Classical Series - 2023/24 Season
The 2023/24 season is Michael Stern's final year as music director. For his big finale, we are bringing some of the brightest classical stars in the world to Kansas City! Joshua bell, KC's own Joyce DiDonato, Pamela Frank, Yefim Bronfman, Joyce Yang and many more will perform some of the greatest masterworks ever composed.
There will also be an opportunity to reserve two tickets for a very special evening with Yo-Yo Ma in June 2024 - a tribute concert honoring his friend Michael Stern. Plus concerts featuring the Symphony Chorus, KC Symphony Chorus, KC Symphony commissions and exciting guest conductors from around the globe.
I can't wait to see you in Helzberg Hall!
Danny Beckley, President and CEO
There will also be an opportunity to reserve two tickets for a very special evening with Yo-Yo Ma in June 2024 - a tribute concert honoring his friend Michael Stern. Plus concerts featuring the Symphony Chorus, KC Symphony Chorus, KC Symphony commissions and exciting guest conductors from around the globe.
I can't wait to see you in Helzberg Hall!
Danny Beckley, President and CEO
MATTHIAS PINTSCHER WELCOMES VIOLINIST PHILIPPE QUINT
Friday, March 22, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, March 23, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, March 24, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, music director designate; Philippe Quint, violin
Matthias Pintscher and the musicians of the Kansas City Symphony made an immediate connection with one another in their electrifying performances together last March. Because of that incredible creative synergy, Pintscher is now music director designate and he returns with another outstanding program. Savor this wonderful music in a gripping performance by Matthias Pintscher and your Kansas City Symphony. American violinist Philippe Quint returns to Kansas City to bring this new concerto to life. Quint’s opulent sound and insightful approach to new works are the perfect match for Wallen’s music.
Friday, March 22, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, March 23, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, March 24, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, music director designate; Philippe Quint, violin
Matthias Pintscher and the musicians of the Kansas City Symphony made an immediate connection with one another in their electrifying performances together last March. Because of that incredible creative synergy, Pintscher is now music director designate and he returns with another outstanding program. Savor this wonderful music in a gripping performance by Matthias Pintscher and your Kansas City Symphony. American violinist Philippe Quint returns to Kansas City to bring this new concerto to life. Quint’s opulent sound and insightful approach to new works are the perfect match for Wallen’s music.
RAVEL'S BOLERO, WITH FOLEY’S SOUL BASS
Friday, April 5, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, April 6, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, April 7, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor; Xavier Foley, double bass and composer
Deeply affected by the loss of life in World War I, Maurice Ravel’s homage to the Baroque world of François Couperin commemorates six friends who died in combat. Decidedly not somber or grim, Le tombeau stands as a tribute to the world’s beauty and the value of human life in contrast to the depredation of war. Featured soloist Xavier Foley is a double bass double threat — virtuoso player and imaginative composer. He’ll wow you with stellar technique and win your heart with gorgeous sound. With a seemingly effortless blend of classical sensibilities and jazz creativity, Foley’s music is mesmerizing.
Friday, April 5, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, April 6, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, April 7, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor; Xavier Foley, double bass and composer
Deeply affected by the loss of life in World War I, Maurice Ravel’s homage to the Baroque world of François Couperin commemorates six friends who died in combat. Decidedly not somber or grim, Le tombeau stands as a tribute to the world’s beauty and the value of human life in contrast to the depredation of war. Featured soloist Xavier Foley is a double bass double threat — virtuoso player and imaginative composer. He’ll wow you with stellar technique and win your heart with gorgeous sound. With a seemingly effortless blend of classical sensibilities and jazz creativity, Foley’s music is mesmerizing.
JEFFREY KAHANE PLAYS BEETHOVEN'S FOURTH PIANO CONCERTO
Friday, April 19, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, April 20, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, April 21, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor; Jeffrey Kahane, piano
Michael Stern has crafted a unique program that will delight the senses and linger in your memory. Ralph Vaughan Williams was steeped in the rich heritage of English string music and he used a sweet melody by the Renaissance composer Thomas Tallis in this glorious fantasia that has delighted audiences for more than a century. Throughout his stellar career, Jeffrey Kahane has enchanted audiences with insightful and inspiring performances. An acclaimed pianist, we’re delighted to welcome him back to Kansas City to play Beethoven’s superb Fourth Piano Concerto, an absolute masterwork for the piano.
Friday, April 19, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, April 20, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, April 21, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor; Jeffrey Kahane, piano
Michael Stern has crafted a unique program that will delight the senses and linger in your memory. Ralph Vaughan Williams was steeped in the rich heritage of English string music and he used a sweet melody by the Renaissance composer Thomas Tallis in this glorious fantasia that has delighted audiences for more than a century. Throughout his stellar career, Jeffrey Kahane has enchanted audiences with insightful and inspiring performances. An acclaimed pianist, we’re delighted to welcome him back to Kansas City to play Beethoven’s superb Fourth Piano Concerto, an absolute masterwork for the piano.
JOSHUA BELL AND RAVEL
Friday, May 31, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 1, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 2, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor; Joshua Bell, violin
The ancient elements of earth, water and fire provide inspiration for this blockbuster concert headlined by violin superstar Joshua Bell. He has commissioned works by renowned composers Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer and Jake Heggie, incorporating these elements thematically. Vieuxtemps’ beautiful music and Joshua Bell’s phenomenal artistry are a heavenly match — romantic music indeed.
Friday, May 31, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 1, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 2, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor; Joshua Bell, violin
The ancient elements of earth, water and fire provide inspiration for this blockbuster concert headlined by violin superstar Joshua Bell. He has commissioned works by renowned composers Kevin Puts, Edgar Meyer and Jake Heggie, incorporating these elements thematically. Vieuxtemps’ beautiful music and Joshua Bell’s phenomenal artistry are a heavenly match — romantic music indeed.
MAHLER’S “RESURRECTION” SYMPHONY
Friday, June 14, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 15, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 16, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor
Joelle Harvey, soprano; Kelley O'Connor, mezzo-soprano;
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
GUSTAV MAHLER Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”
A transcendent experience awaits you — Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony is truly one of his greatest, most deeply emotional works. The stage and choral loft will be filled with musicians bringing you music that touches the soul. Soprano Joelle Harvey and mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor give voice to this luminous work.
Friday, June 14, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 15, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 16, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor
Joelle Harvey, soprano; Kelley O'Connor, mezzo-soprano;
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
GUSTAV MAHLER Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”
A transcendent experience awaits you — Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony is truly one of his greatest, most deeply emotional works. The stage and choral loft will be filled with musicians bringing you music that touches the soul. Soprano Joelle Harvey and mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor give voice to this luminous work.
STERN’S FAREWELL WITH SIBELIUS AND BARBER
Friday, June 21, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 22, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 23, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor
FELIX MENDELSSOHN Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream; SAMUEL BARBER Symphony No. 1; JEAN SIBELIUS Symphony No. 2.
With a virtuosic program to close this magnificent season, Maestro Stern shares music that inspires him.
Friday, June 21, 2024 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 22, 2024 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 23, 2024 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Michael Stern, conductor
FELIX MENDELSSOHN Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream; SAMUEL BARBER Symphony No. 1; JEAN SIBELIUS Symphony No. 2.
With a virtuosic program to close this magnificent season, Maestro Stern shares music that inspires him.