Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Classical KC's Christy L'Esperance speaks with six time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald about the blurred lines between modern opera and the American musical theater, embracing each performance opportunity and her appearance in Kansas City. We'll hear Audra's rich soprano in works by Leonard Bernstein, John Adams, George Gershwin and more.

This month may signal the end of summer, but Kansas City's selection of musical offerings will stay hot. To make sense of all the options, we pared the list down to simply the best.

This week we'll hear three violin concertos from three different centuries. Geneva Lewis solos on Mozart's third concerto, Jennifer Koh takes on Missy Mazzoli's modern concerto and Augustin Hadelich shines in the only violin concerto that Jean Sibelius ever wrote. We'll also explore Hollywood's highest hill with "The Observatory" by Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw.

As the summer music season kicks off in Kansas City, live music options abound — but how to choose? KCUR’s list of the month’s most creative acts will help clarify the decision.

After two years of virtual events, the lineup for TEDxKC in August includes Harvard's Arthur C. Brooks, who will speak on the art and science of happiness.

The Kansas City Ballet's executive director Jeffrey Bentley plans to step down in June 2023. The ballet company is considered one of the most financially stable in the country.

A privately-run prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, has been plagued with reports of stabbings, understaffing and poor security. When the prison's contract with the U.S. Marshals Service ends this month, what happens next? Plus, after a year off due to COVID, the Kansas City Ballet brings The Nutcracker back to the stage.

A holiday tradition for many families is back this year at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. After a pandemic year off, Kansas City Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" returns but with some changes.

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts allows unvaccinated audience members to bring in a negative PCR test within 72 hours of a performance. Now, two of the resident companies are following suit — for unvaccinated children under 12.

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.

As Kansas City emerges from the pandemic, live music and performances are making their long-awaited return to the big stage.

The Kansas City Ballet on Friday announced the company’s 2021-2022 season – including a return this fall to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.