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Classical KC's Brooke Knoll speaks with the UMKC Conservatory's Noel Torres-Rivera and Ebonee Thomas about the upcoming "América Festival" which highlights music by composers from North, South and Central America. We'll hear music by Ronaldo Miranda, Astor Piazzolla, José Martínez, Carolina Heredia and more.

What classical music sparks romance? On this special KC Local Feature, hear works chosen by Classical KC listeners that tugged at your heart strings, including music from Tchaikovsky, Puccini and Prokoviev.

The music of composer Claude T. Smith is some of the most played in all of the symphonic band repertoire, being performed in classrooms as well as concert halls. He was born in Monroe City, Missouri and spent many years in Lawrence and Kansas City. Classical KC's Brooke Knoll speaks with Smith's daughter Pam Smith Kelly about Claude's life and music. Plus, hear several of his compositions.

UMKC Professor of Film Mitch Brian joins Brooke Knoll for a conversation about orchestral performances in film. They'll discuss movies such as "Unfaithfully Yours," "Mr. Holland's Opus," "Shine," and the 2022 Oscar nominated film "Tár." We will also hear music from those films' soundtracks by Rossini, Rachmaninoff, Mahler and Michael Kamen.

"Sondheim on Sondheim" is a multimedia exploration of the life and music of Stephen Sondheim. Andy Einhorn — conductor for both the original Broadway show and Lyric Opera of Kansas City's production — speaks with Brooke Knoll about the impact that Stephen Sondheim has had on the world of music, theatre, and himself. Hear performances from Barbara Cook, Audra McDonald, John Williams with the Boston Pops Orchestra, and more.

Founded in 1958, the Youth Symphony of Kansas City provides a musical outlet for hundreds of area youth through their four orchestral ensembles. Brooke Knoll speaks with conductor Steven Davis and orchestra members Sophia Perez Monroe and Macy Gary about their experience in the group. We'll hear performances from the Youth Symphony, Academy Orchestra and preview their upcoming 65th anniversary season.

With their "Voices of the Met" concert, Kansas City's Mid-America Performing Arts Alliance will feature singers with local ties, who regularly perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. MAPAA Co-founder Jesse Henkensiefken and Met soprano Lindsay Ohse speak with Classical KC's Christy L'Esperance about this musical reunion. We'll hear works by Jules Massenet, Sergei Taneyev, Jacques Offenbach and even a little Mozart on ukulele.

This week on the Kansas City Local Feature, we get to know Classical KC's new Community Engagement Specialist and On-Air Host, Christy L'Esperance. We'll learn about her background as a pianist, her large family, and enjoy her quirky sense of humor. Christy has curated a varied program of music that includes works by Maurice Ravel, Anna Clyne, Henry Purcell and Sergei Prokofiev.

Celebrate Pride month with Classical KC by listening to meaningful music selected by and featuring out and proud artists and musicians from right here in Kansas City, including drag queen and clarinetist Tajma Stetson and J.J. Pearse: Composer and member of the Mid America Freedom Band. Hear music by Julius Eastman, Michael Tippett, Jennifer Higdon and more.

Brooke Knoll speaks with pianists Jessica Koebbe, Kowoon Lee and Karen Savage about their work with the Puerto Rico Center for Collaborative Piano, as well as fostering a musical and cultural exchange between Puerto Rico and Kansas City. We'll hear performances from all three guests, including works by Gabriela Ortiz, Miguel del Aguila, Valeria Coleman and more.