Classical KC

Frank Byrne, the former executive director of the Kansas City Symphony, is the host of "From the Archives" on KCUR's sister station Classical KC. He joined Up To Date to discuss classical holiday music and his career in the industry.

Nearly 100 players from the region, spanning grades 6-12, are participating in the new Ad Astra Chamber Orchestra of Kansas City. “I try to get away from stuffy concerts,” says the group co-founder Russ Pieken.

Kansas City has long been associated with barbeque, fountains and jazz music — but accordions? Not so much. Still, Kansas City has a rich accordion history thanks to Joan Cochran Sommers, an icon who is still conducting, teaching and playing the accordion.

After 19 seasons, outgoing Kansas City Symphony music director Michael Stern conducted his final concert over the weekend. Plus: One Kansas City opera company is bringing the show to residents of local retirement communities.

After 19 seasons, Michael Stern is stepping down as music director of the Kansas City Symphony, with Matthias Pintscher taking over at the start of the next season. Classical KC spoke with the outgoing maestro and his longtime friend Yo-Yo Ma about Stern's time at the helm and what’s ahead for the orchestra.

Since his time at Park University's International Center for Music in his adopted home of Kansas City, Kenny Broberg's career has been thriving. Classical KC's Brooke Knoll catches up with Kenny and they discuss his upcoming performances and new albums.

Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend - it's a time for reflection and celebration. Here are ways to recognize and honor the holiday in the Kansas City region this year.

We’ve reached another milestone together – it’s the 200th episode of From the Archives. It’s a program with some of Frank Byrne's favorite music, each with a personal connection.

Aleia Gonzalez came to Kansas City to study guitar at the UMKC Conservatory but shortly after graduation, the classical guitar program was dissolved. While holding teaching positions in Great Bend, KS, she is active with the Kansas City Guitar Society and performs in Kansas City. Celebrate guitar month by listening to performances from Aleia and another local guitarist, Beau Bledsoe, with music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Brad Cox and more.

Seiji Ozawa came on the music scene like a meteor, and soon established himself as a remarkable conductor who led the world’s best orchestras. In memory of his long and distinguished career, we’ll hear him interpret music by Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Berlioz, and Mahler.

Celebrate the birthday of Sergei Prokofiev by listening to the Kansas City Symphony perform three of his works: the invigorating suite from "Love of Three Oranges," his third piano concerto and an epic cantata comprised of music from his score to the Sergei Eisenstein film "Alexander Nevsky." We'll also hear Beethoven's portentous tone poem "Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage."

One of the brightest lights in conducting was lost when Seiji Ozawa passed away on February 6, 2024. His recorded legacy is large and we remember him through his exemplary recordings of music by Faure, Janacek, Ives, and Stravinsky.