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world.  WBCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on an award-winning range of toys, fashion, home décor, and publishing inspired by franchises and properties such as DC, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera. The division’s successful global themed entertainment business includes groundbreaking experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, promotional partnerships and themed experiences, WBCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

Media Contacts:
Kansas City Symphony
Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org

CineConcerts:
Andrew P. Alderete
andrew@cineconcerts.com

Warner Bros Consumer Products:
Lindsay Kiesel
lindsay.kiesel@warnerbros.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | July 21, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony is excited to announce that tickets for all announced concerts presented during our 2022/23 season are available for purchase now. This includes Classical, Pops and Family Series concerts, plus Film + Live Orchestra events and all Holiday and Special Presentations – including our recently announced Judy Garland 100^th birthday tribute starring pianist Michael Feinstein (May 13, 2023). All concerts are performed at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Downtown Kansas City, MO.

Tickets may be purchased online now by visiting kcsymphony.org, or by calling the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400 (Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Season subscription ticket packages are also available and include substantial discounts, free and easy exchanges, pre-sale and early renewal opportunities and many additional perks and benefits.

CLASSICAL SERIES

COPLAND’S THIRD SYMPHONY, WITH SAINT- SAËNS’ THIRD VIOLIN CONCERTO:
Friday and Saturday, September 16-17, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Gil Shaham, violin
JAMES LEE III  Amer’ican
CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS  Violin Concerto No. 3
AARON COPLAND  Symphony No. 3

STRAUSS’ ALPINE SYMPHONY
Friday and Saturday, October 7-8, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Josh Jones, percussion
IMAN HABIBI  Jeder Baum Spricht (Every Tree Speaks)
ADAM SCHOENBERG  Losing Earth, Percussion Concerto
RICHARD STRAUSS  An Alpine Symphony

SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE, BRAHMS AND MENDELSSOHN with your KC Symphony Chorus
Friday and Saturday, October 28-29, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Domingo Hindoyan, guest conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
FELIX MENDELSSOHN  Overture to Ruy Blas
JOHANNES BRAHMS  Nänie
JOHANNES BRAHMS  Schicksalslied
HECTOR BERLIOZ  Symphonie fantastique

DVOŘÁK’S SYMPHONY NO. 8, WITH PROKOFIEV’S SECOND PIANO CONCERTO
Friday and Saturday, November 25-26, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Aziz Shokhakimov, guest conductor
Behzod Abduraimov, piano
BEDŘICH SMETANA  Overture to The Bartered Bride
SERGEI PROKOFIEV  Piano Concerto No. 2
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK  Symphony No. 8

THE FOUNTAINS AND PINES OF ROME, PLUS MOZART’S THIRD VIOLIN CONCERTO
Friday and Saturday, January 13-14, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Francesco Lecce-Chong, guest conductor
Geneva Lewis, violin
MASON BATES  Garages of the Valley
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART  Violin Concerto No. 3
OTTORINO RESPIGHI  Fountains of Rome
OTTORINO RESPIGHI  Pines of Rome

WAGNER’S “FLYING DUTCHMAN” AND THE BARBER VIOLIN CONCERTO
Friday and Saturday, January 20-21, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Kevin John Edusei, guest conductor
Maria Ioudenitch, violin
RICHARD WAGNER  Overture to Der fliegende Holländer
SAMUEL BARBER  Violin Concerto
ALEXANDER ZEMLINSKY  The Mermaid

RUTH REINHARDT CONDUCTS SIBELIUS
Friday and Saturday, February 10-11, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Ruth Reinhardt, guest conductor
Steven Banks, saxophone
GRAŻYNA BACEWICZ  Overture
BILLY CHILDS  Saxophone Concerto (Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
JEAN SIBELIUS  Symphony No. 5

