Local music

This week will showcase the diverse and exciting world of the percussion section. We will hear music by Tchaikovsky, Carlos Chávez, George Gershwin — including his famous taxi horns — and John Corigliano, the last piece featuring an electric performance by master percussion soloist Martin Grubinger.

KC VITAS is a local "project based" vocal ensemble dedicated to expanding what is possible for a choir and the human voice. Host Stephen Steigman speaks with Founder and Director Jackson Thomas, as well as performer, and composer-in-residence Leslee Wood. We'll hear a diverse selection of modern vocal works.

Classical KC speaks with the director of The Kansas City Youth Percussion Ensemble, Kevin Clarke, plus two talented young members of the group. We'll hear performances of eclectic music that explores the large world of percussive sound.

This week we feature more music from the Kansas City Symphony's return to Helzberg Hall after a year away. We'll hear emotional and cathartic performances of music by Carlos Simon, Michael Abels, Samuel Barber and more. We'll also hear the original chamber version of Aaron Copland's "Appalachian Spring."

Gay bars are no exception to the challenges facing restaurants and clubs during the pandemic. But if one were forced to close permanently, Kansas City's LGBTQ residents would have only a few choices left.

This week we feature the Kansas City Symphony's return to Helzberg Hall after a year away. We'll hear performances of music by Ulysses Kay, Shostakovich, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. We'll also find out what it's like for the Maestro and the musicians to perform in front of cameras instead of an audience.

Allegro Choirs of Kansas City has been helping young singers grow as musicians and people for over 20 years. Founder and Director Christy Elsner and graduating senior Lexi Dixon share music and stories with Classical KC, such as a humorous and emotional 2012 performance at the White House. We'll hear a wide range of music, including part of a performance with The Kanas City Symphony and Symphony Chorus of Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem."

Stuck at home during the pandemic, Mark Lowrey streamed performances of an at-home happy hour called Jazz and Plants. Now, he's back for live performances.

The William Baker Festival Singers are so much more than just a choir. Host Stephen Steigman speaks with Founder and Director William Baker, as well as Executive Associate Music Director Jamea Sale about the group, The Choral Foundation, healthy singing, and more. We'll hear music from their composer in residence program, as well as Byron Smith, Lars Magnus Been, Waldemar Ahlen and others.

Principal tuba Joe LeFevre joins hosts Michael Stern and Dan Margolies for a program of Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, Kernis and Dvořák. Joe describes the excitement of his debut with the orchestra and how much he enjoys playing Dvořák's "New World Symphony," even though he only plays a total of fourteen notes.

On this episode of the "Kansas City Local Feature," we will hear performances from, and discover the past and future of, The Kansas City Baroque Consortium with Artistic Director Trilla Ray-Carter, and conductor and composer Anthony Maglione.

Michael Stern and Dan Margolies lead you on a musical journey to Spain, France and Finland with music from Debussy, De Falla, Salonen, and Sibelius. Conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and pianist Alessio Bax join the orchestra for a nighttime exploration of the Gardens of Spain.