KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY

DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1982, the Kansas City Symphony is a major force in the cultural life of the community. Praised for performances of uncompromising standard, the orchestra is the largest in the region, with 80 full-time musicians, and enjoys a national reputation under the artistic leadership of Music Director Michael Stern. The Kansas City Symphony Chorus is a volunteer, 160-member ensemble led by multi-Grammy® Award-winning conductor, Charles Bruffy, that continues its long tradition of excellence as the choral voice of the Kansas City Symphony. Presenting more than 100 concerts annually in a 42-week season, the Symphony also performs for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Every season comprises an impressive variety of programs that collectively reach more than 250,000 people, including the Symphony’s annual Bank of America Celebration at the Station concert held each Memorial Day weekend. For more information or tickets, visit kcsymphony.org or call (816) 471-0400.

ADDRESS:

Administrative Offices: 1703 Wyandotte, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO 64108

Kauffman Center: 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64018

LOCATION: Crossroads Arts District, near the Convention Center

PHONE: 816-471-0400

WEB SITE: www.kcsymphony.org

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook- The Kansas City Symphony, Instagram- @kcsymphony, Snapchat- @kcsymphony, Twitter- @kcsymphony, YouTube- youtube.com/kcsymphony

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The September-June concert season includes three core series (Classical, Pops and Family) as well as other film concerts and specials performances sure to delight audiences. Highlights of the 2023/24 season include Richard Strauss’ Don Quixote, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection,” Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 “Emperor” played by Jeffrey Kahane, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 played by Joyce Yang, programs headlined by KC native Joyce DiDonato, violinists Joshua Bell and Pamela Frank, pianist Yefim Bronfman, and a special tribute concert for Michael Stern starring cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Other concerts feature superstar Audra McDonald, the music of sci-fi movie and TV shows, the music of James Bond films, film + live orchestra concerts with Harry Potter movies, The Nightmare before Christmas and The Goonies in Concert, plus the music of Led Zeppelin.
• G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Concert Comments is a lively and informative pre-show talk held one hour before each classical series performance (not including chorus). Hosted by music director Michael Stern and often featuring guest artists, this event is a great way for the audience to understand and appreciate the music.

ADMISSION: Ticket prices vary by performance. Student discounts and group rates available. Please visit kcsymphony.org or call the Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400 for more information.

HISTORY: Founded by R. Crosby Kemper, Jr., 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 Kansas City Symphony also experienced impressive artistic growth through its history and under the batons of Russell Patterson (1982-1986), William McGlaughlin (1986-1997) and Anne Manson (1998-2003). Jason Seber, David T. Beals III Associate Conductor, conducts the Family, Pops and Classics Uncorked concerts. Charles Bruffy is the chorus director.

The Kansas City Symphony serves a metropolitan population of 2.1 million people. The orchestra’s 80 fulltime musicians are area residents and vital contributors to the artistic life of Kansas City. During its 42-week season, the Symphony performs a wide variety of subscription, educational, touring and outreach concerts. In addition, the Kansas City Symphony performs with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet.

WHERE TO GET DINNER: The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is located next to several great dining options to enjoy before the show. Grab drinks at The Kill Devil Club in the Kansas City Power & Light District, or enjoy an authentic Italian meal at Lidia’s, located in the Crossroads Arts District.

WHAT’S NEARBY: Union Station, the Crossroads Arts District and the Kansas City Power & Light District are all less than five minutes from the Kauffman Center.

ANNUAL SPECIAL EVENTS: The Bank of America Celebration at the Station is a free concert held each Memorial Day weekend at Union Station. This is the largest free Memorial Day weekend event in the Midwest with an exciting fireworks display at the end of the performance.

DID YOU KNOW: The Kansas City Symphony Chorus serves as “the choral voice of the Kansas City Symphony.” This 160-voice group often accompanies the orchestra and additionally serves as Kansas City’s unofficial chorus, providing music for civic events such as the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting.

DON’T FORGET: Check out the Symphony’s six CD recordings or listen to clips at youtube.com/kcsymphony.

GROUP TOURS: Public and private tours of the Kauffman Performing Arts Center are available with advanced reservations. Tours are approximately 60 minutes in length and led by a trained guide. Please note that due frequent changes in rehearsal schedules, tours through both performances halls cannot be guaranteed.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take the MAX to the Wyandotte and 16^th stop or take the Kansas City Streetcar to the Kauffman Center stop (16^th & Main).

DRIVING DIRECTIONS (Kauffman Center):

From the north: Take I-35 North, exit on West Pennway. Head east one block to Washington. Continue north to 17^th Street and then east to the Kauffman Center.

From the south: Take I-35 South, exit on 20^th Street. Head east to Broadway then north to the Kauffman Center.

From the east: Take I-670 East to I-35 South, exit on 20^th Street. Head east to Broadway then north to the Kauffman Center.

From the west: Take 1-70 West, exit on 13^th Street or Locust/Truman Road. Continue west to Baltimore. Continue south to 17^th Street and then west to the Kauffman Center.

PARKING:Adjacent to the Center, the well-lit underground Arts District Garage is available for performance events for $10. On non-event days parking is free for the first 30 minutes and $5 for any duration beyond. Valet parking is also available for $20.

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Jeff Barker, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, 816-218-2626 or jbarker@kcsymphony.org.