RAVEL’S “RAPSODIE” AND THE POEM OF ECSTASY
Friday and Saturday, March 3-4, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Matthias Pintscher, guest conductor
George Li, piano
GYORGY LIGETI  San Francisco Polyphony
MAURICE RAVEL  Piano Concerto in G Major
MAURICE RAVEL  Rapsodie espagnole
ALEXANDER SCRIABIN  Poème d’extase (Poem of Ecstasy)

HOLST’S “THE PLANETS” featuring the Women of the KC Symphony Chorus
Friday and Saturday, March 24-25, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Teddy Abrams, guest conductor
Jennifer Koh, violin
Women of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
CAROLINE SHAW  The Observatory
MISSY MAZZOLI  Violin Concerto
GUSTAV HOLST  The Planets

GERSHWIN’S “RHAPSODY IN BLUE” AND NIELSEN’S “INEXTINGUISHABLE”
Friday and Saturday, March 31-April 1, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Thomas Wilkins, guest conductor
Ray Ushikubo, piano (Underwritten by the Almy Legacy Fund)
SAMUEL COLERIDGE-TAYLOR  Suite from Hiawatha
GEORGE GERSHWIN  Rhapsody in Blue
CARL NIELSEN  Symphony No. 4, “Inextinguishable”

HOLST, HAYDN AND HINDEMITH with your KC Symphony Chorus
Friday and Saturday, April 21-22, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano
Scott Hendricks, baritone
GUSTAV HOLST  Walt Whitman Overture
FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN  Symphony No. 96, “The Miracle”
PAUL HINDEMITH  When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d

STERN CONDUCTS MAHLER AND MONTGOMERY
Friday and Saturday, June 2-3, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Julia Bullock, soprano
FREDERICK DELIUS  The Walk to the Paradise Garden
JESSIE MONTGOMERY  Five Freedom Songs (Kansas City Symphony co-commission)
GUSTAV MAHLER  Symphony No. 4

THE RITE OF SPRING, AX PLAYS BEETHOVEN
Friday and Saturday, June 16-17, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Michael Stern, conductor
Emanuel Ax, piano
CARLOS SIMON  AMEN!
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN  Piano Concerto No. 3
IGOR STRAVINSKY  Le sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring)

BROBERG PLAYS RACHMANINOFF, WITH PUCCINI AND TCHAIKOVSKY
Friday and Saturday, June 23-24, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Valentina Peleggi, guest conductor
Kenny Broberg, piano
GIACOMO PUCCINI  Preludio sinfonico
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF  Piano Concerto No. 2
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY  Symphony No. 4

POPS SERIES

BROADWAY’S LEADING MEN – Presented by Theater League
Friday & Saturday, September 23-24, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Jack Everly, guest conductor
Heartland Men’s Chorus, Shawn Cullen, artistic director/conductor
Ben Crawford, Jim Hogan, Jacob Dickey and Shereen Pimentel, guest vocalists

UPTOWN NIGHTS
Friday & Saturday, January 6-7, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Byron Stripling, guest conductor
Carmen Bradford, vocalist
Leo Manzari, tap dancer

RESPECT: A TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN – Presented by Helzberg Diamonds
Friday & Saturday, February 3-4, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

THE MUSIC OF RICHARD RODGERS
Friday & Saturday, April 14-15, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Jack Everly, guest conductor
Ashley Brown, vocalist

FAMILY SERIES

MAGIC CIRCLE MIMES: THE LISTENER
Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director

PHILHARMONIA FANTASTIQUE: THE MAKING OF THE ORCHESTRA
Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

SYMPHONY’S WILD ADVENTURE – in partnership with the Kansas City Zoo
Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

HOLIDAY CONCERTS

THE DOO WOP PROJECT CHRISTMAS – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Friday, December 2, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor

HANDEL’S MESSIAH – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Friday & Saturday, December 9-10, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Christopher Allen, guest conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Thursday & Friday, December 15-16, 2022 at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and
Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director

ELF™ IN CONCERT – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, December 21-23, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 24, 2022 at 11 a.m.

FILM + LIVE ORCHESTRA CONCERTS

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE™ IN CONCERT
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, September 7-9, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 2 p.m.

