Sam Wisman
Assistant Producer, Classical KCSam started listening to jazz on his local NPR affiliate when he was just 13 years old, and his life as a musician and radio guy continues to intertwine. Son of a merchant and a classical musician, he came to Kansas City to attend the UMKC Conservatory. During school, he shelved a lot of records and played “drop the needle” at The Marr Sound Archives, working with KCUR’s own Fish Fry host Chuck Haddix. After graduating Cum Laude with a degree in Percussion Performance, Sam became a versatile fixture in Kansas City’s music scene. He has hosted Jazz Afternoon on 90.1 FM KKFI for over 10 years as well as working behind the scenes as a producer, data & traffic specialist, and community marketing representative. Sam lives with his family in Roeland Park, and has yet to measure the volume of his kids with a decibel meter — but he has thought about it.
Email him at samwisman@classicalkc.org.
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This week on Sound Currents, explore the concept of transition. The only constant that we can count on in this world is change, and we'll navigate the murky waters of this transition between life and death with guest Narong Prangcharoen. -
Classical KC speaks with Wil Baptiste - violist with the Grammy Award-nominated string duo Black Violin. We'll hear Black Violin's unique blend of classical and hip-hop, as well as music curated by Wil and violinist, Kev Marcus.
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This week, Michael Stern and Dan Margolies offer their insights on works that showcase members of the Kansas City Symphony as featured soloists. Plus, associate principal horn David Sullivan joins the conversation to share his experience moving from inside the orchestra to center stage to play Schumann's "Konzertstück" for four horns.
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What instruments do you think of when you think of classical music? The piano? Perhaps the mighty orchestral instruments? On this week's Sound Currents, composer Shelley Washington joins us for a show exploring new music that features unexpected instruments from around the world.
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With an affectionate nod to the Kansas City Ballet, this week co-hosts Michael Stern and Dan Margolies showcase three works linked to dance. We'll hear live performances of John Adams' "The Chairman Dances," a suite from Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" and Tchaikovsky's Orchestral Suite No. 3.
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This week on Sound Currents, explore music inspired by the sounds of nature. From dappled rays of sunlight to the great wide expanse of the open sky, join guest Hannah Collins as we journey through all our world has to offer.
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Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney speaks with Classical KC about an emotional return to the rehearsal room and the performance stage. We'll hear music from the Kansas City Ballet's season opening program by Tchaikovsky, Philip Glass and The Chieftains. Edwaard Liang, artistic director of BalletMet, will also speak about creating his work "Wunderland."
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Fresh off a recent performance with the Kansas City Symphony, conductor and pianist Jeffrey Kahane is the featured artist this week. Hosts Michael Stern and Dan Margolies highlight Kahane's artistry on the podium and the piano bench with music by Mozart, Ravel and Rachmaninoff.
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Today we are diving into the music of Missouri! Enjoy new works from the American Wild Ensemble's project that honors and reflects on the state's 200 year history and hear from one of composers included in that collaboration: Ingrid Stölzel.
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Classical KC's Brooke Knoll speaks with Keith Stanfield about choosing the violin over a professional soccer career, forming Kansas City's Opus 76 string quartet, and recording a full Beethoven string quartet cycle during the pandemic.
