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Chen Yi's 'Fountains of Kansas City'

Narong Prangcharoen (UMKC Conservatory alum) and Chen Yi take notes on the score during the Kansas City Symphony rehearsal, September 21, 2011.
photos: Laura Spencer/KCUR
Narong Prangcharoen (UMKC Conservatory alum) and Chen Yi take notes on the score during the Kansas City Symphony rehearsal, September 21, 2011.

Three world premieres are slated for the Kansas City Symphony's inaugural season in Helzberg Hall. And they all take inspiration from a Kansas City trademark: fountains. The first, by renowned composer Chen Yi, called Fountains of Kansas City, premieres this weekend.

By Laura Spencer

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/national/local-national-987465.mp3

Kansas City, Mo. – Born and raised in China, Dr. Chen has lived and taught in Kansas City for more than a decade at the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance.

KCUR's Laura Spencer stopped by Kansas City Symphony rehearsals earlier this week, and talked to Chen Yi and music director Michael Stern about the collaborative process in presenting a new work as part of a series called "Artists in their Own Words."

Kansas City Symphony
September 23 - September 25, 2011
Helzberg Hall
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

STRAVINSKY, Fireworks
BEETHOVEN, Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor"
with guest artist Emanuel Ax


CHEN YI, Fountains of Kansas City (World Premiere)
RESPIGHI, The Pines of Rome

Note: Check the Symphony's website or box office (816) 471-0400 about the wait list, as tickets are almost sold out.

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Kansas City is known for its style of jazz, influenced by the blues, as the home of Walt Disney’s first animation studio and the headquarters of Hallmark Cards. As one of KCUR’s arts reporters, I want people here to know a wide range of arts and culture stories from across the metropolitan area. I take listeners behind the scenes and introduce them to emerging artists and organizations, as well as keep up with established institutions. Send me an email at lauras@kcur.org or follow me on Twitter @lauraspencer.
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