Frank Byrne
Host, From the ArchivesFrank Byrne has spent his life in music administration, first as the senior administrator of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, DC, and later as Executive Director of the Kansas City Symphony. In addition to his administrative work, Byrne was also a professional tuba player and student of legendary Chicago Symphony tubist Arnold Jacobs. He has lived the music business on stage and in the office, and has retained his passion for great music and the people who make it.
His passion is fueled by intense curiosity and a desire to understand what makes some performances extraordinary. As a picture is worth a thousand words, some special recordings convey qualities that go beyond words, with their own power and compelling message. Finding and sharing those special performances remains a lifelong hobby and obsession. He also believes that Classical KC provides a wonderful opportunity to share great music with an entirely new audience and hopes to help make that a reality.
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It’s a holiday tradition! Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is a beloved tale with exquisite music that brings the story to life. We’ll hear the ultimate list of highlights in a special recording that captures the true balletic soul of the music. -
For centuries the world has been captivated by these fantastic and exotic tales dating to the 10th century. They have also been the inspiration for countless works of art, including wonderfully colorful music that we feature in this show. -
Dr. Donald Hunsberger, conductor of the famed Eastman Wind Ensemble from 1965 to 2002, passed away on November 5th. Hear some of his great recordings and personal reminiscences of this outstanding conductor, educator and musician. -
Inspired by Autumn and Thanksgiving, we have a program of music with many moods. We have selections by Joachim Raff, Ralph Vaughan Williams and a stunning performance of a classic Thanksgiving melody. -
Kansas City native Robert Russell Bennett is best known for his work on 300 Broadway scores, but he also composed significant concert works. We’ll hear excerpts from his major symphonic works, concerti, solo organ music, chamber music, and music for wind band. Bennett’s genius shines through in every one. I’m again joined by George Ferencz, the foremost authority on the life and music of Robert Russell Bennett, who provides excellent background and context. -
In honor of Veterans Day Weekend, music from the epic television documentary “Victory at Sea.” Richard Rodgers provided the themes, but Kansas City native Robert Russell Bennett transformed those themes into over 11 hours of thrilling, dramatic music. He also conducted definitive recordings of selections from the full score, and we’ll hear this compelling music under his baton. -
Kansas City native Robert Russell Bennett was the most respected arranger/orchestrator of theater music in the golden age of Broadway. In the first of three shows about him, we sample a tiny fraction of the 300 Broadway scores that he worked on over his long and influential career. -
This week, a special program of music that’s scary, creepy, and weird, plus iconic music from movies that we’ll never forget. Turn out the lights and listen...we dare you. -
This show highlights two works featuring the bandoneon, an essential instrument in Argentinian tango, and music inspired and performed by tango king Astor Piazzola. We also have a terrific guitar concerto performed by the great Andres Segovia. -
Beethoven was a virtuoso pianist and there was no better way to showcase his gifts than in the piano concerti he composed. Hear selections from a new recording of the complete Beethoven piano concerti featuring the impeccable playing of Garrick Ohlsson, one of my favorite pianists.