ELF™ IN CONCERT – Presented by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund – NTDF
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, December 21-23, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 24, 2022 at 11 a.m.

MARVEL STUDIOS’ BLACK PANTHER™ IN CONCERT
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, January 25-28, 2023 at 7 p.m.
Jason Seber, guest conductor

THE PRINCESS BRIDE™ IN CONCERT
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 18-20, 2023 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

VIOLENT FEMMES WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY: OH WHAT A WORLD OF RUFUS
Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor

KENNY G WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Friday & Saturday, November 18-19, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor

INDIGO GIRLS WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor

GET HAPPY: A JUDY GARLAND CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 8 p.m.
Gonzalo Farias, David T. Beals II Associate Conductor
Michael Feinstein, piano

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org

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About the Kansas City Symphony

Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, reaching more than 250,000 community members. The Symphony welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Complementing its full schedule of concerts, the Symphony enriches the lives of Kansas City residents by providing music education opportunities for children and adults, such as KinderKonzerts, Young People’s Concerts, an instrument petting zoo and concert comments. The Mobile Music Box, a popup stage created by the Symphony during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaches thousands of audience members each season with dozens of chamber music concerts throughout the Kansas City metro area.

The Symphony has released nine highly praised CDs to date with Reference Recordings. The latest release features one-movement symphonies by Samuel Barber, Jean Sibelius and Alexander Scriabin. The Symphony and Michael Stern also have recorded for the Naxos label. Kansas City’s new classical music radio station, 91.9 ClassicalKC, broadcasts Kansas City Symphony performances each week. For more information on the Symphony, please visit kcsymphony.org.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 19, 2022

The Kansas City Symphony has chosen its next concertmaster. Violinist Jun Iwasaki will join the orchestra in September 2022. Currently the concertmaster of the Nashville Symphony, Iwasaki was selected from a group of highly qualified candidates at the conclusion of a careful search.

“I am both honored and excited to be named the next concertmaster of the Kansas City Symphony,” said Iwasaki. “I truly look forward to getting to know both the Kansas City Symphony organization and the city itself as I take on my new role.”

A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music’s prestigious Concertmaster Academy, Iwasaki has been hailed for his combination of dazzling technique and lyrical musicianship. In a review of Iwasaki’s performance at the Mimir Chamber Music Festival, the Fort Worth Star Telegram called him “the magician of the evening. He could reach into his violin and pull out bouquets of sound, then reach behind your ear and touch your soul.”

Music Director Michael Stern is thrilled that Iwasaki is joining the Kansas City Symphony as the new concertmaster. “This journey was an involved one for two reasons. The first was the terrible interruption imposed on us by the pandemic — what we hoped would be an expedited timeline was unavoidably delayed by two years. More significantly, we had the privilege of working with an impressive number of uniquely gifted violinists. We were lucky to have such an array of artistry to consider, and we went through the process with great deliberation and care. I believe we have found a superb concertmaster in Jun, and I am convinced that he is going to be a huge contributor to the Kansas City Symphony’s ongoing success. He is a marvelous violinist, a compelling and natural musician with proven experience, and a generous colleague. Above all, he will bring great leadership not only in his role on stage, but as a force for music and the arts, and for our Symphony, throughout the community. I am so happy he will be with us to conclude our season this year for our performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, even though he will formally assume his duties at the start of next season. I welcome him, his wife Paige and their two children Taiga and Kenta to our Kansas City family, and I look forward to the inspired musical road ahead.”

“I am most delighted to welcome Jun to the orchestra,” said Executive Director Danny Beckley. “His extensive leadership experience will be invaluable as we innovate and advance in artistic service to Kansas City. I am convinced that Jun is the right person to help lead our ambitions and to help our efforts to expand community engagement robustly with symphonic music.”

