Classical Series - 2024/25 Season
This is the inaugural season of our new music director, Matthias Pintscher. I am so excited for you to get to know Matthias. He is one of the finest musicians of our time, and he is an absolutely delightful human being. He is passionate, creative, and incredibly inspiring, and with his artistic leadership we all have the opportunity for this music to have even more meaning in our lives.
Since last May, Matthias has been working hard with me and our team to craft the season you will see. The guest artists include many of the world's leading musicians. We will play some of the greatest music of the repertoire, and continue our commitment to new music as well.
We are delighted to be introducing some new concert formats which I think you will love. Each of these seeks to bring music alive in ways that connect us with each other and with ourselves. I invite you to peruse the most special season and would be happy for your to join us in music.
Danny Beckley, President and CEO
Since last May, Matthias has been working hard with me and our team to craft the season you will see. The guest artists include many of the world's leading musicians. We will play some of the greatest music of the repertoire, and continue our commitment to new music as well.
We are delighted to be introducing some new concert formats which I think you will love. Each of these seeks to bring music alive in ways that connect us with each other and with ourselves. I invite you to peruse the most special season and would be happy for your to join us in music.
Danny Beckley, President and CEO
ON STAGE WITH EMMANUEL PAHUD
Thursday, January 16, 2025 8:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Emmanuel Pahud, flute
Imagine sitting on the Helzberg Hall stage with a world-renowned guest artist and our musicians as they perform chamber music. Matthias Pintscher invites you to On Stage, a special experience where the music, musicians and audience come together. It’s the ultimate immersive concert created just for you, filled with artistry and adrenaline.
Thursday, January 16, 2025 8:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Emmanuel Pahud, flute
Imagine sitting on the Helzberg Hall stage with a world-renowned guest artist and our musicians as they perform chamber music. Matthias Pintscher invites you to On Stage, a special experience where the music, musicians and audience come together. It’s the ultimate immersive concert created just for you, filled with artistry and adrenaline.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #5
Friday, January 17, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, January 18, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, January 19, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Emmanuel Pahud, flute
Jan Kraybill, organ
Shimmering flute sounds will predominate as Berlin Philharmonic Principal Flute Emmanuel Pahud returns to Kansas City to perform Jacques Ibert’s Flute Concerto. With its appealing combination of lyricism and athleticism, Ibert’s concerto is truly a hidden gem. A special treat is the chance to hear Michael Tilson Thomas’ Notturno for Flute, Harp and Strings, his musings on the bygone world of Italian arias and salon pieces. Savor the wonder and charm of this genre, expertly played by one of the world’s great flutists.
Friday, January 17, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, January 18, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, January 19, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Emmanuel Pahud, flute
Jan Kraybill, organ
Shimmering flute sounds will predominate as Berlin Philharmonic Principal Flute Emmanuel Pahud returns to Kansas City to perform Jacques Ibert’s Flute Concerto. With its appealing combination of lyricism and athleticism, Ibert’s concerto is truly a hidden gem. A special treat is the chance to hear Michael Tilson Thomas’ Notturno for Flute, Harp and Strings, his musings on the bygone world of Italian arias and salon pieces. Savor the wonder and charm of this genre, expertly played by one of the world’s great flutists.
ON STAGE WITH CONRAD TAO
Thursday, January 23, 2025 8:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Conrad Tao, piano
Imagine sitting on the Helzberg Hall stage with a world-renowned guest artist and our musicians as they perform chamber music. Matthias Pintscher invites you to On Stage, a special experience where the music, musicians and audience come together. It’s the ultimate immersive concert created just for you, filled with artistry and adrenaline.
Thursday, January 23, 2025 8:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Conrad Tao, piano
Imagine sitting on the Helzberg Hall stage with a world-renowned guest artist and our musicians as they perform chamber music. Matthias Pintscher invites you to On Stage, a special experience where the music, musicians and audience come together. It’s the ultimate immersive concert created just for you, filled with artistry and adrenaline.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #6
Friday, January 24, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, January 25, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, January 26, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
NEW! FRIDAY SYMPHONIC PIAZZA SERIES
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Conrad Tao, piano
Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians. Arrive early and unwind with a signature beverage, then let our music take you on a journey to new places as you experience Friday evenings in a whole new way.
Friday, January 24, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, January 25, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, January 26, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
NEW! FRIDAY SYMPHONIC PIAZZA SERIES
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Conrad Tao, piano
Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians. Arrive early and unwind with a signature beverage, then let our music take you on a journey to new places as you experience Friday evenings in a whole new way.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #7
Friday, February 7, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 8, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 9, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Daniela Candillari, guest conductor
Karen Gomyo, violin
ELLEN REID Floodplain; SERGEI PROKOFIEV Concerto No. 1 in D Major for Violin and Orchestra; DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 10 in E Minor
Equally at home in the opera pit and the concert stage, guest conductor Daniela Candillari debuts with the Kansas City Symphony in a program that she has carefully crafted to explore dichotomies.
Friday, February 7, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 8, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 9, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Daniela Candillari, guest conductor
Karen Gomyo, violin
ELLEN REID Floodplain; SERGEI PROKOFIEV Concerto No. 1 in D Major for Violin and Orchestra; DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 10 in E Minor
Equally at home in the opera pit and the concert stage, guest conductor Daniela Candillari debuts with the Kansas City Symphony in a program that she has carefully crafted to explore dichotomies.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #8
Friday, February 21, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 22, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 23, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman
Joseph Young, guest conductor
Hannah Tam, violin (Underwritten by the Almy Legacy Fund)
Start your weekend with our new must-see Friday night concert series and social experience, Symphonic Piazza. Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians.
