MORGAN FREEMAN’S SYMPHONIC BLUES EXPERIENCE
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Matthias Pintscher, music director and conductor
Guided by the legendary voice of Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman, this immersive experience fuses the raw, aching power of authentic Delta Blues with the grandeur of a symphony orchestra, creating a soundscape that is both deeply rooted and breathtakingly expansive. Through cinematic storytelling, masterful performances by true Blues artists, and sweeping orchestral arrangements, Symphonic Blues unveils the Delta’s profound cultural legacy and its indelible influence on music across the world. More than just a show, Symphonic Blues is a transformative celebration of history, resilience, and the music that gave voice to generations.
Please note: This production, inspired by Morgan Freeman, is a unique musical experience that will take place with or without his live presence. While Freeman is expected to attend, please note that his appearance is subject to change and not guaranteed. The show has been designed to deliver its full artistic vision regardless of his attendance, and all ticket sales are final.
CHICKEN-FRIED ROCK
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 8 p.m.
Country roots and rock energy collide in a concert celebrating the legendary music that defines American country rock. Chicken-Fried Rock brings you the hits of icons like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and more, all brought to life by star-studded guest vocalists and the Kansas City Symphony. From ballads you know by heart to their signature anthems, this is the perfect way to kick back and celebrate the legends who made country rock an American classic.
Film + Live Orchestra
TOP GUN: MAVERICK IN CONCERT
Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Do you feel the need… the need for speed? Buckle up for the ultimate adrenaline rush as Top Gun: Maverick takes flight on the big screen, with the Kansas City Symphony performing the electrifying score live!
From the iconic sounds of “Danger Zone” to the soaring melodies of Lady Gaga, Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe and Harold Faltermeyer, this high-octane cinematic experience will have your heart racing as you relive the Academy Award®-winning blockbuster in a whole new way.
A Royal Albert Hall production in association with esk film
Silent Film + Organ
DOROTHY PAPADAKOS: THE LODGER
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Step into the suspenseful world of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Lodger,” his first true hit, in this edge-of-your-seat experience. Join audience favorite Dorothy Papadakos as she improvises a mesmerizing live organ accompaniment to this 1927 silent classic.
With its haunting atmosphere, “The Lodger” is a perfect match for the dramatic sounds of the Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman Casavant organ. Papadakos expertly brings the film to life with music improvised in real time, offering a unique blend of cinematic history and live performance. A must-see for classic film enthusiasts, music lovers and anyone who craves a fresh, immersive experience.
The Kansas City Symphony does not perform on this concert.
ON STAGE WITH GEORGE LI
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 9:00 p.m.
Join superstar pianist George Li, Music Director Matthias Pintscher and musicians from the Kansas City Symphony for an immersive chamber music concert unlike any other — sitting on the Helzberg Hall stage, just a few feet from the action!
Film + Live Orchestra
INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK™ IN CONCERT
Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Embark on the epic adventure of everyone’s favorite archaeologist and action hero like never before! Follow along with the heart-pounding escapades of Indiana Jones as he travels across the globe to find the Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the wrong hands. Your Kansas City Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score live and in sync with Steven Spielberg’s unforgettable film.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts.
Motion Picture & Artwork © 1981 Lucasfilm Ltd. Concert performed under license from Disney Concerts.
Disney Concerts under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Pictures.
ON STAGE WITH LEILA JOSEFOWICZ
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a reception when you arrive, an intimate concert on the Helzberg Hall stage and a time of mingling with musicians afterward at On Stage! This concert features violinist Leila Josefowicz along with Music Director Matthias Pintscher and musicians from the Kansas City Symphony.
CHRIS THILE WITH THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Experience musical genius like never before as Grammy® Award-winning mandolinist and singer/songwriter Chris Thile joins the Kansas City Symphony for one unforgettable evening. A founding member of the acclaimed bluegrass bands Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, Thile is praised by The Guardian as “that rare being — an all-round musician who can settle into any style, from bluegrass to classical.” His virtuosity, storytelling and ability to blend genres will captivate you, making this a performance you won’t want to miss.
Film + Live Orchestra
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS™ IN CONCERT
Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Friday, February 20, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Cars fly, trees fight back and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ on a giant screen, while your Kansas City Symphony performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. Relive every magical moment as the music brings life to a story that has enchanted the world.
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
FINAL SYMPHONY: MUSIC FROM FINAL FANTASY®
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Experience musical genius like never before as Grammy® Award-winning mandolinist and singer/songwriter Chris Thile joins the Kansas City Symphony for one unforgettable evening. A founding member of the acclaimed bluegrass bands Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, Thile is praised by The Guardian as “that rare being — an all-round musician who can settle into any style, from bluegrass to classical.” His virtuosity, storytelling and ability to blend genres will captivate you, making this a performance you won’t want to miss.
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!