Iwasaki was appointed concertmaster of the Nashville Symphony by Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero at the beginning of the 2011/12 season. Maestro Guerrero extends his best wishes to Iwasaki. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Jun. He has been a valued partner in bringing the Nashville Symphony to ever higher artistic ground and has made a great contribution to the Symphony and to the Nashville community both artistically and professionally. I wish Jun and his family great success in Kansas City.”
Prior to joining the Nashville Symphony, Iwasaki served as concertmaster of the Oregon Symphony from 2007 to 2011. Throughout his career, he has appeared with numerous orchestras throughout Europe and the U.S., including the Blossom Festival Orchestra, Cleveland Pops Orchestra, the Atlanta and Pittsburgh symphony orchestras, Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon Portugal, and the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra. In addition, he has served as concertmaster of the Asian Artists and Concerts Orchestra (AAC), guest concertmaster of the Santa Barbara Symphony in 2010, and guest concertmaster of the National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa in 2006.
Jun has won numerous First and Grand Prize performance awards, including First Prize in 2005’s Japanese American Association Competition and the Coleman Chamber Music Competition.

Kansas City Symphony patrons will have a chance to hear Jun Iwasaki when he joins the orchestra in the final subscription concerts of the season in programs featuring Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. He will be formally welcomed as the new concertmaster of the Kansas City Symphony when he joins the orchestra at the “Royal Gala: Let’s Have a Ball” (the annual Symphony Ball) on Saturday, September 10, 2022.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org

With seating and fireworks on the grounds of Union Station Kansas City and the National WWI Museum and Memorial

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | April 5, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony is excited to announce the return of Bank of America Celebration at the Station. The Symphony’s free concert event takes place Sunday, May 29, 2022 on the grounds of Union Station Kansas City and the National World War I Museum and Memorial – both near Pershing Road and Main Street, just south of Downtown Kansas City, Mo. The event returns after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event site will open at 5 p.m. and includes food trucks, live pre-concert entertainment on the main stage, plus various vendors and booths in the Honeywell Veterans Place. A patriotic concert presented by the Kansas City Symphony and conducted by Music Director Michael Stern begins at 8 p.m. followed by Kansas City’s largest fireworks display, sponsored by Humana.

Highlights of the 2022 Bank of America Celebration at the Station concert event include:

• A theme of unity that reflects one of America’s defining characteristics – the ability to come together during and after times of struggle and to collectively honor those who have served.
• This year’s performance will feature Kansas City’s own Oleta Adams, singing some of her best-known hits and patriotic favorites.
• The Kansas City Symphony is privileged to again partner with Union Station and the National WWI Museum and Memorial, who each will have their own Memorial Day Weekend activities and special exhibitions within their venues.

The Symphony’s Executive Director Danny Beckley talks about the significant return of Bank of America Celebration at the Station. “We are overjoyed to bring Kansas City’s favorite event back for 2022. After what we have all endured over these years, it will be incredibly meaningful to gather together to celebrate our country and honor those who have given their all for it.”

Parking for the event is available in multiple surface lots and garages around the event site, including Union Station’s West Yards garage. Attendees may also park anywhere along Downtown KC’s streetcar route and ride the streetcar directly to Union Station.

We thank Kansas City PBS for once again broadcasting the concert live on KCPT Channel 19.1, and re-broadcasting the concert many times afterward.

For the latest event information, be sure to visit CelebrationAtTheStation.org.

MEDIA ALERT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | March 30, 2022 — EFFECTIVE MONDAY, APRIL 4, public performances at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will no longer require proof of vaccination for admission to performances. This includes Kansas City Symphony concerts.

In addition, unless the performing artist requires masks to be worn by the audience, masks will no longer be required while in the building, though patrons are encouraged to continue to wear them.  Please visit kauffmancenter.org/event-updates to confirm requirements for your performance or email questions to contact@kauffmancenter.org.

For KC Symphony concerts scheduled prior to April 4, proof of vaccination and masking while in Kauffman Center public spaces is still required. The wearing of masks while inside Helzberg Hall for KC Symphony concerts is now optional.

There are no announced vaccination or masking requirements for the upcoming 2022/23 Symphony season.