Friday, February 21, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 22, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 23, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman
Joseph Young, guest conductor
Hannah Tam, violin (Underwritten by the Almy Legacy Fund)
Start your weekend with our new must-see Friday night concert series and social experience, Symphonic Piazza. Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #9
Friday, March 14, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday. March 15, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, March 16, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Gemma New, guest conductor
Kristina Fulton, oboe, Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair
Start your weekend with our new must-see Friday night concert series and social experience, Symphonic Piazza. Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians.
Friday, March 14, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday. March 15, 2025 8:00 PM; Sunday, March 16, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Gemma New, guest conductor
Kristina Fulton, oboe, Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair
Start your weekend with our new must-see Friday night concert series and social experience, Symphonic Piazza. Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians.
ON STAGE WITH JEAN-YVES THIBAUDET
Thursday, April 3, 2025 8:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Imagine sitting on the Helzberg Hall stage with a world-renowned guest artist and our musicians as they perform chamber music. Matthias Pintscher invites you to On Stage, a special experience where the music, musicians and audience come together. It’s the ultimate immersive concert created just for you, filled with artistry and adrenaline.
Thursday, April 3, 2025 8:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Imagine sitting on the Helzberg Hall stage with a world-renowned guest artist and our musicians as they perform chamber music. Matthias Pintscher invites you to On Stage, a special experience where the music, musicians and audience come together. It’s the ultimate immersive concert created just for you, filled with artistry and adrenaline.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #10
Friday, April 4, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, April 5, 2025 8:00PM; Sunday, April 6, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Start your weekend with our new must-see Friday night concert series and social experience, Symphonic Piazza. Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians.
Friday, April 4, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, April 5, 2025 8:00PM; Sunday, April 6, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, piano
Start your weekend with our new must-see Friday night concert series and social experience, Symphonic Piazza. Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #11
Friday, April 11, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, April 12, 2025 8:00PM; Sunday, April 13, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Jane Glover, guest conductor
Ying Li, piano
Noted Classical specialist Jane Glover takes the podium for a delightful program of music by Mozart, Haydn and Britten. Quintessentially English composer Benjamin Britten wrote this Suite on English Folk Tunes as a nostalgic homage to the popular songs of his youth, viewing the bygone era through a decidedly modern lens. delightful way.
Friday, April 11, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, April 12, 2025 8:00PM; Sunday, April 13, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Jane Glover, guest conductor
Ying Li, piano
Noted Classical specialist Jane Glover takes the podium for a delightful program of music by Mozart, Haydn and Britten. Quintessentially English composer Benjamin Britten wrote this Suite on English Folk Tunes as a nostalgic homage to the popular songs of his youth, viewing the bygone era through a decidedly modern lens. delightful way.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #12
Friday, May 9, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, May 10, 2025 8:00PM; Sunday, May 11, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Sophia Burgos, soprano
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Duda Paiva Company, dance and puppets
GABRIEL FAURÉ Masques et bergamasques
FRANCIS POULENC Gloria
BÉLA BARTÓK The Miraculous Mandarin
Matthias Pintscher leads your Kansas City Symphony in Gabriel Fauré’s Masques et bergamasques, a thoroughly enchanting suite drawn from incidental music for a divertissement staged in Monte Carlo. Fauré’s music readily captures the essence of the masked balls and rustic dances alluded to in the title, offering refined accompaniment to the glamourous mystique of the event.
Friday, May 9, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, May 10, 2025 8:00PM; Sunday, May 11, 2025 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Sophia Burgos, soprano
Kansas City Symphony Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Duda Paiva Company, dance and puppets
GABRIEL FAURÉ Masques et bergamasques
FRANCIS POULENC Gloria
BÉLA BARTÓK The Miraculous Mandarin
Matthias Pintscher leads your Kansas City Symphony in Gabriel Fauré’s Masques et bergamasques, a thoroughly enchanting suite drawn from incidental music for a divertissement staged in Monte Carlo. Fauré’s music readily captures the essence of the masked balls and rustic dances alluded to in the title, offering refined accompaniment to the glamourous mystique of the event.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #13
Friday, May 30, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, May 31, 2025, 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 1, 2025, 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Jasmin White, contralto
Kansas City Symphony Women’s Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, Christy Elsner, creative director and founder
A towering work of genius, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 will take you on a musical journey encompassing a world of emotion. Led by Music Director Matthias Pintscher, the Symphony’s virtuosity will be on full display. Contralto Jasmin White brings their incandescent sound and exquisite musicianship to this masterwork, joined by the Symphony Chorus women and a children’s choir.
Friday, May 30, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, May 31, 2025, 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 1, 2025, 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Jasmin White, contralto
Kansas City Symphony Women’s Chorus, Charles Bruffy, chorus director
Allegro Choirs of Kansas City, Christy Elsner, creative director and founder
A towering work of genius, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 will take you on a musical journey encompassing a world of emotion. Led by Music Director Matthias Pintscher, the Symphony’s virtuosity will be on full display. Contralto Jasmin White brings their incandescent sound and exquisite musicianship to this masterwork, joined by the Symphony Chorus women and a children’s choir.
CLASSICAL SERIES CONCERT #14
Friday, June 6, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 7, 2025, 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 8, 2025, 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Johannes Debus, guest conductor
Augustin Hadelich, violin
Start your weekend with our new must-see Friday night concert series and social experience, Symphonic Piazza. Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians.
Friday, June 6, 2025 8:00 PM; Saturday, June 7, 2025, 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 8, 2025, 2:00 PM
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center
Johannes Debus, guest conductor
Augustin Hadelich, violin
Start your weekend with our new must-see Friday night concert series and social experience, Symphonic Piazza. Prepare to escape, mingle, and be entertained as you enjoy the perfect combination of a shorter format concert with enjoyable and engaging lobby activities to share with family, friends, and our musicians.