The Symphony, Kauffman Center and others will continue to monitor the COVID health situation in our area and take appropriate precautions as necessary.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626

Filled with passionate performances of exciting music with exceptional guests

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | March 4, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony has announced its Classical, Pops and Family Series concerts for the upcoming 2022/23 season, in addition to holiday concerts, special performances and film + live orchestra productions. This new season begins in September 2022 and season tickets are on sale now.

“The 2022/23 season promises to be revelatory in many ways” says Music Director Michael Stern. “We are making the case for music and the arts in our community as fervently as ever. This new season welcomes the new and explores innovative paths as we look together toward the future, and it celebrates the best of what our KC Symphony has come to mean for our city and audiences.”

CLASSICAL SERIES   From as little as $24 per concert!

Repertoire highlights include Holst’s “The Planets” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue;” Strauss’ “Alpine Symphony,” both Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome” and “Pines of Rome” on one concert program, and masterworks of Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Ravel, Beethoven and many others.

New music is in the spotlight, as the Symphony is pleased to present Billy Childs’ Saxophone Concerto (a KC Symphony co-commission) and Jessie Montgomery’s “Five Freedom Songs” along with contemporary pieces by Mason Bates, James Lee III, Iman Habibi and Carlos Simon.

The Symphony welcomes nine accomplished guest conductors, appearing on our Classical Series: Teddy Abrams, Francesco Lecce-Chong, Kevin John Edusei, Domingo Hindoyan, Valentina Peleggi, Matthias Pintscher, Ruth Reinhardt, Aziz Shokhakimov and Thomas Wilkins.

Classical Series guest soloists include violinists Gil Shaham, Jennifer Koh, Geneva Lewis and KC’s Maria Ioudenitch; pianists Emanuel Ax, George Li and Ray Ushikubo plus KC’s Behzod Abduraimov and Kenny Broberg; saxophonist Steven Banks, soprano Julia Bullock, and the Symphony’s percussionist Josh Jones as a featured performer.

The Kansas City Symphony Chorus shines in two spectacular concert programs. In addition, the Women of the Symphony Chorus join us for an out of this world performance of Holst’s “The Planets.

POPS SERIES   From as little as $36 per concert!

Downtown, Uptown and Motown! Your KC Symphony offers four fun, memorable concerts in our Pops Series, and the opportunity to add a fifth concert to your season package: a night with the one and only Kenny G!

Broadway’s Leading Men welcomes the Heartland Men’s Chorus back to our stage for sizzling showstoppers.
Uptown Nights takes us back to the days of The Cotton Club and The Savoy in Harlem’s heyday.
Respect: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin relives the best songs and performances by the Queen of Soul.
The Music of Richard Rodgers honors the gigantic career and songbook of a titan composer.

Want more concerts in your Pops Series package? Kenny G makes a lively return to your KC Symphony. He will capture you and carry you away with his music, engaging performance and gigantic personality.

FAMILY SERIES   Child subscriptions only $10 with each paid adult subscription!

We have curated four fun and educational concert experiences, sure to inspire and mesmerize the young people in your life – young in age or young at heart.

Magic Circle Mimes teach about the orchestra and the art of listening with familiar classics and comedy.
Christmas Festival returns with carols and holiday songs you know and love, plus an early visit from Santa!
Philharmonia Fantastique is an animated film that flies through the orchestra with creativity and technology.
Symphony’s Wild Adventure spotlights creatures from the Kansas City Zoo using musical families and video.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS (add-on to your season subscription order now for the best available seats)

The holiday tradition continues at the KC Symphony, with beloved favorites such as Handel’s “Messiah” and Christmas Festival, a Christmas movie and a doo-woppin’ fun-filled December evening!

The Doo Wop Project Christmas rings in the season with Broadway stars, yuletide tunes and songs of Doo Wop legends – from The Del Vikings, The Belmonts, Smokey Robinson, Frankie Valli and more.
Handel’s “Messiah” is a holiday tradition, presented with the glorious KC Symphony Chorus and some of America’s leading soloists – all in one of the world’s best concert venues.
Christmas Festival is chock-full of holiday songs, sing-alongs and the Symphony Chorus with special guests.
Elf in Concert/Film + Live Orchestra has Buddy (Will Ferrell) transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised by elves, then roaming the streets of New York City. What could go wrong?

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS (add-on to your season subscription order now for the best available seats)

Film + Live Orchestra concerts and some of the most creative artists of our generation are presented with your immensely-talented KC Symphony musicians, guaranteeing many nights of good times and great music.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert/Film + Live Orchestra finds Harry obsessed with a magic potions book. See the entire movie with your KC Symphony performing the soundtrack live.
The Violent Femmes bring their retro punk-rock staples to KC, from “Blister in the Sun” to “Gone Daddy Gone.”
Rufus Wainwright is a genuine original. From lush to gritty, Rufus will take you on an emotional journey.
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert/Film + Live Orchestra takes you on a beautiful, eye-opening adventure as T’Challa becomes king and battles Killmonger.
The Indigo Girls are back with captivating folk-rock favorites like “Closer to Fine” and “Galileo.”
The Princess Bride in Concert/Film + Live Orchestra features fencing, fighting, giants, monsters, true love and miracles. An all-star cast and Mark Knopfler’s score will ensure you have fun “stormin’ the castle!”

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

• Receive the lowest per concert price and access to the best available seats.
• Can’t attend a concert? Exchange your tickets for FREE into another KC Symphony performance.
• Reserve your parking in the Arts District Garage in advance.
• Secure tickets before the general public and at a discount for high-demand Symphony concerts.
• Receive the Performing Arts Card to save up to 50% on KC’s best performing arts presentations.
• Access to the vast 1 million-song Naxos Online Music Library.

HOW TO RENEW OR SUBSCRIBE NOW

Current KC Symphony subscribers have until Friday, April 1 to renew or upgrade their current seats. To renew online, simply visit kcsymphony.org and start by logging in to your account.

We are welcoming new season ticket holders, as well. If you are not a current Symphony subscriber, now is the time to join us! New orders will be prioritized by order date, which means the earlier you subscribe, the better your seats will be. You may order online now by visiting kcsymphony.org. If you already have a Symphony account, be sure to log in first before selecting your season package. It’s also a great time to add-on any holiday and special concerts when you subscribe. You’ll receive access to the best available seats before they are made available to the public, plus take $5 off each adult ticket you add-on, and save money on fees.

To view the Symphony’s flip-through season brochure, concert package options, pricing and more, visit kcsymphony.org.

For the best service, please call the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400, Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM. Our wonderful and knowledgeable staff is eager to answer your subscription questions and help guide you to seats you’ll love.

We look forward to welcoming you for another Symphony season full of cherished music, inspired performances and a live music experience like no other.

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Media Contact:
Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org

MEDIA ALERT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – February 22, 2022    The Kansas City Symphony announced today that face masks are no longer required inside Helzberg Hall during KC Symphony performances. However, mask wearing is still strongly encouraged.

Effective immediately, for all upcoming Kansas City Symphony concerts:

• Masks are still required when entering the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts complex, and while in the lobby and box office areas when not actively eating or drinking.
• If you desire, you may remove your mask once inside Helzberg Hall when attending a
• Kansas City Symphony performance.
• This policy applies only to Kansas City Symphony performances. For performances at the Kauffman Center by organizations other than the KC Symphony, please refer to that organization’s website or kauffmancenter.org for specific masking requirements.

The current vaccination policy is still in effect:

• Only fully vaccinated individuals will be admitted. (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or other WHO-approved vaccine).
• You must have received your final shot at least 14 days before attending a concert.
• Negative COVID tests will NOT be accepted for anyone of any age.
• You must show your actual vaccination card, or a photo of the card on your phone, along with corresponding photo I.D. upon entry. No exceptions.

Media Contact:
Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – January 13, 2022   The Kansas City Symphony, in conjunction with the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, announced today that face masks will once again be required to attend Symphony concerts in Helzberg Hall.

At this time, for all upcoming Kansas City Symphony concerts including January 14-16:

• Only fully vaccinated individuals will be admitted. (Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson or other WHO-approved vaccine).
• You must have received your final shot at least 14 days before attending a concert.
• Negative COVID tests will NOT be accepted for anyone of any age.
• You must show your actual vaccination card, or a photo of the card on your phone, along with corresponding photo I.D. upon entry. No exceptions.
• Temporarily, masks are required to be worn over the mouth and nose at all times inside the Kauffman Center, except while actively eating or drinking. This policy continues to be evaluated based on local health department and government guidance.

Media Contact:
Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org

KANSAS CITY, Mo. | January 13, 2022 — The Kansas City Symphony is excited to announce the appointment of Gonzalo Farias as the David T. Beals III Associate Conductor beginning with the 2022/23 season. Currently associate conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Farias was selected at the conclusion of an international search with more than 120 applicants.

“I am absolutely thrilled to work side by side with the world-class musicians and administration of the Kansas City Symphony,” said Farias. “I feel a great sense of excitement and responsibility to be part of the respect, trust and love established by Michael Stern and the KC Symphony in the community. I can’t wait to meet everyone and create lifelong memories.”

Music Director Michael Stern echoed the excitement expressed by Farias. “The associate conductor’s role is a vital one which touches every facet of our orchestra’s daily life and work. It requires wonderful musicianship, personality on the podium, leadership skills, and consummate preparation so as to be ready for any last-minute situation. Here at the Kansas City Symphony, we have been fortunate to have had some remarkable colleagues in that demanding job. Most recently, Jason Seber set the bar very high. Happily, Gonzalo Farias is a worthy successor. From the very start of his audition, his gifts and passion for music were abundantly clear. He has great experience both as a conductor and as an accomplished pianist, and I have no doubt that he is going to make a tremendous contribution to our orchestra and the musical life of our city.”

A native of Chile, Farias will move to Kansas City this summer and will play an important role in representing the Kansas City Symphony in the community. He will lead the orchestra’s educational programs — more than 40 performances, reaching more than 30,000 students annually. In addition, Farias will conduct many of the Symphony’s pops, family and Film + Live Orchestra concerts as well as other special presentations. He will make his conducting debut with the Symphony on April 9, 2022, leading the orchestra in a family program that features Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.

“I am thrilled to welcome Gonzalo Farias to the Kansas City Symphony,” said Executive Director Danny Beckley. “I was most impressed by his conducting at the audition, and I know he will be an excellent advocate for music and for the Symphony in our Kansas City community. He is an outstanding addition to our orchestra.”

Representing the Symphony’s musicians, Principal Oboe Kristina Fulton (Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair) added, “We are so excited to welcome Gonzalo Farias into the Kansas City Symphony family as our associate conductor for the upcoming seasons. In a strong pool of candidates, he stood out for his desire to share the way music can benefit us all, enriching the lives of the whole community. He demonstrated strength in his abilities but also a willingness to improve and grow. And above all, he showed us that he truly enjoys the art of music making, and that he is excited to spread this joy among our musicians and audiences alike.”

Farias has degrees in orchestral conducting from the Peabody Conservatory at John Hopkins University and the University of Illinois. In addition to his experience as a conductor, Farias holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and is an accomplished pianist.

Current associate conductor Jason Seber will conclude his six-year tenure with the Kansas City Symphony in June 2022. He will be deeply missed by the musicians, staff and community, and the Symphony wishes him the best as he explores new opportunities for his career.

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Media Contact:
Jeff Barker
(816) 218-2626
jbarker@kcsymphony.org

About the Kansas City Symphony

Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony has established itself as a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Symphony performs more than 130 concerts each year, reaching more than 250,000 community members. The Symphony welcomes guests of international acclaim as part of its Classical and Pops series and serves as the orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City.